Jean-Pierre Sasson was one of France's most prolific studio guitarists. What's most interesting about him is that he began recording in the swing era and transitioned into New Orleans and then bebop before winding up a modern jazz player in the 1950s. In each style, he was top notch. Unfortunately, he's barely known in the U.S. [Photo above of Jean-Pierre Sasson]
Let's do something about that. Fresh Sound has just released a terrific compilation of Sasson's recordings that span all four of the above styles. The double album, Jean-Pierre Sasson: Portrait of an Unsung Jazz Guitarist, covers a 10-year period between 1946 and 1956.
Among the jazz musicians he recorded with in Paris were tenor saxophonists Lucky Thompson and Guy Lafitte, guitarist Sacha Distel and pianist Martial Solal. On most of the sessions on this new release, Sasson was the leader. Not only do we get to hear his original compositions and his direction on these sessions, but we also get to hear him take extensive, swinging solos.
The 1940s recordings on the first CD feature a syncopated swing-era charm and bop sensibility. The 1950s's tracks on the first and second CD (1955-'56) focuses more on modern jazz or the bright and contrapuntal variety. Sasson's improvisation was lyrical, and his time and rhythm were superb—upbeat French beauty on small-group and big band recordings.
Jean-Pierre Sasson died in 1999.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find Jean-Pierre Sasson: Portrait of an Unsung Jazz Guitarist (Fresh Sound) here.
JazzWax clips: Here's Smoke Gets in Your Eyes...
Here's There's a Small Hotel...
Here's Fascinating Blues...
Here's Pickin' in E Flat...
And here's Slalom Geant...
