Barney Wilen: The Jazz Saxophonist
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Barney Wilen, born on March 4, 1937, in Nice, France, was a renowned jazz tenor and soprano saxophonist and composer. His musical journey began at a young age when he started performing in clubs in Nice after being encouraged by writer Blaise Cendrars, a friend of his mother. His career intensified in 1957 when he worked with Miles Davis on the soundtrack for the Louis Malle film “Ascenseur pour l’Échafaud” (Elevator to the Gallows).
Career and Musical Innovations
In 1959, Wilen wrote his soundtrack “Un Témoin Dans la Ville” and studio album “Jazz sur scène” with Kenny Clarke. He wrote a soundtrack for Roger Vadim’s film “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” two years later, working with Thelonious Monk. Wilen returned to composing for French films in the 1980s and 1990s. In the mid-to-late 1960s, he became interested in rock and recorded an album dedicated to Timothy Leary. Wilen toured in Japan for the first time in 1990. He also worked with punk rockers before returning to jazz in the 1990s.
Recordings and Performances
Over the years, Wilen recorded several albums that showcased his unique musical style. Some of his notable albums include “Tilt”, “Un Temoin Dans La Ville”, “Barney”, “Zodiac”, “Auto Jazz: Tragic Destiny of Lorenzo Bandini”, “Moshi”, “French Ballads”, “La Note Bleue”, “Wild Dogs of the Ruwenzori”, “Movie Themes from France with Mal Waldron”, “French Story with Mal Waldron”, “Paris Moods”, “Sanctuary”, “Newport ’59”, “Modern Nostalgie: Starbust Forever”, “Le Grand Cirque”, “Dream Time with Alain Jean-Marie”, “Inside Nitty=Gritty”, “Essential Ballads”, “New York Romance”, “Passione”, “Talisman”, “More from Barney at the Club Saint-Germain”, “Besame Mucho”, “Double Action with Jimmy Gourley”, “The Osaka Concert”, “Eje Thelin 1996 with Barney Willen”, “Flash Back with Philippe Petit”, “Le Jardin Aux Sentiers Qui Bifurquent”, “Live in Paris 8 Janvier 1983”, “Jazz in Camera with Donald Byrd”, “Four Brothers with Lucky Thompson”, and “Live in Tokyo ’91”.
Contributions to Jazz
Wilen’s contributions to jazz go beyond his performances and recordings. He was a pioneer in fusing classical music with jazz and incorporating Latin American rhythms into his music. T
Legacy and Influence
Wilen’s influence extends beyond his performances and compositions. He was one of the leading figures in French jazz and was known for his lyrical playing and ability to draw on a variety of genres, including bebop, African music, and avant-garde jazz. His innovative approach to music and his unique fusion of different musical styles have left a lasting legacy in the jazz scene. He passed away on May 25, 1996, but his legacy lives on in his music and the many musicians he has influenced throughout his career.
- “Jazz sur Seine”– This album showcases Wilen’s unique approach to jazz, combining classical music with jazz and Latin American rhythms.
- “Un Témoin Dans la Ville”– This album, released in 1959, is a testament to Wilen’s unique and personal performance style.
- “Barney”– This 1960 recording showcases Wilen’s innovative approach to music.
- “Dear Prof. Leary”– This album features collaborations with other musicians and showcases Wilen’s ability to create captivating jazz compositions.
- “Moshi”– This album features Wilen’s work with his band, providing a glimpse into his musical genius.
- “French Ballads”– This track showcases Wilen’s unique musical style.
- “La Note Bleue”– This track provides a glimpse into Wilen’s musical genius and his ability to create unique jazz compositions.
- “Wild Dogs of the Ruwenzori”– This track showcases Wilen’s incorporation of Latin American rhythms into his music.
- “Movie Themes from France with Mal Waldron”– This track provides a comprehensive overview of Wilen’s musical journey.
- “French Story with Mal Waldron”– This track, released with Mal Waldron, showcases Wilen’s unique fusion of classical music with jazz.
