Anachronic Jazz Band

The idea for this French group is so logical that it is surprising that it was not done previously. The trad jazz nonet (which includes four horns and a five-piece rhythm section with sousaphone and string bass) performed the melodies and sometimes the chord structures of bop tunes to hilarious effect, making the '40s and '50s modern tunes sound as if they were being performed in 1928. They recorded one album for the French Open label and one for the German Calig company, playing unique renditions of such unlikely tunes as "Yardbird Suite," "Pent Up House," "Move," "Joy Spring," and even "Giant Steps." Before their eventual breakup the group (which included trumpeter Patrick Artero, trombonist Daniel Barda and Marc Richard and Andre Villeger on reeds) performed at quite a few European festivals, but unfortunately never in the United States. Their two recordings (a compliation, Anthropology, was released in 2009) are quite rare and collectable, and one even features guest appearances by singer Beryl Bryden.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo