Urania Jazz Vol 3 by Al Lirvat: A Timeless French Jazz Gem from 1955
If you’re a fan of classic jazz with that smoky, Parisian vibe, Urania Jazz Vol 3 by Al Lirvat is one album you don’t wanna sleep on. Released in 1955 under Urania Records, this record feels like stepping into a cozy little club where everyone’s sipping red wine and nodding along to the groove. With a killer lineup—including Benny Waters on tenor saxophone, Georgie Smith lending her sultry vocals, and Al Lirvat himself owning the trombone—it’s no wonder this album still hits different today.
Let me tell ya about two tracks that stuck with me. First up, there’s “No Work Today.” Man, this tune just screams freedom. You can practically hear the musicians grinning as they play it. The rhythm section—René James on double bass and Harold Smith on drums—lays down such a chill foundation, while Childebert Mourinet’s alto sax adds these playful little flourishes. It’s the kind of song that makes you wanna call in sick and go for a long walk instead. By the time Georgie Smith starts singing, you’re fully sold—it’s impossible not to feel lighter after listening.
Then there’s “Blues In The Groove,” which is exactly what it sounds like but better. This track has all the swagger of a late-night jam session. Pierre Jean-Louis on piano really takes center stage here, weaving together bluesy chords that pull at your soul without ever getting too heavy-handed. And when Benny Waters comes in with his tenor sax? Forget about it. That dude knows how to make an entrance. It’s smooth, it’s soulful, and honestly, it’s the perfect soundtrack for staring out a rainy window or pretending you’re some cool detective in an old noir film.
What I love most about this album is how effortless it feels. None of the players are trying too hard; they’re just letting the music flow naturally. It’s clear they were having fun in the studio, and that energy shines through every note. Plus, the mix of American and French influences gives it this unique flavor—you’ve got hints of New Orleans swing meeting European elegance, and the result is pure magic.
So yeah, Urania Jazz Vol 3 might’ve come out way back in 1955, but it doesn’t sound dated at all. If anything, it reminds us why jazz will always be timeless. Honestly, sometimes I think albums like this should come with a warning label: “May cause spontaneous dancing and existential reflection.”
Oh, and here’s a random thought—how wild is it that people were vibing to this same music before color TV was even a thing? Makes you wonder if maybe we’ve been overcomplicating life since then. Anyways, give this album a spin. Your ears’ll thank you.
