Milt Jackson (ldr), Joe Newman (t), Lucky Thompson (ts), Milt Jackson (vib), Horace Silver (p), Oscar Pettiford (b), Connie Kay (d)

The 1989 CD reissue, Atlantic 1269-2 omits Horace Silver from the personnel listed in the liner notes and jewel box back cover.

Ralph Sharon (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Eddie Costa (vib), Joe Puma (g), Ralph Sharon (p), Oscar Pettiford (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Some issues and discographies list track f as "Piccadilly Static" and track i as "Stateside Panic" but the correct titles (confirmed by the BMI website) are as above. Track a is based on the chord changes of "The Lady Is a Tramp." Track c is based on the chord changes of "Pick Yourself Up."

Louis Armstrong (ldr), Louis Armstrong (t, v), George Dorsey (as), Phil Urso (as, f), Lucky Thompson (ts), Dave McRae (bar), unknown (str, hrp, bkv), Everett Barksdale (g), Billy Kyle (p), Joe Benjamin (b), Rudy Traylor (d), Sy Oliver (con)

An unidentified choir (3 male, 4 female), string section (6 violins) and harpist are present on this session. Lucky Thompson does not solo on any of these tracks.

Louis Armstrong (ldr), Louis Armstrong (t, v), George Dorsey (as), Phil Urso (as, f), Lucky Thompson (ts), Dave McRae (bar), unknown (str, hrp, bkv), George Barnes (g), Billy Kyle (p), Sandy 'Sid' Block (b), Rudy Traylor (d), Sy Oliver (con)

Louis Armstrong (t) on a-d, f, (v) on a, c-e.

An unidentified choir (3 male, 4 female), string section (6 violins) and harpist are present on this session. Lucky Thompson does not solo on any of these tracks.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Pim Jacobs (p), Ruud Jacobs (b), Cees See (d)

The information on this session comes from Bob Weir. This was the first half of a concert in which Gerry Mulligan's quartet performed the second half. These tracks have not been auditioned.

Oscar Pettiford (ldr), Donald Byrd, Ray Copeland (t), unknown (tb, bar, b), David Amram, Ed London (frh), Gigi Gryce (as), J.R. Monterose (ts), Jerome Richardson (ts, f), Oscar Pettiford (vc, b), Betty Glamann (hrp), Dick Katz (p), Shadow Wilson (d)

Oscar Pettiford (b) on a-c, e-h; unknown (b) on d.

Timings shown include announcements and applause. The track called "Seventh Heaven" has no relation to "Minor Seventh Heaven" (see session of August 12, 1955 above). Its composer and arranger are unknown. Coover Gazdar's Oscar Pettiford discography divides this material between two dates. On "Perdido," the bassist behind Pettiford's cello solo is probably Whitey Mitchell. The unknown trombonist may be Al Grey and the unknown baritone saxophonist, Sahib Shihab.

Eddie Barclay (ldr), Fred Gérard, Roger Guerin, Maurice Thomas, Henri Vanecke (t), Charles Huss, André Paquinet, Benny Vasseur (tb), Gabriel Vilain (btb), Jo Hrasko, René 'Mickey' Nicolas (as), Marcel Hrasko, Lucky Thompson (ts), William Boucaya (bar), Raymond Guiot (f), unknown (str), Michel Hausser (vib), Pierre Cavalli (g), Art Simmons (p), Jean Bouchety (b), Kenny Clarke (d), Quincy Jones (con)

The date of this session and matrix number come from the Bruyninckx discography which also assumes that the personnel probably resemble those of the June 24, 1957 Barclay session. An unidentified string section is present. The liner notes to Barclay 82138 and Fresh Sound 515 indicate that this track was recorded on June 24, 1957 but the matrix number suggests an earlier date. Lucky Thompson does not solo on this track.

Oscar Pettiford (ldr), Ray Copeland, Art Farmer (t), Jimmy Cleveland (tb), David Amram, Jim Buffington (frh), Gigi Gryce (as), J.R. Monterose (ts), Jerome Richardson (ts, f), David Kurtzer (bar), Oscar Pettiford (vc, b), Betty Glamann (hrp), Hank Jones (p), Carl Pruitt (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Jerome Richardson (f) on a, c; Oscar Pettiford (vc) on a, c, (b) on b, d-e; Carl Pruitt (b) on a, c.

The timings shown include announcements and applause. Track e includes a bit of the theme “The Gentle Art of Love” under the announcer’s sign off. The announcer is Guy Wallace.

Oscar Pettiford (ldr), Art Farmer (t), unknown (t, frh, b), Jimmy Cleveland (tb), Gene Quill (as), J.R. Monterose (ts), Jerome Richardson (ts, f), Sahib Shihab (bar), Oscar Pettiford (vc, b), Betty Glamann (hrp), Dick Katz (p), Osie Johnson (d)

Jerome Richardson (f) on a; Oscar Pettiford (vc) on a-b, (b) on c-e; unknown (b) on a-b.

The timings shown include announcements and applause. Guy Wallace and Leonard Feather are the announcers.

Oscar Pettiford (ldr), Donald Byrd (t), unknown (t, tb, frh, ts, bar, f, p, b), Gigi Gryce (as), Oscar Pettiford (vc, b), Betty Glamann (hrp), Osie Johnson (d)

Oscar Pettiford (vc) on a, c-d, (b) on b, e-g; unknown (b) on a, c-d.

The timings shown include announcements and applause. Track f fades out under the announcer.

Oscar Pettiford (ldr), Ray Copeland, Art Farmer (t), unknown (tb, frh, ts, bar, b), Gigi Gryce (as), J.R. Monterose (ts), Oscar Pettiford (vc, b), Betty Glamann (hrp), Dick Katz (p), Osie Johnson (d)

Oscar Pettiford (vc) on a, (b) on b-f; unknown (b) on a.

The timings shown include announcements and applause.

Eddie Barclay (ldr), Fred Gérard, Roger Guerin, Maurice Thomas, Henri Vanecke (t), Charles Huss, André Paquinet, Benny Vasseur (tb), Gabriel Vilain (btb), Jo Hrasko, René 'Mickey' Nicolas (as), Marcel Hrasko, Lucky Thompson (ts), William Boucaya (bar), Raymond Guiot (f), unknown (str), Stéphane Grappelli (vn), Michel Hausser (vib), Pierre Cavalli (g), Art Simmons (p), Jean Bouchety (b), Kenny Clarke (d), Quincy Jones (con)

An unidentified string section is present. Lucky Thompson does not solo on either of the issued tracks both of which feature violinist Stephane Grapelli. The liner notes to Barclay 82138 and Fresh Sound 515 indicate that several other titles were recorded at this session: "Et Voila!," "Place Blanche," "Quand Je Monte Chez Toi," "Ne M'Laissez Pas Comme Ca," "Sermonette," "Avec Ces Yeux-La," "Pas Moi" and "Craven," but this is not supported by the Barclay matrix numbers given in the Bruyninckx discography which clearly suggest other dates. Also, it is unlikely (although not impossible) that ten titles would have been recorded at one session. An issued version of track c was recorded on October 18, 1957 but Don Byas rather than Lucky Thompson was present on that session.

Sammy Price, Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Jean-Pierre Sasson (g), Sammy Price (p, v), Pierre Michelot (b), Gérard 'Dave' Pochonet (d)

Sammy Price (v) on a, c, f, h.

Track g is a blues with a bridge (12+12+8+12).

Martial Solal (ldr), Christian Bellest, Jean Garrec, Fred Gérard, Roger Guerin, Maurice Thomas (t), Billy Byers, Guy Destanque, Nat Peck, Charles Verstraete (tb), Jean Aldegon, Hubert Rostaing (as), Jack Ferrier, Lucky Thompson (ts), Michel Cassez (bar), Pierre Gossez (bar, bsx), Martial Solal (p), Pierre Michelot (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Lucky Thompson does not solo on any of these tracks. Solal is the main soloist.

June Richmond (ldr), Roger Guerin (t), Billy Byers (tb), Jo Hrasko (as, cl), Marcel Hrasko, Lucky Thompson (ts), Henri Renaud (p), Guy Pedersen (b), Kenny Clarke (d), Quincy Jones (con), June Richmond (v), Others Unknown (var)

The personnel are incomplete. From aural evidence, the orchestra is clearly larger than indicated in discographies and in the liner notes to the CD reissue Verve Gitanes 013 036-2. An unidentified 13-piece string section is present.

The Bruyninckx and Lord discographies indicate that the orchestra was recorded in Paris on July 15, 1957 but Richmond's vocals were recorded in New York on September 16, 1957; however, the liner notes to Verve Gitanes CD 013 036-2 state that the entire session was recorded in Paris on September 16, 1957 and say nothing about overdubbing of the vocals. The CD liner notes do not list Lucky Thompson as part of the orchestra personnel but aural evidence suggests he is very probably the tenor saxophonist soloing briefly on tracks b-d.

Eddie Barclay (ldr), Fred Gérard, Roger Guerin, Maurice Thomas, Henri Vanecke (t), Charles Huss, André Paquinet, Benny Vasseur (tb), Gabriel Vilain (btb), Jo Hrasko, René 'Mickey' Nicolas (as), Marcel Hrasko, Lucky Thompson (ts), William Boucaya (bar), Raymond Guiot (f), unknown (str), Michel Hausser (vib), Pierre Cavalli (g), Art Simmons (p), Jean Bouchety (b), Kenny Clarke (d), Quincy Jones (con)

An unidentified string section is present. Lucky Thompson solos briefly on both tracks. The liner notes to Barclay 82138 and Fresh Sound 515 indicate that these titles were recorded on June 24, 1957 but this is not supported by the matrix numbers given in the Bruyninckx discography.

Christian Garros, Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Maurice Vander [Vandair] (p), Pierre Michelot (b), Christian Garros (d)

These studio performances of Lucky Thompson with the Christian Garros Trio were broadcast on French television and are available for download at the INA (National Audiovisual Institute) website. The director is André Leroux. The announcer is Robert Beauvais. The date shown is that of broadcast and may not be the actual recording date although probably very close to it. The timings shown include the announcer.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Bobby Jaspar, Lucky Thompson (ts), Sacha Distel (g), Martial Solal (p), Pierre Michelot (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Bobby Jaspar (ts) on b; Sacha Distel (g) on b.

These studio performances were broadcast on French National Television and are available for download at the INA (National Audiovisual Institute) website. The director is Jean-Christophe Averty. The announcer is André Francis. The program was entitled "Trois styles trois époques" and other performers were the bands of Armand Gordon, Maxime Saury and Claude Bolling. The date shown is that of broadcast and may not be the actual recording date although probably very close to it. The timings shown include the announcer.

Kenny Clarke (ldr), Bernard Hulin, Ack van Rooyen (t), Billy Byers, Nat Peck (tb), Hubert Fol (as), Pierre Gossez, Lucky Thompson (ts), Armand Migiani (bar), Maurice Vander [Vandair] (p), Pierre Michelot (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Kenny Clarke (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Martial Solal (p), Pierre Michelot (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Arvid Amundsen (p), Frank Cook (b), Pete Brown (d)

The information on this session comes from discographer Bob Weir. The titles have not been auditioned.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (f), Raymond Fol (p), Dan Jordan (b), Jimmy Pratt (d)

Information on this session comes from the INA archives. Unfortunately, the tape has been lost and the titles cannot be auditioned. This appears to be the ONLY example of Lucky Thompson performing on flute. A photo exists, taken at Le Chat Qui Pêche club in Paris around this time, of Thompson with flute. It is not known if these titles were recorded in the club or in the RTF studios.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Martial Solal (p), Dan Jordan (b), Daniel Humair (d)

Information comes from the INA archives. This is a brief appearance on a French TV show. The moderator mentions Thompson playing at Le Chat Qui Pêche club in Paris. The performance fades out during Thompson's solo.

Kurt Edelhagen (ldr), Jimmy Deuchar, Rob Pronk (t), Raymond Droz, Heinz Gätjens (tb), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Derek Humble (as, ts), Heinz Kretzschmar (as), Jean-Louis Chautemps, Karl Drewo (ts), Kurt 'Bubi' Aderhold (bar), Francis Coppieters (p), Johnny Fischer (b), Stuff Combe (d), Kurt Edelhagen (con)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on a-b, (ts) on c-d.

This is the Kurt Edelhagen All Star band featuring Lucky Thompson. The personnel are assumed to be the same as for the youth concert the following day. Lucky Thompson solos on all tracks.

Kurt Edelhagen (ldr), Jimmy Deuchar, Rob Pronk (t), Raymond Droz, Heinz Gätjens (tb), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Derek Humble (as, ts), Heinz Kretzschmar (as), Jean-Louis Chautemps, Karl Drewo (ts), Kurt 'Bubi' Aderhold (bar), Francis Coppieters (p), Johnny Fischer (b), Stuff Combe (d), Kurt Edelhagen (con)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on a, c, (ts) on b, d.

This is the Kurt Edelhagen All Star Band featuring Lucky Thompson. The recording contains extensive historical and educational discussion by the moderator between performances but this is not included in the timings above. Tracks a and b are from set 1 and c and d from set 2. Thompson does not appear on other titles from this concert except the quartet performance below.

Kurt Edelhagen (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss), Francis Coppieters (p), Johnny Fischer (b), Stuff Combe (d)

This quartet performance is part of the second set of the previous concert session.

Bill Coleman (ldr), Bill Coleman (t), Lucky Thompson (ts), Jimmy Gourley (g), Art Simmons (p), Dan Jordan (b), Kansas Fields (d)

Information on these titles comes from the INA archives. The first broadcast date was January 24, 1959. During the program, the musicians are interviewed.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Michel Hausser (vib), Martial Solal (p), Gilbert Gassin (b), Gérard 'Dave' Pochonet (d), Prinz Ghana M'Bow (cng)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on a, e-f, (ts) on b-d; Michel Hausser (vib) on a-b, d-f; Martial Solal (p) on a-b, d-f; Gilbert Gassin (b) on a-b, d-f; Gérard 'Dave' Pochonet (d) on a-b, d-f; Prinz Ghana M'Bow (cng) on c.

This appears to be Lucky Thompson's first commercial recording on soprano saxophone. The existence of a 7-inch, 45 RPM EP issued as Symphonium (Fr.) 1 230, containing 4 tracks taken from this and the following session, is confirmed. The Jepsen, Bruyninckx and Lord discographies as well as the liner notes to High Note HCD 7045 indicate that all tracks from both of these sessions were issued on Symphonium (Fr.) LP 1 230 but the existence of such an LP has not been confirmed. It seems unusual but not impossible that an EP and LP would have the same catalog number. Another explanation is that the catalog number of the LP has been incorrectly assigned by discographers. Until a copy of the LP can be located and examined, this situation will remain unresolved.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Michel Hausser (vib), Martial Solal (p), Gilbert Gassin (b), Gérard 'Dave' Pochonet (d), Prinz Ghana M'Bow (cng)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on b, (ts) on a, c-d; Michel Hausser (vib) on a, c-d; Martial Solal (p) on a, c-d; Gilbert Gassin (b) on a, c-d; Gérard 'Dave' Pochonet (d) on a, c-d; Prinz Ghana M'Bow (cng) on b.

"O.W." is not the Dizzy Gillespie composition, "Ow" despite being indicated as so on HighNote HCD 7045 and in discographies. It seems to be a 24-bar blues form with improvisations on a 12-bar F minor blues. Track b is incorrectly listed in discographies as "Brother Bop." Regarding the issues of this material, see the comments for the preceding session.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Arnold Jarvis (p), Peter Trunk (b), Lester Jenkins (d)

This is a Südwestrundfunk radio broadcast. Information comes from a Peter Trunk Discography by Dr. Michael Frohne.

Not auditioned.

Jack Sels, Lucky Thompson (ldr), Ado Broodboom (t), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Jack Sels (ts), Fats Sadi (vib), Jean Fanis (p), Benoit Quersin (b), Rudy Frankel (d), Prinz Ghana M'Bow (cng)

Ado Broodboom (t) on c-d; Lucky Thompson (ss) on b, (ts) on a, c-d; Jack Sels (ts) on c-d; Jean Fanis (p) on c-d; Rudy Frankel (d) on c-d; Prinz Ghana M'Bow (cng) on a-c.

Track a is incorrectly listed as "One Cool Night" on all issues but it is definitely the blues called "Takin' Care 'o Business" on the February 22, 1956 session. The tracks issued on the EPs are mono and those on the LP stereo but the mono and stereo tracks have the same timings and are apparently the same takes.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Jacques Diéval (p), Jacques Hess (b), Jacques David (d)

The timing shown does not include applause.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Jacques Diéval (p), Jacques Hess (b), Jacques David (d)

The recording date comes from the INA archives. Broadcast dates are March 18 and 25, 1959. Tracks a and c can be downloaded from the INA website.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Peter Trunk (b)

WDR radio broadcast - the timing shown does not include applause.

Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Klaus Marmulla (as), Georges Grenu (ts), Hans Koller (ts, bar), Helmut Reinhardt (bar), Wolfgang Schlüter (vib), Michael Naura (p), Hajo Lange (b), Heinz von Moisy (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on b, o, q, (ts) on a, e, l, r; Klaus Marmulla (as) on a-b, d, f, h-i, m-n, q-r; Georges Grenu (ts) on a-b, f, h-j, q-r; Hans Koller (ts) on a-b, d, f, h-i, p-r, (bar) on k; Helmut Reinhardt (bar) on a-b, d, f, h-i, k, p-r; Wolfgang Schlüter (vib) on a, c, g-h, m-n, r; Michael Naura (p) on a-d, f-j, l-r; Hajo Lange (b) on a-b, d-r; Heinz von Moisy (d) on a-b, d-r.

This concert was part of a series of radio and TV broadcasts produced by Hans Gertberg. The information comes from the NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk) archives courtesy of Uwe Weiler (Norderstedt, Germany; email March 2006). The timings shown do not include applause or announcements except for tracks f and m which have not been auditioned. Their timings come from the NDR archives.

On track e, Lucky Thompson is accompanied by bass and drums only and on tracks l and o, by piano, bass and drums. He appears in larger ensembles on tracks a, b, q and r. Track c is a vibraphone/piano duet. Track j features Grenu and the rhythm section and track g, vibraphone and rhythm section. Track k features Koller and Reinhardt on baritone saxophone with the only bass and drums. Tracks m and n involve alto saxophone, vibraphone and rhythm section.

Track h is credited to Count Basie in the NDR archives but confirmation of a Basie tune with this title could not be found. The title is "Topsy" spelled backwards and audition reveals a thinly disguised contrafact of that Eddie Durham-Edgar Battle classic from the Basie repertoire, probably penned by one of the participants.

The soloists listed above are only for the tracks with Thompson.

Martial Solal (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Martial Solal (p), Oscar Pettiford (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on d-e, (ts) on f; Martial Solal (p) on a-e.

The MC is Dietrich Schulz-Köhn. The timings shown include applause but not announcements.

Eddie Barclay (ldr), Fred Gérard, Bernard Hulin, Pierre Sellin, Fernand Verstraete (t), Raymond Katarzinsky, André Paquinet, Benny Vasseur, Gabriel Vilain (tb), Pierre Gossez, René 'Mickey' Nicolas (as), Georges Bessières, Lucky Thompson (ts), Armand Migiani (bar), Paul Piguillem (g), Art Simmons (p), Pierre Michelot (b), Kenny Clarke (d), Jimmy Mundy (dir)

Tracks a-c were probably composed by Jimmy Mundy but this has not been confirmed. Information on this session comes from Bob Weir and Michel Ruppli. The tracks have not been auditioned.

Oscar Pettiford (ldr), Duško Gojkovic (t), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Oscar Pettiford (vc, b), Hans Hammerschmid (p), Fred Dutton (b), Hartwig Bartz (d), Monica Zetterlund (v)

Duško Gojkovic (t) on a, c, e-g; Lucky Thompson (ss) on b, d, (ts) on a, e-g; Oscar Pettiford (vc) on e-f, (b) on a-d, g; Hans Hammerschmid (p) on a-b, e-g; Fred Dutton (b) on e-f; Hartwig Bartz (d) on a-b, d-g; Monica Zetterlund (v) on d-f.

According to Coover Gazdar's Oscar Pettiford Discography, these tracks were recorded for broadcast by Radio Baden-Baden. Enja CD 9427-2 indicates that tracks c and f were recorded on June 15, 1959.

Bud Powell, Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Jimmy Gourley (g), Bud Powell (p), Pierre Michelot (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Lucky Thompson (ldr) on c, (ts) on c; Jimmy Gourley (g) on c.

These tracks are part of a live television broadcast, "Modern Jazz at the Blue Note," featuring various artists including Lucky Thompson's quartet and quintet, the Bud Powell Trio (with Michelot and Clarke - referred to as "The Three Bosses"), Jimmy Gourley's quartet with pianist Henri Renaud, Alice McLeod's trio and vocalist Billie Poole backed by McLeod's trio. At the time, the pianist was still known as Alice McLeod and was working at the Blue Note as intermission pianist. The TV show director was Jean-Christophe Averty and the source of this series of videos is the INA (Institut National de l'Audiovisuel) from which website the entire video can be downloaded. Sim Copans is the moderator.

January 9, 1960 is the date given for the show by INA, but discographer Bob Weir recently sent me the following information via email (April 9, 2016): "While checking French jazz magazines to confirm some concert/festival dates, I came across a snippet in the November 1959 issue of Jazz Magazine establishing that the J-C Averty Blue Note TV programme with Bud Powell, Lucky Thompson & Barney Wilen was filmed and broadcast 'live' on 7 November 1959. It was the second of a weekly series of TV shows by Averty running from 30 to 40 minutes from 31 October to 28 November 1959, at least." Other dates have been suggested: December 1959 (Jazz Averty video); May 8, 1960 (Mythic Sound CD); June 15, 1960 (Bruyninckx and Lord Discographies and "Bud In Paris" LPs and CDs). Based on Weir's research, I have now (April 12, 2016) separated the two titles with Lucky Thompson and Alice McLeod based on the assumption that they were filmed on a different date than those with Bud Powell. These are found below dated "possibly January 9, 1960."

Regarding "Anthropology," the Mythic Sound CD and possibly other issues have an edited version only 1:57 in length in which Thompson's and Gourley's solos have been deleted so that the track ends after Powell's solo. The video performance is incomplete, fading out during 4-bar exchanges between Thompson and Clarke.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Jimmy Gourley (g), Alice McLeod Coltrane (p), Pierre Michelot (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on b, (ts) on a; Jimmy Gourley (g) on a.

These performances are part of the Jean-Christophe Averty film, "Modern Jazz at the Blue Note" - see comments on the session of November 7, 1959 above. The recording date is uncertain and comes from the INA. These titles may, in fact, have been recorded on the November date.

Regarding "Strike up the Band," the VHS and DVD issues listed contain only a 32-second excerpt of the performance taken from the 4-bar exchanges between Clarke and Thompson. The credits list the title as "Strike Out."

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lennie Johnson (t), Jimmy Cleveland (tb), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Jo Hrasko (as), Marcel Hrasko (ts), Sahib Shihab (bar), Buddy Catlett (b), Kenny Clarke (d), Thelma Thompson (Thelma Lowe, Thelma Love) (v)

Lennie Johnson (t) on a, c-g, i-j; Jimmy Cleveland (tb) on a, c-f, h-j; Lucky Thompson (ss) on d-e, g, (ts) on a-c, f-j; Jo Hrasko (as) on a, c-g, i-j; Marcel Hrasko (ts) on a, c-g, i-j; Sahib Shihab (bar) on a, c-g, i-j; Thelma Thompson (Thelma Lowe, Thelma Love) (v) on c, g.

This film was originally broadcast on French National Television and can be downloaded at the INA (National Audiovisual Institute) Website. The director is Jean-Christophe Averty and the announcer is Sim Copans who interviews Thompson at one point (in French). The ensemble included Parisian musicians and members of the Quincy Jones Orchestra which was touring Europe at this time. Track b is performed by only Thompson, Catlett and Clarke and track h by Thompson, Cleveland, Catlett and Clarke. The date shown is that of broadcast and may not be the actual recording date although probably very close to it.

Track f is announced as "Home Free" but it is not the composition of that title recorded on May 11, 1956; however, it is identical to the song titled "Easy Going" recorded on May 11, 1956. This error is repeated on the Fresh Sound CD which also incorrectly lists track i as “Yardbird Step.”

Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Klaus Marmulla (as), Wolfgang Schlüter (vib), Jimmy Gourley (g), Michael Naura (p, cel, or), Hajo Lange (b), Heinz von Moisy (d), Helen Merrill (v)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on b, i, k, m, (ts) on a, f-g, j, n-o, t-v; Klaus Marmulla (as) on a, d-e, j, n-o, q-r, t-v; Wolfgang Schlüter (vib) on a-c, e, j, l, n-o, q-r, t, v; Jimmy Gourley (g) on a-b, j, n-p, t-v; Michael Naura (p) on b, g, i-j, l, o-p, r-t, v, (cel) on h, r, (or) on a, c, e, n, q-r; Heinz von Moisy (d) on a-c, e-g, i-j, l-v; Helen Merrill (v) on h-j, s-t.

This concert was part of a series of radio and TV broadcasts produced by Hans Gertberg. Track u is called "Glamour Game" but it is the same composition recorded on December 12, 1956 as "Good Luck." The information comes from the NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk) archives courtesy of Uwe Weiler (Norderstedt, Germany; email March 2006). The timings shown do not include applause or announcements except for tracks d and r which have not been auditioned. Their timings come from the NDR archives.

Lucky Thompson performs with only bass on track k, with only bass and drums on tracks f and m, with piano bass and drums on track g and with Helen Merrill, piano, bass and drums on track i. Track d is an alto saxophone/bass duet. Helen Merrill is backed by only celeste and bass on track h. Track p features guitarist Gourley with piano, bass and drums. Track c features vibraphone, organ, bass and drums.

The soloists listed above are only for the tracks with Thompson.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Christian Bellest (t), Nat Peck (tb), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Jo Hrasko (as), William Boucaya (bar), Martial Solal (p), Pierre Michelot (b), Kenny Clarke (d), Thelma Thompson (Thelma Lowe, Thelma Love) (v)

Christian Bellest (t) on a, c-d, f, h; Nat Peck (tb) on a, c-d, f-h; Lucky Thompson (ss) on f, (ts) on a-e, g-h; Jo Hrasko (as) on a, c-d, f, h; William Boucaya (bar) on a, c-d, f, h; Martial Solal (p) on a, c-h; Thelma Thompson (Thelma Lowe, Thelma Love) (v) on c, f.

This film was originally broadcast on French National Television and can be downloaded at the INA (National Audiovisual Institute) Website. The director is Jean-Christophe Averty and the announcer is Sim Copans who briefly interviews Thompson at one point (in French). Track b is performed by Thompson, Michelot and Clarke; track e by Thompson and the rhythm section; track g by Thompson, Peck and the rhythm section. The date shown is that of broadcast and may not be the actual recording date although probably very close to it.

Track b is announced as "You Move, You Lose" but it is not the song of that title recorded on April 20, 1956; however, it is identical to "Why Weep?" recorded on April 5, 1956, November 25, 1960 and February 28, 1969. This error is repeated on the Fresh Sound CD. Track g is announced as "Glamour Game" but it is the same composition recorded as "Good Luck" on December 12, 1956. It is listed as “Glamour Game” on the Fresh Sound CD.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Peter Trunk (b), Daniel Humair (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on a-b, (ts) on c; Daniel Humair (d) on b-c.

This was a memorial concert for bassist Oscar Pettiford who had died on September 8, 1960. The INA archives indicate this concert took place on December 13, 1960 but other sources give the October date shown. The timings shown include applause.

Lucky Thompson, Barney Wilen (ss, ts), Bent Jaedig (ts), Helmut Brandt (bar), Larry Atwell (g), Roland Kovac (p), Jürgen Ehlers (b), Rudi Pronk (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on b, r, (ts) on a, c, f, h, j-n, s; Barney Wilen (ss) on e, r, (ts) on a-c, f, j-l, n, p, r-s; Bent Jaedig (ts) on a-c, e-f, j-k, n, q-s; Helmut Brandt (bar) on a-c, f-g, j-l, n, q-s; Larry Atwell (g) on a-l, n-p, r-s; Roland Kovac (p) on a-f, i-l, n-s.

This concert was part of a series of radio and TV broadcasts produced by Hans Gertberg. The information comes from the NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk) archives courtesy of Uwe Weiler (Norderstedt, Germany; email March 2006). The timings shown do not include applause or announcements except for tracks a and s which have not been auditioned. Their timings come from the NDR archives. Tracks a and s have not been auditioned.

Track d: piano, guitar, bass, drums only.
Track g: baritone sax, guitar, bass, drums only.
Track h: tenor sax (Thompson), guitar, bass, drums only.
Tracks i and o: piano, bass, drums, only
Track m: tenor sax (Thompson), bass, drums only.
Track p: tenor sax (Wilen), piano, guitar, bass, drums only.

The soloists listed above are only for the tracks with saxes.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Carlos 'Charlie' Diernhammer (p), Peter Trunk (b), Harry Kevis, Jr. (d)

This performance comes from tapes made by drummer Harry Kevis, Jr. who was a captain in the US Air Force at the time and stationed in Germany. Thanks to Dr. Robert Sunenblick for information. This track has not been auditioned.

Lucky Thompson (sax), Martial Solal (p), Guy Pedersen (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Information on this session is very sketchy. "Machine Mon Amie" was a 17 min. documentary film by the director Louis Daquin. It is not known if the soundtrack was an original work or a composite of existing pieces. The musicians apparently do not appear in the film but only provide the music. See Jazz On the Screen.

Lucky Thompson (ts), Maurice Vander [Vandair] (p), Pierre Michelot (b), Kenny Clarke (d), Diahann Carroll (v)

Lucky Thompson (ts) on a.

These performances come from the soundtrack of a movie "Goodbye Again" ("Aimez-vous Brahms?") directed by Anatole Litvak. Information can be found at Jazz On the Screen and from Bob Weir's Lucky Thompson discography. The recording date is uncertain. The film is available on DVD. Goodbye Again is really a theme from the third movement of Brahms symphony no. 3. Both of these songs are performed during a night club scene in the movie where the musicians are briefly on screen. Diahann Carroll portrays a night club singer and has some brief dialogue with the main character played by Anthony Perkins. Thompson is not heard on "Love Is Just a Word."

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Martial Solal (p), Peter Trunk (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on b, d-e, g, (ts) on a, c-d, f, h; Martial Solal (p) on a-c, e-h; Peter Trunk (b) on a-c, e-h; Kenny Clarke (d) on a-c, e-h.

Thompson is unaccompanied on track d and performs on both soprano and tenor saxophones.

Titles for tracks b-h (shown in parenthesis) were arbitrarily assigned by producers Mark Gardner and Alan Bates when the recordings that make up the CD Candid 79035 were discovered (without titles). The equivalences with Thompson's titles, recorded only from radio broadcasts, were apparently not known when the CD was issued but finally discovered in 2006 by saxophonist Chris Byars when he auditioned the radio broadcast of April 28, 1961 (see session below). So far, the original Thompson title for track e has not been found. Candid CD 79035 includes a 4:40 spoken introduction by Thompson recorded on March 20, 1968 with piano accompaniment apparently by him.

For more information on this session see: Lucky Thompson in Paris: The 1961 Candid Records Session by Noal Cohen and Chris Byars.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Christian Bellest (t), Nat Peck (tb), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts, con), Jo Hrasko (as), William Boucaya (bar), Carlos 'Charlie' Diernhammer (p), Peter Trunk (b), Daniel Humair (d)

Christian Bellest (t) on a, c, e-f, h-k, m, o-t; Nat Peck (tb) on a, c, e-f, h-k, m, o-t; Lucky Thompson (ss) on a, d, g, i, o-p, r, (ts) on a-c, e-f, h, j-n, q, s-t; Jo Hrasko (as) on a, c, e-f, h-k, m, o-t; William Boucaya (bar) on a, c, e-f, h-k, m, o-t; Carlos 'Charlie' Diernhammer (p) on a-k, m-t.

This concert was part of a series of radio and TV broadcasts produced by Hans Gertberg. The information, including Thompson's actual song titles for tracks b, d, g, l, n and r, comes from the NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk) archives courtesy of Uwe Weiler (Norderstedt, Germany; email March 2006). Timings shown do not include applause. Track n is incomplete with a drop out occurring during the piano solo. Track t has not been auditioned.

Tracks b and n: tenor sax, piano, bass, drums only.
Tracks d and g: soprano sax, piano, bass, drums only.
Track l: tenor sax, bass, drums only.

Solos on track q are on the 12-bar blues form although the theme has a 32-bar structure.

Billy Byers (tb), Lucky Thompson (ts), Jacques Diéval (p), Jacques Hess (b), Franco Manzecchi (d)

These tracks are from Musique aux Champs-Elysées radio broadcasts that can be downloaded at the INA website. The timings do not include announcements and applause. The recording date comes from the INA archives. The broadcast date is June 1, 1961. Track b is a blues whose title is not announced and which is unfamiliar to me.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Georg Riedel (b), Egil Johansen (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on a-c, (ts) on d.

This is a live performance of Lucky Thompson with bassist and drummer from the Arne Domnerus Orchestra, broadcast on Swedish Radio. This recording is part of the Timme Rosenkrantz collection stored at Syddansk Universitet (University of Southern Denmark) in Odense. The information was provided by Frank Buchmann-Møller and Hans Jensen. The tracks have not been auditioned.

Harry Arnold (ldr), Benny Bailey, Sixten Eriksson, Gösta Nilsson, Weine Renliden, Bengt-Arne Wallin (t), Göran Ohlsson, Åke Persson, Andreas Skjöld, Georg Vernon (tb), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Rolf Bäckman, Arne Domnérus (as), Bertil Löfdahl, Bjarne Nerem (ts), Rune Falk (bar), Jan Johansson (p), Georg Riedel (b), William Schiøpffe (d), Harry Arnold (con)

Sixten Eriksson (t) on a-c; Gösta Nilsson (t) on a-b, d; Lucky Thompson (ss) on d, (ts) on c.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), unknown (g, p, b, d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on a-b, (ts) on c.

These performances were broadcast on RAI radio. The date shown may actually be the broadcast date and not the recording date. The members of the rhythm section are not identified however Patrick Manzecchi suggests that his father, Franco Manzecchi was the drummer and the pianist was Jack Diéval since these European musicians had been touring with Lucky Thompson during this period.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss), Einar Iversen (p), Erik Amundsen (b), Ole Jacob Hansen (d)

The information on this radio broadcast comes from discographer Bob Weir. Track d has not been auditioned. The timings shown include announcements and applause.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Bent Axen (p), Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (b), William Schiøpffe (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on a-c, e, (ts) on d-e.

The information on this radio broadcast comes from Danish Radio via Hans Jensen. The correct date was provided by Nils Winther. The timings shown do not include applause or announcements.

In addition to Thompson’s quartet, the Bud Powell Trio and Max Brüel Quintet performed at this concert.

Rob Pronk, Jerry van Rooyen (t), Nat Peck (tb), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Klaus Doldinger, Hans Koller (ts), Ronnie Ross (bar), Rolf Kühn (cl), Attila Zoller (g), Rob Madna (p), Ingfried Hoffmann (or), Ruud Jacobs (b), Cees See (d)

Rob Pronk (t) on a-b, d, g-h, j, m, p-r, u, x, z-aa; Jerry van Rooyen (t) on a-b, d, g-h, j, m, p, r, u, x, z-aa; Nat Peck (tb) on a-b, d, g-h, j, m, p, r, u, x, z-aa; Lucky Thompson (ss) on g-h, (ts) on a-b, d-e, h, j, m, p, r-s, u, x-aa; Klaus Doldinger (ts) on a-b, d-e, g-h, j, m, p, r, u-aa; Hans Koller (ts) on a-b, d-e, g-j, m-n, p-r, t-u, x-aa; Ronnie Ross (bar) on a-b, d-e, g-j, m, p, r, t-u, x-aa; Rolf Kühn (cl) on k-l; Attila Zoller (g) on a, f-g, i, m, p-r, x, z-aa; Rob Madna (p) on a, c-e, g-j, m, o-s, u, x-aa; Ingfried Hoffmann (or) on a-b, k-n, r, t, v-w.

This concert was part of a series of radio and TV broadcasts produced by Hans Gertberg. The information comes from the NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk) archives courtesy of Uwe Weiler (Norderstedt, Germany; email March 2006). The timings shown do not include applause or announcements.

Tracks c and o: piano, bass, drums only.
Track f: guitar, bass, drums only.
Tracks k and l: clarinet, organ, bass, drums only.
Track n: tenor sax (Koller), organ, bass, drums only.
Track s: tenor sax (Thompson), piano, bass, drums only.
Track t: tenor sax (Koller), baritone sax, organ, bass, drums only.
Tracks v and w: tenor sax (Doldinger), organ, bass, drums only.

Soloists listed above are only for the tracks with horns.

Track p is a 12-bar blues but the solo routine is complex because on the second chorus of each saxophone solo, the following soloist begins his solo. Also, this track has a break at about the mid-way point, after the guitar solo, leading to simultaneous sax improvisations and then stop time exchanges.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Einar Iversen (p), Erik Amundsen (b), Ole Jacob Hansen (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on b-c, (ts) on a; Einar Iversen (p) on a, c.

This is a live performance (NRK Radio) that was filmed for TV. See Jazz On the Screen. The 35 minute film that resulted was first broadcast on August 18, 1962 and includes the incomplete performance of track c. It can be viewed here. The announcer is Ada Haug. Other groups and artists appearing in the film include The Riverboat Jazz Band, Arne Domnerus and His Orchestra, vocalist Karin Krog, Norwegian Swing All Stars, Idrees Sulieman (with the same rhythm section as indicated above) and Kjell Larsen's Band.

Track b is performed by Thompson with only bass and drums and is probably the version of "Speak Low" listed in the Bruyninckx discography as having been recorded in Oslo in 1960. The timings shown include announcements and applause.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Hank Jones (p), Wendell Marshall (b), Dave Bailey (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on e-h, (ts) on a-d, i.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Dave Burns (t), Benny Powell (tb), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Danny Turner (as), Cecil Payne (bar), Hank Jones (p), Richard Davis (b), Al Dreares (d)

Dave Burns (t) on a, c, e-f; Benny Powell (tb) on a, c, e-f; Lucky Thompson (ss) on a-c, f, (ts) on d-e; Danny Turner (as) on a, c, e-f; Cecil Payne (bar) on a, c, e-f; Hank Jones (p) on b-e.

Tracks b and d are quartet performances with Thompson and the rhythm section. This concert was part of the "Jazz On Broadway" series produced by Dan Morgenstern and David Himmelstein. These tracks are found on disc 1 (UPCD 27.57) of the 2 CD Uptown set.

Solos on track e are on the 12-bar blues form although the theme has a 32-bar structure.

Jackie Cain, Roy Kral (ldr), Joe Newman (t), Lucky Thompson (ts), Roy Kral (p, v), Bill Crow (b), Ed Shaughnessy (d), Jackie Cain (v), Others Unknown (var)

The information on this big band session comes from bassist Bill Crow who indicates nothing was ever issued from it. The other members of the orchestra remain unidentified. Neither Crow nor Jackie Cain could provide any further information. See Bill Crow's Website.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Hank Jones (p), Richard Davis (b), Connie Kay (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on a, c, e, g, (ts) on b, d, f, h.

Johnny Dankworth (ldr), Greg Bowen (t, fh), Leon Calvert, Gus Galbraith (t), Kenny Wheeler (t, th), John Marshall, Tony Russell, Chris Smith (tb), Ron Snyder (tu), Paul Carroll (as, bar, cl), Johnny Dankworth (as, cl, con), Al Newman (as), Vic Ash (ts, cl), Art Ellefson (ts, bcl), Lucky Thompson (ts), Alan Branscombe (vib, p), Kenny Napper (b), Johnny Butts (d)

This track is part of Dankworth's "Zodiac Variations Suite" and is the only one on which Lucky Thompson performs (as a guest soloist). Dankworth describes this as based on a Mixolydian mode in the key of Ab.

Quincy Jones (ldr), Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Maxwell, Joe Newman, Jimmy Nottingham (t), Nat Adderley (c), Curtis Fuller, J. J. Johnson, Melba Liston, Kai Winding (tb), Jerry Dodgion, Phil Woods (as), James Moody (as, ts, f), Rahsaan Roland Kirk (mnz, ts), Benny Golson, Lucky Thompson (ts), Pepper Adams (bar), Milt Jackson (vib), Bobby Scott (p), Bob Cranshaw (b), Art Blakey (d), Quincy Jones (con)

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Tommy Flanagan (p, cel), Willie Ruff (b), Walter Perkins (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on b, d, f, i, (ts) on a, c, e, g-h; Tommy Flanagan (cel) on c, f.

The Fresh Sound CD reissues give the wrong track timing for track h.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss), Tommy Flanagan (p), Willie Ruff (b), Oliver Jackson (d)

The Fresh Sound CD reissues incorrectly indicate Thompson as playing tenor saxophone on track b and list the wrong track timing for track c.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Wally Richardson (g), Frank Anderson (or), Willie Ruff (b), Oliver Jackson (d)

The Fresh Sound CD reissues incorrectly indicate Thompson as playing soprano saxophone on track c. He plays tenor on all 3 tracks.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Jack Melady (hrp), Tommy Flanagan (p), George Tucker (b), Walter Perkins (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on b, d, f, (ts) on a, c, e; Jack Melady (hrp) on b, d.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ss, ts), Paul Neves (p), George Tucker (b), Oliver Jackson (d)

Lucky Thompson (ss) on a-b, d, (ts) on c-d.

This is a set from Alan Grant's Portraits In Jazz series on WABC-FM. Grant is the announcer. These tracks are found on disc 2 (UPCD 27.58) of the 2 CD Uptown set. The timings shown include announcements and applause.

Lionel Hampton (ldr), Thad Jones, Clark Terry (t), J. J. Johnson (tb), Lucky Thompson (ss), Coleman Hawkins (ts), Lionel Hampton (vib), Hank Jones (p), Arvell Shaw (b), Osie Johnson (d)