Petite Fleur Frank Big Boy Goudie, 1961

Petite Fleur - Frank Big Boy Goudie, 1961
Monkey Inn, Berkeley, CA

Petite Fleur was composed, published and recorded by Sidney Bechet in 1952. It was a supreme declaration of his unrivaled virtuosity, passion and expressiveness.
The Parisian encounters of Goudie and Bechet (and a 1949 recording session) did not go well.

Moving permanently to France in the early Fifties, Bechet used this bravura showcase for holding European audiences raptly ensorcelled. But it didn’t get wide circulation in America until the seventies.

Yet, reading between the lines, I think Goudie didn’t care much for the imperious and egotistical stance as “Le Grand Bechet.” He did retain a healthy respect for the unique genius of Bechet and perhaps his feelings had softened for the recently passed master.

Recorded in stereo in 1961 this may be a private personal tribute. It’s certainly a fabulous demonstration of Goudie’s nuanced and gorgeous tone, picked up by excellent recording microphones and Ampex tape recorder.

I was privileged to be gifted many hours of these treasured tapes by the late Bob Mielke which I restored, mastered and produced in a three CD package sharing the Thursday night sessions at Berkeley’s Monkey Inn (1956-66).

The Gang at Monkey Inn
http://www.jazzhotbigstep.com/285112.html
http://www.jazzhotbigstep.com/729834.html

Frank Goudie in San Francisco
http://www.jazzhotbigstep.com/227501.html

Bill Erickson
http://www.jazzhotbigstep.com/249912.html
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