The first thing I noticed about the album titled Manila by tenor saxophonist Luc Bartoli is that he uses the same sidemen that are on the groovin’ album by Droopy Contini. Pianist Pov Weyer, drummer Ed Mars and bassist Slikk Tim knows how to bring out the best in a jazz improvisor. But while Droopy harks back to Charlie Parker, Luc Bartoli seems to favor the smooth sound of fellow tenor saxophonist Stan Getz. The title tune and “Nostalgia” both have that mellow relaxing quality that I associate with Mr. Getz. However the other three tracks show some impressive hard bop with “Oneshot” getting down right funky. “Flick To a Trick’ is some of that bluesy playing that evokes evenings in smoke filled jazz clubs with a well nurtured glass of scotch. If you looking for a good free and legal example of top notch mainstream jazz improvisation and some first class backup you’ve found it.

Manila is available in VBR MP3 around 192kbps.

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