Since 1955, Claude Bolling (1930-2020) led and “supported by his own means and finances” a big band that brought together the finest French jazz musicians from all periods. A talented arranger and pianist, he was also a prolific composer who often worked for film and television.
It is this aspect of his art that is evoked in the collection Swingin’ Bolling (Black & Blue, 2018) and its worthy successor entitled Swingin’ Bolling 2 – Feed The Cats, recently published by Frémeaux & Associés, still with Claude Tissendier at the helm.
The repertoire of this disc offers fourteen pieces masterfully written by the tireless Claude Bolling, all masterfully performed by the members of a well-established sextet. It features musicians who worked in Bolling’s big band such as Claude Tissendier (35 years), Pierre Maingourd (20 years), Faby Medina (12 years) and Philippe Milanta who replaced Claude Bolling on piano in 2013; this fine team is accompanied for the occasion by two new members: Éric Levrard on baritone saxophone and Alain Chaudron on drums.
All perform arrangements originally conceived for a big band, which Claude Tissendier has skillfully adapted to the sextet format. This is particularly apparent with the fiery Bowling Green, the album’s first track, which sets the overall tone.
Next comes Trade Mark, which offers remarkable solos from Claude Tissendier, Philippe Milanta, and Éric Levrard, highlighted in Big Golden Pipe Rhapsody. The party continues with the quicksilver dialogue developed by the two wind players in Sax Special Tiss, dedicated to Claude Tissendier, and the luminous lyricism of Main de fer et gant de velours, where the memory of the great Johnny Hodges hovers. La complainte des Apaches from the television series “The Tiger Brigades,” rendered by Faby Medina with the patter of a realistic singer, bringing a welcome touch of variety to the whole.
Filled with swing, this album pays a beautiful tribute to Claude Bolling’s talent as a melodist.
Line Up:
Claude Tissendier: alto saxophone, arrangements
Éric Levrard: barytone saxophone
Philippe Milanta: piano
Pierre Maingourd: doublebass
Alain Chaudron: drums
Faby Médina: vocals
Recorded on October 2, 3 and 4, 2024 by Vincent Cordelette at studio Cordyboy, Chérisy, France.
Swingin’ Bolling 2 – Feed The Cats was released by Frémeaux & Associés, on May 30, 2025. It is a Hit Couleurs Jazz and a Best of The Month on Couleurs Jazz Radio.
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