Jean-Pierre Sasson - Portrait of an Unsung Jazz Guitarist, Vol.1 (Remastered) (2024) [Official Digital Download]

Jean-Pierre Sasson (1918-1999) was a magnificent yet often overlooked figure in the history of French jazz guitar. Despite his remarkable contributions during the golden era of French jazz in the 1950s, Sasson's legacy has sadly faded from memory.

In 1939, he took his first steps into the professional music scene, initially drawn to the strong personality of Django Reinhardt, but ultimately developing his style based on the schools of Teddy Bunn and Al Casey. Listening to them, Sasson learned to interpret the blues with an authentically black spirit.

Amid the upheavals of World War II, Sasson moved to London in 1940, where he continued to interact with the English jazz scene until he joined the R.A.F., serving as captain-pilot until the end of World War II. Upon returning to France in 1946, Sasson was captivated by Charlie Christian's electrically amplified guitar and his single-string solo technique, marking a crucial moment in Sasson's musical evolution. Later, in the early 1950s, Sasson did not evade the significant influence, both in terms of rhythm and harmony, that Jimmy Raney and Tal Farlow exerted on many French guitarists and modern jazz in general. Nevertheless, Sasson gradually distanced himself from these influences to forge his own versatile path.

As a jazzman, Sasson's significant quality lay in an attack that is both flexible and incisive, generating swing with great ease of execution. His delightful sound evolved somewhat over the years, parallel to his evolving style. His entire approach was dedicated to one objective: producing swing.

The guitarist with the most recorded jazz sessions in France, Jean-Pierre Sasson, is featured in this CD set, presenting tasteful standards and casual originals that offer a variety of tempos and moods. Listeners can trace the evolution of his playing across the different ensembles featured on these recordings. This collection provides an inspiring experience and serves as a deserved tribute dedicated to showcasing the musicianship of Jean-Pierre Sasson. ―Jordi Pujol

Tracklist:
01 - Blues In The Night (Remastered)
02 - Mop Mop (Remastered)
03 - Hit That Jive, Jack (Remastered)
04 - Byas-A-Drink (Remastered)
05 - Red Boogie Woogie (Remastered)
06 - Good Time Blues (Remastered)
07 - Old Time Blues (Remastered)
08 - Just Another Blues (Remastered)
09 - Tea For Two (Remastered)
10 - Jumpin' At Pleyel (Remastered)
11 - Montana Jump (Remastered)
12 - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (Remastered)
13 - Pas Si _Cool_ Que çA (Remastered)
14 - Melancholy Baby (Remastered)
15 - Blues Avec Pepe (Remastered)
16 - Minor Swing (Remastered)
17 - Artillerie Lourde (Remastered)
18 - Crépuscule (Remastered)
19 - Swing 42 (Remastered)
20 - Swing From Paris (Remastered)
21 - I Remember Django (Remastered)
22 - Blues For Ike (Remastered)
23 - Summertime (Remastered)
24 - Portrait Of Django (Remastered)
25 - The High And The Mighty (Remastered)
26 - There's A Small Hotel (Remastered)


Thanks to the Original customer!