Record Reviews

LOUIS SCLAVIS ~ DANS LA NUIT ECM 1805 (Barcode: 731458952428) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2000 Released: 2002 This is an excellent album by French clarinetists / saxophonist / composer Louis SclavisFind albums by this artist with his superb quintet, which also includes violinist Dominique PifarelyFind albums by this artist, cellist Vincent CourtoisFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jean Louis MatinierFind albums by this artist and drummer Francois MervilleFind albums by this artist. The music was written to serve as a soundtrack to the legendary 1929 silent movie of the same title, by the French director Charles VanelFind albums by this artist, which was one of the last silent French movies made just before the arrival of the "talkies". Sclavis composed a wonderful piece of music, which suits the film perfectly (this is not his first cooperation with cinema) and is performed brilliantly by the entire quintet. It is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz and contemporary Classical influences, with a typical European approach, which mixes sophistication and imagination with musical tradition. The performances are all stellar and although this is by for not easy music, the result should be accessible even to less experienced listeners. Of course there is plenty of fascinating moments here and the entire album is basked in European aesthetics and the so very special French "fragrance". Sclavis certainly solidifies his position as one of the leaders of contemporary European Jazz scene. Warmly recommended!

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LOUIS SCLAVIS ~ L`AFFRONTEMENT DES PRETENDANTS ECM 1705 (Barcode: 601215992724) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2001 This is an excellent album by French clarinetists / saxophonist / composer Louis SclavisFind albums by this artist with his superb quintet, which also includes trumpeter Jean-Luc CappozzoFind albums by this artist, cellist Vincent CourtoisFind albums by this artist, bassist Bruno ChevillonFind albums by this artist and drummer Francois MervilleFind albums by this artist. The music, which was all composed or co-composed by Sclavis, is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz and contemporary Classical influences, with a typical European approach, which mixes sophistication and imagination with musical tradition. The performances are all stellar and although this is by for not easy music, the result should be accessible even to less experienced listeners. Of course there is plenty of fascinating moments here, especially the bass work (including several outstanding solos) which is most impressive. Sclavis certainly solidifies his position as one of the leaders of contemporary European Jazz scene. Warmly recommended!

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