Baroque Favorites (New Jazz Arrangements)

The Jacques Loussier Trio has recorded numerous albums applying European jazz sensibilities to classical material, following and refining the path laid down by Dave Brubeck in his crossover material of the '50s. Combining a feathery piano touch with a swinging rhythm section, Loussier reveals the affinity between the two worlds. Loussier reworks pieces by Scarlatti, Marcello, Albinoni, and three by Handel (including the lengthy Concerto in F Major for Organ) effectively, more concerned with subtly outlining harmonic contours than exhibiting the ornamentation usually associated with baroque music. This approach produces tasteful and elegant French jazz, ideal for the cozy pub or the luxury-liner lounge. Additionally, the trio deserves a warm round of applause for rendering Pachabel's over-worked Canon in D Major in a fresh manner. --Wally Shoup