Additional information
Personnel: Gerald Wiggins (piano); Buddy Banks, Pierre Michelot, Jean Bouchety (bass); Chico Hamilton, Kenny Clarke (drums). Recorded in Paris, France in 1950. Includes liner notes by Anatol Schenker. Personnel: Gerald Wiggins (piano); Chico Hamilton (vocals, drums); Kenny Clarke (drums). Liner Note Author: Anatol Schenker. Recording information: Paris, France (06/07/1950-09/20/1950). This CD has the first performances led by pianist Gerald Wiggins, all made for the French Vogue and Swing labels. Wiggins, whose highly individual style falls between swing and bop and at times hints at Erroll Garner and Art Tatum, has been an institution in the Los Angeles area for over a half-century. For these trio performances he is joined by Pierre Michelot, Buddy Banks, or Jean Boucherty on bass and Kenny Clarke (on the first two numbers) or Chico Hamilton on drums. Hamilton has a very rare (and somewhat odd) vocal on "By the River Sainte Marie." Otherwise, the focus is on Wiggins' infectious piano playing. He stretches out on such numbers as "The Wig" (his lifelong nickname), "Coffee Time," "Limehouse Blues," "Wiggin' With Wig," "All the Things You Are," and a three-part work titled "Ivan Suite," "Wig's Suite," and "Chico's Suite." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow
