Barney Wilen facts for kids

Barney Jean Wilen (born March 4, 1937 – died May 25, 1996) was a talented French musician. He played the saxophone, especially the tenor and soprano saxophones. He was also a jazz composer, meaning he wrote jazz music.

Barney Wilen's Life and Music

Barney Wilen was born in Nice, France. His father was an American inventor, and his mother was French. He started playing music in clubs in Nice when he was young. A friend of his mother, Blaise Cendrars, encouraged him to pursue music.

A big moment in Barney's career happened in 1957. He worked with the famous jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. They created the music for a French movie called Ascenseur pour l'Échafaud (which means Elevator to the Gallows). This helped him become well-known.

In 1959, Barney wrote music for two more films: Un Témoin Dans la Ville and Jazz sur scène. He worked with drummer Kenny Clarke on these projects. Two years later, he wrote music for another film, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, this time with the legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Barney continued to compose music for French films. In the mid-1960s, he became interested in rock music. He even recorded an album dedicated to Timothy Leary, a writer and psychologist. Barney also toured Japan for the first time in 1990. He even played with punk rock musicians before returning to his jazz roots in the 1990s.

Barney Wilen continued to play with many modern jazz musicians until he passed away in 1996. He died from cancer in Paris when he was 59 years old.

In 1987, a French comic book artist named Jacques de Loustal and an author named Philippe Paringaux created a comic book called Barney et la note bleue. This title means "Barney and the blue note" and was a special tribute to Barney Wilen.

Barney Wilen's Music Albums

Barney Wilen released many albums throughout his career, both as the main artist and as a guest musician with other famous jazz artists.

Albums as the Main Artist

Barney Wilen released many albums where he was the leader. Some of his notable works include Tilt (1957), Zodiac (1966), Moshi (1972), and La Note Bleue (1987). He also released albums like Movie Themes from France (1990) and Paris Moods (1990). His last albums were released after his death, like Besame Mucho (1997).

Albums as a Guest Musician

Barney Wilen also played on albums with many other famous musicians.

• He worked with Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers on albums like Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960 and Blakey in Paris.
• He played with Bud Powell on several albums, including Cookin' at Saint-Germain 57-59 and Groovin' at the Blue Note 59-61.
• He also appeared on albums with Chet Baker, Miles Davis (for the Ascenseur pour l'échafaud soundtrack), John Lewis, and Thelonious Monk.

See also

In Spanish: Barney Wilen para niños