When saxophonist and composer Brad Wheeler arrived in Paris, he
was going to kick ass and re-invent the glory days of the 50s. I was naïve when I
first came here, Wheeler admits, I didnt realize that the rules
you find in the US dont apply here. In the States, its simple.
The best get the gigs. You could be from Mars, but if you play
good, youll get a chance. Here its two tiers: the French and
everybody else. Plus the French like losers. Look at Chet Baker. It fits into an image of what jazz should
be, but its not reality.
Jazz reality for Wheeler, a native of Chicago, had been that citys
vibrant club scene. Wheeler got much of his early live experience
at Von Freemans famous weekly jam sessions there, which offered youngsters like him a chance to sit in with legends.
But it was soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman who had probably the
most profound effect on Wheelers career. I sought him out to be my teacher. I was interested in going in his chromatic direction.
Wheeler met his French wife in Chicago and made the move in 1990.
He started the award-winning Paris Jazz Orchestra, was a founding
member of Mike Ellis Art Sound Orchestra and Ricky Fords Big
Band and landed a sponsorship deal with Buffet-Crampton and Keilworth
saxophones, that came at a time when his own playing was maturing.
Up until then hed always thought of himself as a stronger composer
than player. Hed written big band arrangements for sax stars
Joe Henderson and Benny Golson that had been recorded, and wrote
and performed on singer Kurt Ellings Blue Note CD This Time Its Love. But now he feels his playings coming into its own. I used to
criticize myself: it doesnt sound like Brecker or Liebman. Its
not good enough...! Now I hear myself and I say, okay! Thats who I am. On February 12, his quintet, featuring Mike ONeil on guitar, will be at the 7 Lézards.
7 Lézards, 10, rue des Rosiers, 4e, Mº St-Paul, tel: 01.48.87.08.97,
9:30pm, 70F.