An exceptional pianist and invaluable composer, Francis Lockwood is a musician not to be ignored. He owes his success to the rich harmonies in his playing, with a wide variety of references borrowed not only from jazz but also rock and classical music. This album celebrates New York's jazz from the Forties to the Seventies, and swerves from bebop _ a tribute to the famous Minton's Playhouse club with Minton's Blues _ to the later hard bop and soul jazz colours of the Blue Note label, even allowing an incursion into jazz-rock (Vintage Theme). Produced by David SEchan and recorded by Phil Delire during a week's residency at ICP studios in Brussels, this album gives Francis Lockwood the chance to express the full palette of his composing talents, ranging from ballads (Didier) to the syncopated beat of titles such as Habana Night. The incandescent sax of Baptiste Herbin, a superb contemporary alto, adds freshness and great power to this setting. Augustin BONDOUX / Patrick FREMEAUX