For me, the only tenor saxophonist who rivals Stan Getz in tone, improvisational skill and phrasing is Bobby Jaspar. The Belgian saxophonist and flutist had a singularly cool approach and, like Getz, loved the high register of his instrument. On December 27 and 29 in 1955, Jaspar and his All Stars were recorded by Barclay Records at Club St. Germain, a basement venue at 13 rue Saint-Benoît on Paris's Left Bank.
Jaspar, on tenor sax and flute, was backed by Rene Urtreger (p) Sacha Distel (g) Benoit Quersin (b) and Jean-Louis Viale (d). The songs were Memory of Dick (in tribute to pianist Dick Twardzik, who had died two months earlier), Milestones, Minor Drops, Bags' Groove, I'll Remember April, You Stepped Out of a Dream, I Can't Get Started and A Night in Tunisia.
These were perfect recordings in every way. Each song is stunningly beautiful and smoothly executed. Jaspar is exceptional on his instruments, but it's his taste that stands out. Like Getz, he could swing effortlessly and re-invent melodies on the fly. They shared a breezy quality that was hypnotic and sensual. It's also a joy to hear Distel on jazz guitar here. In the 1960s, he'd go on to become one of France's most famous and charming singers and TV variety-show hosts. Rene Urtreger also is terrific.
Interestingly, Jaspar and Getz never managed to record together. Bobby Jaspar died in 1963; Stan Getz died in 1991.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find Modern Jazz Au Club St. Germain: Bobby Jaspar All Stars here.
JazzWax clips: Here's Memory of Dick...
Here's You Stepped Out of a Dream...
And here's I'll Remember April, one of the most beautiful instrumental versions of this song—and on flute...
