Jacques Denjean - Jacques Denjean and His Jazz Orchestra 1959-1962 · Le Premier Grand Orchestre De Jazz Français (2023)

In early 1959, pianist Jacques Denjean (1929-1995) had his first opportunity to showcase his skills as a big band jazz arranger when he brought together some of the best jazz musicians in Paris to back trumpeter Gilles Thibaut on an EP with a Basie-like punch on four tracks.

Two years later, Denjean was struck by the idea that a jazz orchestra composed of top-class French musicians could spark interest among the younger generation, just as Kurt Edelhagen's orchestra found favor with listeners in Germany and the orchestra by Ted Heath gained popularity among young audiences in England.

He had to tackle several problems, one of which was recruiting musicians who were not only skilled readers but also passionate about jazz and uninterested in other musical genres. The team spirit of the eighteen musicians, including the leader at the piano, flourished within the orchestra, thanks to the continuous collective work that involved one or two rehearsals per week.

Finally, on July 15, 1961, the new Jacques Denjean orchestra made their television debut, captivating audiences with their lively and dynamic performances. The ensemble's pure and powerful sound provided ample space for solo blowing of generally high quality, and the level achieved by the band since their debut surprised even the most skeptical critics. Denjean's orchestra deftly channeled Count Basie's sound and drive through his spare arrangements. His ability to select the right musical influences was a crucial part of his talent as a composer and arranger.

During its brief existence, Denjean's band was hailed as "Le premier grand orchestre de Jazz Français". This compilation has brought together all the jazz recordings made in its gestation stage in 1959, and during the period 1961-1962, when Jacques Denjean's orchestra was at the pinnacle of European jazz.

—Jordi Pujol