LITT MAGAZINE

  A wonderful period of grace took place at the Dakota Jazz Club on April 8th and 9th, when, arguably, the world's most famous composer took the stage. Michel Lybrand's appearance in the Twin Cities marks that special place in the jazz universe that is especially reserved for the Dakota Jazz Club. LeGrand has done fewer and fewer tours over the last five years, and the Dakota stop is one of the precious few in the U.S.

  For those of us not familiar with the name Michel (French pronunciation-Michelle) LeGrand-he grew up in Paris and graduated from the French Conservatory. Early on in his career arc, LeGrand collaborated with the most brilliant Black jazz musicians, to land in France, visitors and expatriates, alike. LeGrand did not choose color he chose style-and his body of work over 60 odd years clearly reflects his choices.

  My personal favorite is the soundtrack from the original (1968) "Thomas Crown Affair". The song "The Windmills in Your Mind" is one of the most covered song in recording history. My personal tastes tend to lean toward beautiful melodies-LeGrand is like a 20th Century Puccini.... but larger....and in regards to musical depth, that’s huge!!

  To place a range of depth on LeGrand's accomplishments he has accrued 3 Oscars and 5 Grammys. To underscore those tremendous accolades, LeGrand got the worst "screw" that an artist could possibly receive when he delivered his initial/debuted (1954) album, I Love Paris, to a royally receptive jazz world. The album sold in excess of 7 million copies-LeGrand received less than $300-and NO royalties! Talkin' bout a harsh reality...DAMN!!! That "royal boning" served the divine purpose of exposing, to the world, the most gifted composer. Most gifted is not reserved for the most volume and time, but he/she who inspires the most people to create off-shoot/sometimes great work based on LeGrand's initial work.