Barney Wilen - French Story (Movie Themes From France)

Release Date: 3rd July 2026
Label: Music On Vinyl
Catalogue No: MOVLPB3183

French tenor saxophonist and jazz composer Barney Wilen is best known for his contributions to soundtracks and has worked amongst jazz giants as Miles Davis, Art Blakey and Thelonious Monk. 

In 1989, he recorded French Story at Studio 44 in The Netherlands together with the Mal Waldron trio, consisting of the jazz pianist Mal Waldron, Stafford James on bass and Eddie Moore on drums. They recorded eight jazz compositions from classic French movies, “Julien Dans L’Ascenseur/Florence Sur Les Champs-Elysées” and “Générique” amongst others. Miles Davis’ original composition "Julien Dans L'Ascenseur/Florence Sur Les Champs-Eylsées" comes from his famous album Ascenseur Pour L’échafaud and “Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves)” origins from the French film Les Portes de la Nuit which is one of Yves Montand’s classic chansons and "Un Homme Et Une Fille" is a classic French movie theme.

Wilen’s album was released in 1990 on the Dutch jazz label Timeless Records. In 1992, the album first appeared on vinyl, but only consisted of six tracks. The full album is being reissued in its entirety and includes the tracks “No Problem” and “Quiet Temple”. 

French Story (Movie Themes From France) is available as a 2LP on black vinyl and affixed on the protective sleeve is the 50th Anniversary Timeless Jazz sticker.

Side A

1. Un Homme Et Une Femme 

2. Julien Dans L’Ascenseur / Florence Sur Les Champs-Elysées 

Side B

1. Les Parapluies de Cherbourg 

2. No Problem 

Side C

1. Manhã De Carnaval 

2. Générique 

Side D

1. Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves) 

2. Quiet Temple