Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Martin France was born on February 29, 1964 in Rainham, Kent, England and began performing at the age of twelve backing singers in working men’s clubs with organ trios in and around Manchester. He studied under Geoff Riley, Kenny Clare, Joel Rothman, and principal percussionist Richard Smith of The Hallé, the Manchester orchestra.

In 1983 Martin began his recording career performing as a sideman on several records for ECM Records, toured with several of the labels roster during the 80s and 90s and subsequently led several sessions as a leader.

The turning point in his early career was as a member of the 1980s big band Loose Tubes, where he began working on projects that included film soundtracks, jazz theatre and cross cultural collaborations with other big bands and orchestras.

France formed his own band Spin Marvel, that showcased more electronic and sequence drumming, and would be an integral rhythm backbone on more than 60 albums working with some of the world’s finest musicians including Kenny Wheeler, Elvis Costello, Bob Mintzer, Steve Swallow, Joe Lovano, Lee Konitz, Marc Johnson and Dave Holland to name a few and is currently a regular performer with the NDR Radio Orchestra in Hamburg.

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Jazz In Film

The Subterraneans is a 1960 film adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s book about the “new bohemians”, today’s young rebels who live and love in a world of their own. This is their story told to the hot rhythms of fabulous jazz!

Directed by Ranald MacDougall and stars Leslie Caron, George Peppard, Janice Rule, Roddy McDowell, Anne Seymour, Jim Hutton and Arte Johnson.

Music by Andre Previn with appearances by Carmen McRae, Gerry Mulligan, Bob Enevoldsen, Art Pepper, Art Farmer, Russ Freeman, Red Mitchell, Dave Bailey, Shelly Manne, Bill Perkins and Chico Hamilton.

#preserving genius

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Jazz In Film

Some Call It Loving is an updated version of Sleeping Beauty about a woman who has been asleep for eight years. Purchased from a carnival by a lonely man, this 1973 vehicle chronicles the erotic fantasies of a young white jazz musician.

Directed by James B. Harris and starring Zalman King, Carol White, Tisa Farrow and Richard Pryor the film is backed by an excellent music track by Richard Hazard with Ronnie Lang ghosting the baritone sax solos for the lead actor.

Accompanied on the soundtrack are trumpeter Conte Candoli, trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, electric pianist Dave Grusin, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Stan Levey. Bassist Leroy Vinnegar appears in a rehearsal sequence with source music provided by Bud Shank, plus strings.

The soundtrack uses Nat King Cole’s recording of The Very Thought Of You.

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Requisites

Love Lifted Me, recorded in 1962, is the debut album of Ron Jefferson as a leader and is infused with gospel flavoring on the title track to the classic “Flamingo” that features some wonderful work by Bobby Hutcherson. Add up-tempo swingers like “Little One” and “George’s Dilemma” makes for a delightful mix of tunes. However, Leroy Vinnegar’s contribution of timekeeping and soloing gives the listener an opportunity to be enthralled especially on his composition “For Carl Perkins”.

Personnel: 
Ron Jefferson – drums, Laurence “Tricky” Lofton – trombone, Wilbur Brown – tenor saxophone, Bobby Hutcherson – vibraphone, Frank Strazzeri – piano, Leroy Vinnegar – bass

Recording/Release Date: Hollywood, California – 1962

Label: Pacific Jazz ST 36
CD: Toshiba-EMI PJ0036 (Japan only)

Songs: Love Lifted Me, For Carl Perkins, Little One, Ivy League Blues, Flamingo, George’s Dilemma

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Requisites

The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery is a dazzling display of the unorthodox technique and emotional power that combined to make Wes a literally “incredible” artist. Ever since its initial release in 1960, this album has been a consensus choice of musicians, critics and knowledgeable listeners as a matchless example of the talents of one of the finest jazz instrumentalists of all times.

Personnel: Wes Montgomery – guitar, Tommy Flanagan – piano, Percy Heath – bass, Albert “Tootie” Heath – drums

Producer: Orrin Keepnews

Record Date: New York City – January 26 & 28, 1960

Cover Art: Produced and designed by Paul Bacon, Ken Braren and Harris Lewine

Songs: Airegin, D-Natural Blues, Polka Dots & Moonbeams, Four On Six, West Coast Blues, In Your Own Sweet Way, Mr. Walker (Renie), Gone With The Wind

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