Parisian Solos A Moment of Jazz Elegance with Larry Carlton in Paris
On the evening of June 18, 2016, the Festival des Puces de Saint Ouen in Paris hosted a performance that quietly affirmed why Larry Carlton remains one of the most respected guitarists in modern music. Captured in the live video commonly known as Parisian Solos, the concert presents Carlton leading a quartet enriched by saxophone, offering an intimate yet refined exploration of jazz expression in a distinctly Parisian atmosphere.
By this stage of his career, Larry Carlton was already a towering figure in American music. At sixty eight years old, he had long transcended stylistic boundaries, moving effortlessly between jazz, rock, and blues. Widely known by the affectionate nickname Mr. 335, a reference to his iconic Gibson ES 335 from 1969, Carlton’s tone has become instantly recognizable to generations of listeners. His résumé includes four Grammy Awards and countless recordings as both a leader and a sought after sideman, yet performances such as this reveal that his artistic curiosity remains undiminished.
Parisian Solos is not a display of virtuosity for its own sake. Instead, it is a study in restraint, phrasing, and musical conversation. Supported by a tight quartet and the warm, expressive presence of saxophone, Carlton allows the music to breathe. Each solo unfolds patiently, shaped by melodic logic rather than technical excess. His guitar lines glide with clarity and intention, reflecting a lifetime of experience distilled into measured, confident statements.
The setting plays a crucial role in the performance’s character. The Festival des Puces de Saint Ouen, known for its cultural openness and eclectic audience, provides a relaxed yet attentive environment. Paris, a city with a deep historical connection to jazz, seems to draw out a particular elegance in Carlton’s playing. There is a sense of dialogue between artist and place, as if the phrasing itself acknowledges the legacy of American jazz finding a second home in Europe.
What makes this performance especially valuable is its honesty. Carlton does not attempt to revisit past triumphs or lean on reputation. Instead, he focuses on the present moment, interacting closely with his fellow musicians and responding organically to the flow of the set. The saxophone lines weave in and out of the guitar’s voice, creating textures that are lyrical, conversational, and deeply human.
Parisian Solos stands as a document of mature artistry. It captures Larry Carlton not as a legend looking back, but as a working musician fully engaged with his craft. For listeners and students of jazz alike, this performance offers a clear reminder that true mastery lies not in volume or speed, but in taste, timing, and the ability to say more by playing less.