Hot Night In Paris

The Phil Collins Big Band: Phil Collins (drums); Daryl Steurmer (guitar); Gerald Albright, Matt James (alto saxophone); James Carter, Larry Panella, Chris Collins, Ian Nevins (tenor saxophone); Kevin Sheehan (baritone saxophone); Daniel Fornero, Harry Kim, Tito Carrillo, Alan Hood, Ron Modell (trumpet, flugelhorn); Arturo Velasco, Scott Bliege, Mark Bettcher (trombone); Antonio Garcia (bass trombone); George Duke, Brad Cole (piano); Doug Richeson (bass); Luis Conte (percussion). Engineers: Mauricio Guerrero, Christophe Suchet. Includes liner notes by Phil Collins. Phil Collins' fondness for jazz is well-documented--some folks like his '70s fusion band Brand X more than they do his former day job, Genesis--and his side projects usually indulge this passion far more than any of his usual endeavours. A HOT NIGHT IN PARIS was recorded, in Paris and Montreux, by a 20-member big band featuring a former arranger for Count Basie, but it's not quite jazz. Instead, the group plays a set largely consisting of instrumental versions of poppy Phil Collins and Genesis hits, including "Sussudio," "That's All," "Invisible Touch," and "I Don't Care Anymore." The arrangements are extended, but not particularly embellished, and the results sometimes simply sound like instrumental mixes of the original hits. A surprisingly rocking cover of the Average White Band's "Pick Up the Pieces" is energetic and effective, however.