Gatefold jacket version. A never-before released Nathan Davis 1966/67 live recordings. Official release with the full permission and cooperation of the Nathan Davis Estate & INA (Institut National de l’Audiovisuel).
Nathan Davis, The Hip Doctor.
Style is not a given. Not many musicians reach the level of artistic personality where you can unmistakably recognize them. It takes character, roots, honesty, soulfulness. Nathan Davis had style.
His tone on tenor was unique. So was his soprano sound and his distinctive approach to flute. His musical world was equally original and knew no boundaries.
This concert in Paris is audible proof that as a performer, his fluid phrasing, distinct articulation, booming bottom register, growls and shrieks were fuelled by tremendous drive and furious invention—the man was on fire!
These live sessions demonstrate the limitless invention of Nathan’s solos. Holding no punches, weaving signature phrases, shouts and riffs into his solos, he was a fierce and fervid performer. With a sort of hollow resonance at the heart of his reedy and warm sound, Nathan Davis was a highly original artist, from an era when having a distinct sound on your instrument was the grail of jazz artistry. Harold Land, Jimmy Heath, John Gilmore, Paul Gonsalves, Charlie Rouse, George Coleman, Booker Ervin, Clifford Jordan… Jazz is made of such giants and Nathan Davis was one of them.
– Jean Szlamowicz –
Side A & B : recorded at Studio 105 Charles Trenet, Maison de la Radio, Paris, France, November 19, 1966.
Side C, D & E (track 1) : recorded at Musée d’Art Moderne, Paris, October 22, 1967.
Side E (track 2) : recorded at The Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris, France, February 9, 1965.
Personnel on Side A, B, C, D & E, track 1:
Nathan Davis (saxophone)
Georges Arvanitas (piano and organ)
Jacky Samson (bass)
Charles Saudrais (drums).
Personnel on Side E, track 2:
Jazz aux Champs-Elysées All-Stars:
Nathan Davis (saxophone)
Jack Diéval (piano)
Jacques Hess (bass)
Franco Manzecchi (drums).
