In Paris

would have historical importance just because the early-'60s European tours by the titan duo of and laid the foundation for the tours to bring more extensive packages of artists to Europe -- and that genuinely changed music history. The songs are pretty evenly split between the two, and both individuals ironically show better on the other's tracks. 's playing is a big revelation here, starting with an extended slapping solo on the opening Even with all the foundations his playing laid on sessions, there aren't many chances to hear the bass player putting to use his 20-odd years of live playing experience. Listening to his countermelodies and solid foundation, you understand why label chiefs chose him for session work, and shines here too as an accompanist, be it on the slow or leaning on the left hand for the uptempo You won't find 's trademark songs here -- (aka ) is the best known of the bunch -- and most of them are pretty light I-got-a-girl-who-loves-me-right . deals more with archetypes: the exuberant mixes with is effectively spare. Gotta bear in mind, too, that what are cliches now were undoubtedly revelatory to a Paris audience in 1962, and 's haunting is a great example of adapting universal to the specific locale. is hardly the best disc you can hear from either artist, but the performances are lively enough, and French drummer unobtrusively anchors the music. And does offer an intriguing glimpse into one style of performance just before the Brits turned the whole thing around. ~ Don Snowden