Sidney Bechet’s Et Ses Vogue Jazzmen Avec Jonah Jones – A Swingin’ Stroll Through Parisian Jazz Bliss
Alright, let me just say this upfront: Sidney Bechet and Jonah Jones working together feels like jazz royalty showing up at your door uninvited—and you’re so glad they did. This album, released under the labels Swing and Vogue in France, is a masterclass in swing with that unmistakable French je ne sais quoi. It’s not perfect—it doesn’t need to be—but it’s got soul for days.
The lineup? Pure magic. You’ve got Benoit Quersin holding down the basslines like he was born to do it (spoiler: he kinda was), Marcel Blanche keeping time on drums without ever overdoing it, André Persiani tickling those piano keys like they owe him money, and of course, Sidney Bechet blowing his soprano saxophone like it’s an extension of his heart. Oh, and Jonah Jones—man, does he bring the heat on trumpet or what? These guys don’t just play music; they tell stories, laugh, cry, and dance all at once.
Now, onto the tracks. There are some bangers here, but two stuck out to me like sore thumbs—only in the best way possible.
First off, “Chinatown My Chinatown.” I mean, come on. That opening riff from Bechet grabs you by the collar and says, “Hey, listen up!” Then Jonah Jones steps in with his trumpet, smooth as butter melting on warm bread. The interplay between these two legends is electric—you can almost picture them trading grins while laying down their solos. Every note feels alive, like it could jump right outta the speakers and tap you on the shoulder. By the end of the track, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to grab my dancing shoes or sit quietly in awe. Probably both.
Then there’s “Squeeze Me,” which hits different. It starts playful, flirty even, with Persiani’s piano setting the mood before Bechet takes over. His soprano sax has this way of sounding both sweet and sassy at the same time, like your favorite aunt who always knows how to stir things up at family gatherings. And when Jonah Jones comes in with his trumpet solo, oh man, it’s like someone lit a match to the whole thing. Suddenly, you’re not just listening anymore—you’re living it. This one stays with you long after the last note fades.
What makes this album stand out isn’t just the technical brilliance (though yeah, there’s plenty of that). It’s the vibe. Listening to it feels like walking into a smoky Parisian club in the ‘50s where everyone knows each other but still welcomes you with open arms. Charles Delaunay’s liner notes add a nice touch too, giving context without being pretentious about it.
But here’s the thing: halfway through writing this review, I realized something weird. For all its charm and swagger, Et Ses Vogue Jazzmen Avec Jonah Jones isn’t trying to reinvent anything. Instead, it reminds us why we fell in love with jazz in the first place—the spontaneity, the joy, the sheer human connection. And honestly? That might be more powerful than any revolution.
So go ahead, give this album a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “Chinatown” while brushing your teeth or accidentally busting a move during “Squeeze Me.” Trust me, it happens.
