Oh, to have been at the tiny Parisian club back in 1968 when this excellent trio soared. The two-CD package, which was recorded live at the Cameleon Jazz Club, captures the sense of pleasure, the sense of challenge among talented peers exploring jazz standards like “‘Round Midnight,” “So What?” and “Oleo.” At 24, violinist Jean-Luc Ponty is intoxicated with the music, free to elaborate with the Eddy Louiss’ big organ as a foundation and Daniel Humair’s tasty drums. “Summertime” is a new season in their hands, all pushing the familiar tune, twisting its essence. The quiet applause which follows seems so, well, polite after the endeavor. Sometimes burning, sometimes lovely, this recording might be an ear-opener for those not familiar with Ponty’s earlier work.
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