ProJazz.net

The Wonderful World of Jazz is an album by pianist and composer John Lewis recorded for the Atlantic label in 1960.

“This is one of pianist John Lewis’ most rewarding albums outside of his work with the Modern Jazz Quartet. Three numbers (including a remake of “Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West”) showcase his piano in a quartet with guitarist Jim Hall, bassist George Duvivier, and drummer Connie Kay. A 15-and-a-half-minute rendition of “Body and Soul” has one of tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves’ finest solos, while “Afternoon in Paris” features a diverse cast with trumpeter Herb Pomeroy, Gunther Schuller on French horn, tenor man Benny Golson, baritonist Jimmy Giuffre, and guitarist Jim Hall; altoist Eric Dolphy cuts everyone. This set was reissued in 1988 as part of Atlantic’s Jazzlore series.” – Scott Yanow/AllMusic.

Track listing:
“Body and Soul” (Frank Eyton, Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour) – 15:24
“I Should Care” (Sammy Cahn, Axel Stordahl, Paul Weston) – 4:50
“Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West “(John Lewis) – 5:35
“Afternoon in Paris” (John Lewis) – 9:55
“I Remember Clifford” (Benny Golson) – 3:25
“The Stranger” (Arif Mardin) – 5:39 Bonus track on CD reissue
“If You Could See Me Now” (Tadd Dameron, Carl Sigman) – 10:21 Bonus track on CD reissue
Recorded in New York City on July 29, 1960 (tracks 2, 3 & 5), September 8, 1960 (track 1), and September 9, 1960 (tracks 4, 6 & 7)

Personnel:
John Lewis – piano, arranger
Jim Hall – guitar
George Duvivier – bass
Connie Kay – drums
Herb Pomeroy – trumpet (tracks 1, 4 & 6)
Gunther Schuller – French horn (tracks 4 & 6)
Eric Dolphy – alto saxophone (tracks 4 & 6)
Benny Golson (tracks 4 & 6), Paul Gonsalves (track 1) – tenor saxophone
James Rivers – baritone saxophone (tracks 4 & 6)
Arif Mardin – arranger (track 6)

______________________

Released: 1961
Recorded: July 29 and September 8 & 9, 1960
NYC
Length: 55:09
Label: Atlantic
SD 1375
Producer: Nesuhi Ertegun, Tom Dowd