Inside Nitty = Gritty

Barney Wilen, born in Nice in 1937, was a prodigious French jazz saxophonist and composer who made an indelible mark on the genre. As a teenager, he began playing with jazz legends like Art Blakey and Miles Davis, showcasing his remarkable talent at an early age. Wilen is perhaps best remembered for his collaboration with Miles Davis on the iconic soundtrack to Louis Malle's 1958 film "Lift to the Scaffold," a masterpiece that highlighted his distinctive tenor and soprano saxophone skills. Throughout his career, Wilen explored various styles, including hard bop and free jazz, and even ventured into composing musical interpretations of the zodiac signs. His contributions to French jazz are enduring, making him a pivotal figure in the genre's rich history.