Barney Wilen – Jazz Sur Seine (Sam records)

But the young man is astonishingly mature and confident throughout this session; he interprets several compositions by Django Reinhardt, plus some by his French contemporaries, as well as quite a few of his own works.

What makes this recording so amazing is the rare opportunity to hear Jackson exclusively as a pianist, with his playing a little more restrained than on vibraphone.

The frontman delves deeply into the realm of his rhythm section on the original track "B. B.B. (Bag's Barney Blues)", giving them ample opportunity for self-expression before he convincingly displays his own musical delivery. The quartet's fluid arrangement of Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy" swings.

Percussionist Gana M'Bow joins in for "Swing 39" and "Minor Swing" to add an exotic touch. Barney Wilen easily holds his own in his first major reunion to record with great stars of American jazz.

Miles Davis recruited Wilen for his European tour at this time (1957), testifying to Davis' appreciation of the young Barney.

Recording: February 1958 in Paris