While I love jazz and both past and modern incantations of it, I don't feel overly qualified for this review. I can't call out various other jazz artists and state that this album is one part (insert legend) but with the timbre of (insert another legend). Instead, I can only offer you my own perspective of the music. I was also previously unfamiliar with Cyril Achard. Further, the available product is a CD/DVD; however, I only was provided with the CD for review
The acoustic jazz (there is electric guitar on the DVD) from the Trio is a comforting listen. It's all the type of music that is best listened to in a dim lighted room with no other distractions, your head tilted back and your eyes closed. It's the type of music that can release the stress from your body. Luckily, it's not also the type of music that will put you to sleep. Cyril's guitar playing always has a level of intensity that drives the songs forward. Cyril is able to this, in part, due to the tight rhythms of Fred Pasque (drums) and Lilian Bencini (bass).
According to promotional materials the album was recorded by playing each song once or twice with no overdubs. The intent was to have a live and fresh feeling. The Trio is successful with this. There are no points where you feel that they over- practiced the songs to the point of sterility, instead you can hear the spontaneity and you can hear the ability of the band to react to each other. While there is not much new going on, I recommend the album because of how well the music is performed and because the musical portraits were vivid. My favorite song was the first track, "L'inexistence", it is the darkest song on the album and I believe the richest in emotion and atmosphere.
Track Listing
1. L'inexistence
2. Arabesque
3. Agues Marinhas
4. Un Songe
5. La Javanaise
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
