Americans in Paris

Better understand France and the French…: After WW2, many African-American jazzmen settled in Paris : among them Sidney Bechet, Kenny Clarke,… Today, American musicians include Archie Shepp, Steve Potts, Nina Simone (who died recently, …)

IMDb : In “An American in Paris” (Vincente Minnelli – 1951) Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly), a struggling American painter in Paris, is “discovered” by an influential heiress with an interest in more than Jerry’s art. Quote : “Jerry Mulligan: That’s… quite a dress you almost have on. Milo Roberts: Thanks. Jerry Mulligan: What holds it up? Milo Roberts: Modesty”.

Wikipedia : About “An American in Paris” that he composed in 1928, George Gershwin said : “My purpose here is to portray the impression of an American visitor in Paris as he strolls about the city and listens to various street noises and absorbs the French atmosphere.”

WfIU : African-American jazz musicians ( Dexter Gordon, Bud Powell, Kenny Clarke, and Don Byas) took up residence in France, inspired by the relative lack of racism, the working opportunities, and the appreciation that French audiences showed for their art.

Living with Music : Jazz went to Paris and other places in Europe to live. That might sound funny to many of those who don’t spend a lot of time listening to jazz, but it’s true. …. I think it was Dizzy Gillespie who once said something to the effect that jazz was too good for the United States.

AmericanHeritage.com : The jazz colony in Paris began when a single band of black American Army musicians led by James Reese Europe made a big hit there during a tour in 1918. By the 1920s and 1930s Louis Armstrong and the soprano saxophonist and clarinetist Sidney Bechet were headlining in London. From there the road led to Paris.

Musthear : My first jazz CD ever–ever!–was Coltrane’s Paris Concert, which is nestled into this collection, and, which I now learn, is a mishmash of different concerts in Paris from several different tours. I don’t remember why I chose that CD.

William A. Shack : I have come back from France more firmly convinced than ever that Negroes should write Negro music. … We won France by playing music which was ours and not a pale imitation of others, and if we are to develop in America we must develop along our own lines. (James Reese – 1919)

All About Jazz : In 1953 Clifford Brown, while touring Europe with Lionel Hampton’s band, recorded in Paris for Vogue records. The critical response resounded so loudly that when Brownie went back home the phone did not stop ringing.

All About Jazz : In 1953 Clifford Brown, while touring Europe with Lionel Hampton’s band, recorded in Paris for Vogue records. The critical response resounded so loudly that when Brownie went back home the phone did not stop ringing.

[/toggle]