Bennie Wallace - French Postcard - BackCountry Jazz LP

ALL ANALOG Mastered by Kevin Gray at Coherent Audio

Direct-to-two-track session honors the golden era of jazz recording.

Produced by Joe Harley (AudiQuest Music) and Bennie Wallace.

This project brings together some of the most important artists and deepest friendships of my career. Herlin Riley, Anthony Wilson, Peter Washington, Donald Vega and I have made music together for decades. Simon Moullier is a new musical partner. In more recent times we have often performed together at BackCountry Jazz concerts where much of this material was developed.

James Farber began his two-track work with me on projects in the 80's. He has since earned his reputation as New York's leading engineer in the most demanding idiom.

Carol Friedman's three album covers for me at the beginning of her most remarkable career. Witnessing her creative process in studio is a unique experience. I am so pleased to work with her again.

I began working with Joe Harley, recording albums for his label, AudiQuest Music, in the early 90's. Since then he has produced every record I've made. He even produced one while undergoing open-heart surgery. Yes, it's true. When I begin a new project, Joe becomes my sound guru, corner man and psychiatrist. Over the years he has taught me so much about this craft. I simply could not have made this record without his direction.

All the music you will hear on this record is as it was played. Everybody in the room, playing live to analog tape, no edits. So, set your clock back to 1958, and I hope you enjoy this French Postcard.

—Bennie Wallace

The Players

Wallace assembles a dream team of jazz heavyweights, drawing from decades of shared stages:

• Bennie Wallace – Tenor Saxophone 
• Anthony Wilson – Guitar
• Simon Moullier – Vibraphone 
• Donald Vega – Piano 
• Peter Washington – Bass 
• Herlin Riley – Drums 

Tracklist

Side A:

1. Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho – 4:23
2. Srubie – 6:31
3. How Insensitive – 5:50
4. Tennessee Waltz – 5:09

Side B:

1. Handcuffs – 6:59
2. These Foolish Things – 5:01
3. Desafinado – 6:32
4. "Round Midnight" – 4:45

• Recording Engineer: James Farber (legendary ears behind the board)
• Mastered by: Kevin Gray at Coherent Audio (audiophile precision)
• Pressed by: RTI Record Technology, Inc.
• Recorded at: Sear Sound, NYC
• Assistant Engineer: Steve Sacco
• Cover Photography & Design: Carol Friedman (iconic, evocative visuals)
• Album Design: John Sellards
• Back Cover Photography: Jeanette Wallace
• Liner Photography: Anna Yatskevich
• Executive Producers: Cathy and Alain De Coster