Record Reviews

NICOLAS SIMION ~ JEU DES GARCONS 7DREAMS 107 (Barcode: 6421966000066) ~ ROMANIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 2009 This is a brilliant early album by Romanian saxophonist / composer Nicolas SimionFind albums by this artist, which was recorded during the time he lived in Vienna. As in the case of many other Jazz recordings, it was very much a spur of the moment decision to record this session taking advantage of the fact that the great American musicians taking part in this recording were in town and agreed to do it. As often under such circumstances, there was little, if any, time to rehearse and yet the willpower, talent, professionalism and mutual respect prevailed, resulting in some superb music to be captured for posterity. The album presents eight original compositions by Simion, recorded by a classic quartet, with pianist Michael CainFind albums by this artist, bassist Lonnie PlaxicoFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter PerfidoFind albums by this artist. Cain and Plaxico were at the time of the recording members of Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist´s group Special EditionFind albums by this artist, which played in Vienna the night before the recording. Perfido, an American resident in Europe, played over the years with all the great European Jazz musicians and was one of Simion´s "regulars" on later dates. Not surprisingly, the performances are simply brilliant from start to finish. Simion displays a great technique and deep melodic lyricism, Cain is, as usual, flying all over the keys with his elegant touch and superb harmonic structures, Plaxico is a towed of strengths and incredible virtuoso and Perfido drives the quartet forward on the up-tempo numbers and gently keeps perfect time on the ballads. Even the sound quality is great, adding to the overall sublime listening experience. The music is predominantly relaxed and beautifully melodic, not losing its lyrical qualities even in the heat of improvisation. The ballads are romantic and deeply moving, with slight touches of folkloristic undertones, so typical of East European composers. Although modern, the music displays a lot of respect towards the Jazz tradition, using it as a basis for further explorations. In many respects it combines the best of the two worlds; European Jazz composition with American performance. Considering the fact that this is another recording from the 1990s, which is being released only now, so many years later, one must wonder how many such treasures Simion still hides in his Transylvanian castle? This music is too good to be hidden, so thanks Nicolas for enabling us to enjoy it and keep up the good work. Delightful stuff!

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NICOLAS SIMION ~ VIAGGIO IMAGINARIO TUTU 888 192 (Barcode: 4015728881929) ~ ROMANIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1999 This is an album by Romanian (resident in Germany) Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Nicolas SimionFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with legendary Polish trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, American bassist Ed SchullerFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter PerfidoFind albums by this artist. Austrian trombonist Christian MuthspielFind albums by this artist, American bass guitarist Angus ThomasFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jamey HaddadFind albums by this artist guest on selected tracks. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by Simion. This is the third cooperation between Simion and Stanko, which includes also the “Dinner For Don CarlosFind albums with this title”, “Transylvanian DanceFind albums with this title” and “Unfinished SquareFind albums with this title” albums. For Polish Jazz fans and collectors these albums are absolutely essential. The music is a brilliant example of modern European Jazz, based on excellent compositions by the leader, with clear hints of Romanian Folklore and Gypsy music. All the instrumentalists have plenty of opportunity to solo and the ensemble work is also first class. For Stanko followers, the album offers some of his best performances from the mid-1990s, same as on the three a.m. albums. Overall, this is a superb piece European Jazz, with strong ties to Jazz-World Fusion and first class instrumental work by all the participants. Sadly, the album is rarely mentioned and is often omitted from discographies, despite its innovative music and excellent sound quality, which makes listening to it a real treat. Grab a copy as long as those are to be found!

Updated: 01/02/2024Posted: 19/09/2023

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