Hal Singer Featuring Art Taylor, Siegfried Kessler – Blues And News Hal Singer

Vinyl 12"

Originally recorded during Hal Singer's remarkable period in France, Blues and News captures the celebrated saxophonist's lifelong commitment to musical exploration. Born in 1919, Singer built an extraordinary career spanning the swing era, bebop and rhythm and blues, performing with legendary artists including Don Byas, Roy Eldridge, Red Allen and Duke Ellington before achieving solo success with his 1948 hit Cornbread. Settling in Paris in 1965, he embraced new creative opportunities, collaborating with some of Europe's finest jazz musicians.

Joined by Jacques Bolognési (trombone), Jean-Claude André (guitar), Siegfried Kessler (keyboards and flute), Patrice Caratini (double bass), Art Taylor (drums) and Alain Charlery (percussion), Singer blends deep blues traditions with adventurous jazz improvisation. Highlights include the soulful opener It's My Thing, the beautifully lyrical ballad Lina, the stirring tribute Malcolm X, and the joyful swing of Du Bois and Pour Stéphanie. The album concludes with Blues for Hal, a vibrant composition by Kessler that perfectly encapsulates Singer's warmth, virtuosity and infectious love of the blues.

Combining soul jazz, blues and modern improvisation, Blues and News stands as a compelling testament to Hal Singer's enduring creativity and his remarkable ability to honour jazz traditions while continually pushing them forward.