album · May 5, 1958
Legrand Jazz
Universal Music Division Decca Records FranceSee this day
jazzbossa nova
Recorded in a single session with a lineup of American jazz heavyweights, Michel Legrand's debut album "Legrand Jazz" captured a unique transatlantic fusion of French composition and bebop energy. The album is notable for its ambitious arrangements and the sheer caliber of musicianship on display.
- The album was recorded in New York City on December 23, 1957, and released in May 1958.
- "Legrand Jazz" features an all-star lineup including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, and Art Blakey.
- The recording session was produced by George Avakian, who famously booked the musicians without their prior knowledge of the repertoire, relying on Legrand's arrangements.
Michel Legrand was a French composer, conductor, arranger, and singer known for his sophisticated film scores and popular songs. At the time of "Legrand Jazz," he was an emerging force in jazz composition and arrangement, already demonstrating the versatility that would define his career.
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