Paris Jook (1995)
I was engaged to perform three nights in Paris at the Jazz club Latitudes with a trio that at the time I as not familiar. Saxman Big Jay McNeely told me not to worry because the piano player is a “monster on the keys-a true virtuoso” and he uses his trio whenever he performs in Paris. I arrived in town a day before the gig for what amounted to no more than two hours rehearsal only to discover that there was some kind of magic in the air. After the first concert, we felt the magic first hand along with the audience who also enjoyed this union of players that came together to express a love for music that they live. After the second concert, we realize that we should take advantage of today’s modern technology and attempt to capture this meeting of musical souls in a way that it will be shared with others forever. The third and final night of this autumn engagement in Paris found success in what is now packaged as Paris Jook in compact disc form. This recorded live performance represents a wide range of African-American Music as told form the voices and rhythms of the tenor sax, acoustic grand piano, supported by an electric bass guitarist and a swinging in the pocket drummer. Here you will only find honest handmade music performed with an energy and passion that is naturally designed to be a pleasure for your ears as we welcome you to the atmosphere of a magical meeting of music souls.
Saxman Detroit Gary Wiggins
