Georges Arvanitas - Soul Jazz Quintet Sessions 1960-1961

2018 release

Despite its short history, the 1960-1961 Georges Arvanitas Quintet has remained one of the best examples of a specially vibrant and fruitful moment in the history of French jazz. Not unlike many other groups back then, the Quintet was originally associated with the “soul” style—that successful blend of “bebop” and “funk” launched by the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. Still, they made an effort to disassociate their performances from the soul clichés by retaining a “hard bop” approach that evolved into a more personal style.

His young lions were one of the keys of its success. Bernard Vitet had attained remarkable mastery of the flugelhorn. His sonority obviously evoked Miles, but also Clark Terry. Francois Jeanneau had also grown an extraordinary deal in a short time. You could still hear the Coltrane influence, but his fleshy tenor sound brought something new to the table and is an attractive companion to Vitet’s full tone. Georges Arvanitas was the mainstay of the quintet. It was on him that the unity of the group rested, and from the start to the finish, is the personification of selfassurance, and unabated swing. The rhythm section was consistently supportive and cohesive. There is talent, passion and great vitality in the Georges Arvanitas Quintet and this CD gathers its few but valuable recordings.