Sam France Vinilo y CD

Review: Tenor saxophonist Barney Wilen made his debut splash when he was just 20 years old, impressing all those around him with the incendiary Guilde Du Jazz: 1957 album. Across the album, laggard, carefree swing and roomy bop abounded stylistically, leading one of his major inspirations, Miles Davis, to remark: "this is the best tenor saxophone I've heard in Europe; he plays tenor in an authentic way, much better than many current stars in the States." Unfortunately, this record was not widely distributed in Wilens' native France because he was under contract with the French label Vogue. Now reissued in its true home country under the wing of Sam Records, Wilen's Guilde is returns as an impressive portrayal of the saxophonist's aptitude for wild, ghostly playing, which succeeds in evoking a feeling of the uncanny despite its jubilant style.

Review: This is a special never before released live recording in mono and on heavyweight vinyl from Donald Byrd. In 1958 he moved to Paris for a residency to study with composer Nadia Boulanger. It gave occasion to a band coming together that has a formidable line up of Bobby Jaspar on tenor sax and flute, Walter Davis, Jr. on piano, Doug Watkins on bass and Art Taylor on drums. This concert was played in the early evening at the one and only ever Cannes Jazz Festival in July 1958 and was dedicated to modern jazz sounds.

Review: Rhyze was a legendary New York based funk, soul and R&B band and they put out a classic album Just How Sweet Is Your Love on the SAM Records label back in the 80s. One of the little known but killer cuts from it is 'Do Your Dance.' It has driving horns over driving drums, with a slick bassline weaving in and out from front to back. The buttery vocal chants are simply irresistible, too. On the flip is the more peak time, floor filling bit of dynamite 'Free' with its irrepressible horns and clipped, kinetic drums.

Review: The newly unearthed Mal Waldron Trio 1970 live recording, officially released with the permission of the Waldron Estate and INA, captures an important moment in the pianist's career resurgence. Recorded at Paris' Palais d'Orsay Hotel during the International Sound Festival and aired on the "Jazz Vivant" radio show, this performance highlights Waldron's revitalised artistry after years of personal struggle. Backed by Christian Vander on drums and Jean-Francois Catoire on bass, the trio delivers a riveting set that exemplifies their deep cohesion. The set opens with 'Rat Now', showcasing Waldron's signature style, with his left hand's rhythmic foundation contrasting against his right hand's sharp, controlled improvisations. Vander's dynamic drumming adds a free-flowing energy to the piece, evoking Monk's influence on Waldron. 'Champs Elysees' follows, blending bluesy melodies with intricate interplay from the trio, while 'Rock My Soul' races forward with vibrant exchanges, particularly between Waldron's forceful left hand and Vander's energetic percussion. The set closes with 'Mount Fujiyama', a serene yet deeply rooted composition inspired by Waldron's visit to Japan. This rare recording is a testament to Waldron's rebirth as an artist and the trio's extraordinary synergy.