Japanese audiophile label Venus Records is renowned for their great jazz music, high quality recordings and gorgeous artwork. Founded in 1992 by Tetsuo Hara, who had worked as a producer for RCA Victor, uses a signature mastering process named 'Venus Hyper Magnum Sound', a Direct Mix recording that results in incredible sound quality appreciated by music fans around the world.

• Limited Edition
• LP 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl
• High Quality Japanese Pressing
• Mixed and Mastered by Tetsuo Hara
• Venus Hyper Magnum Sound Direct Mix Stereo
• Venus Masterpiece Collection
• Includes original OBI Strip
• Deluxe Textured Cover
• Made in Japan

French themed melodies by incredible jazz quartet on 180-gram vinyl, featuring legendary Archie Shepp!

"Archie Shepp has long established a reputation as a fiery avant-garde jazz stylist, though he is remarkably restrained in this collection of ballads recorded in 2001. The rhapsodic songs help restrain him somewhat, along with the presence of the terrific rhythm section, consisting of pianist Harold Mabern, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Billy Drummond." — AllMusic

After leaving a strong impression on Japanese jazz fans with his three albums released from Venus Records in the late 1990s, Archie Shepp returned with this smash hit in 2001. Also known as "French Ballads" in Japan, this album consists entirely of French songs and songs associated with France, where Shepp had resided for many years.

The program beings with "Deja Vu," an original composition by Shepp, and includes the ubiquitous "Les Feuilles Mortes" ("Autumn Leaves") and attractive "Sous Le Ciel De Paris" ("Under The Paris Skies").

Shepp plays sweet and romantic French melodies with a lot of emotions but he rejects saccharine sentimentality. This clash of characteristics brings tension to his ballad playing and makes it riveting. Shepp also manages to relax and have fun with upbeat tunes such as "L'Ame Des Poetes" and "April in Paris."

"Archie Shepp has long established a reputation as a fiery avant-garde jazz stylist, though he is remarkably restrained in this collection of ballads recorded in 2001. The rhapsodic songs help restrain him somewhat, along with the presence of the terrific rhythm section, consisting of pianist Harold Mabern, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Billy Drummond." - Ken Dryden, AllMusic

Musicians:

Archie Shepp - tenor sax
Harold Mabern - piano
George Mraz - bass
Billy Drummond - drums

Track Listing:

Side A

1. Deja Vu
2. April In Paris
3. Les Feuilles Mortes

Side B

4. L'Ame Des Poetes
5. Sous Le Ciel De Paris
6. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫