The Joe Lovano Nonet are featured during a 2001 set videotaped at the Paris location of New Morning, a chain of nightclubs. The tenor saxophonist has a lineup very similar to On This Day at the Vanguard (a Blue Note CD recorded the following year), a terrific nonet featuring fellow tenor saxophonist Ralph Lalama, alto saxophonist Steve Slagle, baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan, trombonist Larry Farrell, trumpeter Barry Ries, the late John Hicks on piano, bassist Dennis Irwin, and drummer Lewis Nash. Lovano formed his nonet to explore gems from the bop era while giving them a modern sound. His group blends structured orchestration with the spirit of a jam session, as he remarks during the documentary segment following the concert. The leader's big-toned tenor sax is generously featured in "On a Misty Night" and "Good Bait," but Lovano is hardly one to hog the solo spotlight, as nearly everyone is showcased at length at one time or another. Smulyan shines in a brisk arrangement of "Charlie Chan," while Slagle's commanding solo work in "Hot House" and "52nd Street Theme" makes him a veteran musician worthy of greater recognition. The ensembles and the rhythm section are also flawless throughout the evening. The excellent sound engineering is integrated with well-positioned camera shots that are edited with jazz fans in mind. A brief documentary follows the performance. Lovano shares his life's story and thoughts about what he wanted from this group. The interviewer is unseen and unheard, but there is a bit of a missed opportunity since Lovano never discusses why he chose a set list that draws heavily from Tadd Dameron's songbook or the strengths that attracted him to his musicians, while no composer or arranger credits are listed anywhere in the DVD package. ~ Ken Dryden, AMG

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