French Concert

AMG Review of French Concert

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This is an excellent LP long overdue to be reissued on CD. Drummer Shelly Manne features pianist Mike Wofford (and bassist Chuck Domanico) on two standards ("Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" and "Body and Soul") before welcoming the great altoist Lee Konitz to the group for four others (highlighted by "What Is This Thing Called Love" and "Take the Coltrane"). This combination of jazzmen works quite well, resulting in music that is both swinging and explorative.