This superb new release from pianist Jacques Loussier celebrates the 50th anniversary of Play Bach Trio - a group which achieved a breakthrough to commercial success enjoyed by a select few jazz musicians. In fifteen years the trio sold over six million albums - one of which included his famous arrangement of "Air on a G String". Recorded in France, Japan and England this present CD came about as a result of the J.S Bach tercentenary festivities in 1985 when it was suggested that he might relaunch the trio as part of the year long celebrations of Bach's birth. Joining the pianist are bassist Vincent Charbonnier (who was making a name for himself as both a jazz player and baroque specialist) and drummer Andre Arpino. The tracks within The 50th Anniversary Recording are retrospective of the Loussier Trio's achievements and prescient of its future direction at the same time - most notably in the "Chromatic Fantasia", a piece that is simultaneously soaring and jazzy, reaffirming Loussier's unique combination of skills as both a disciplined composer and arranger and a bold improviser. Consistently underscoring this creative duality is Arpino's rhythmic landscape and Charbonnier's thoughtful prompting. Personnel: Jacques Loussier (piano), Vincent Charbonnier (bass), Andre Arpino (drums)