Michel Legrand : Le Jazz Grande

Length: 46:03

  Albert Richmond - Trombone, Brass
  Bernie Leighton - Keyboards
  Brooks Tillotson - Trombone, Brass
  Burt Collins - Trumpet, Brass
  Crusher Bennett - Rhythm
  Don Elliott - Rhythm, Vibraphone
  Errol Bennett - Percussion
  Gerry Mulligan - Sax (Baritone), Performer
  Gloria Agostini - Harp
  Grady Tate - Drums, Rhythm
  Harry Leahey - Guitar
  Jimmy Madison - Drums
  Joe Shepley - Brass
  John Clark - Trombone, Brass
  John Gatchell - Trumpet, Brass
  Jon Faddis - Trumpet, Performer
  Joseph J. Shepley - Trumpet
  Michel Legrand - Piano
  Phil Woods - Sax (Alto), Performer
  Portinho - Percussion, Rhythm
  Ron Carter - Bass, Rhythm
  Tom Pierson - Keyboards
  Toni Price - Tuba, Brass

For this interesting if out of print LP, film producer Michel Legrand leads an impressive big band through a 23-minute exploration of his 'Southern Routes' (a jazz suite based on the soundtrack of the film Les Routes de la Sud ) and then plays piano with a septet on four of his briefer compositions. The latter band has solo work from trumpeter Jon Faddis, altoist Phil Woods and baritonist Gerry Mulligan, all of whom are also featured on the longer piece. Although none of the selections caught on, the colorful arrangements and the excellent solos make this a worthwhile (if difficult to find) acquisition, Michel Legrand's first jazz recording in a decade. [ DCC reissued the album in 1978.] ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Michel Legrand is one of the most famous living French musicians. His best known compositions are 'Windmills Of Your Mind' from the film The Thomas Crown Affair and the important 'Umbrellas of Cherbourg'- the great romantic musical of 1978. Legrand is joined here by Gerry Mulligan, Phil Woods and Jon Faddis to create the impressive Le Jazz Grande. 54 Records. 2005.