Rene Thomas Quintet “Meeting Mister Thomas”

This leader album was released by Belgian guitarist René Thomas in 1963 on the French Barclay label. Thomas, who had been active since the 1950s and participated in sessions with many musicians such as Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Jimmy Smith, and Sonny Criss, showcased a fantastic display of funky cool jazz with a light touch. Recorded in a studio in Paris, the album features Belgian/French musicians including Jacque Pelzer (alto saxophone, flute), Benoit Quersin (bass), Gilbert Rovere (bass), and Charles Bellonzi (drums), along with American organist Lou Bennett. Thomas's guitar work shines, while Bennett's Hammond organ plays a crucial role. The album includes sophisticated arrangements, such as the rendition of Amadeo Tommasi's original composition featured on the collaboration with Bobby Jaspar from the previous year, highlighted by Pelzer's organic flute playing on track B2. This reissue was released in 1983 by the Spanish label Fresh Sound.

A3: Wonderful, Wonderful