Our Editor

image

Matthew Ruddick

Editor
Author of Funny Valentine, an acclaimed new biography of the jazz trumpet player and singer, Chet Baker.
  • 1
Sunday, 27 November 2016 02:05

Emile Parisien Quintet - Sfumato

Written by 
    Authors Ranking: Authors Ranking
Rate this item
(2 votes)
The album that has more to offer than music - imagination.

Emile Parisien leads this quintet on an exciting and innovative journey of jazz that is DNA-bonded with folk, classical and rock sub-genres. Emile and the trio are probably one of the most titillating jazz entertainers to emerge out of Europe in recent years. Emile is not new to production either, with his self-produced album Éphémère emerging in 2000. This talented soprano sax player is clearly embedded with other greats including pianist Joachim Kuhn who also makes a strong presence on this album. 

Preambule was originally composed by Louis Vierne, the organ player for the Notre Dame c1927. Unfortunately the original composition is still outside my audible tolerance. However, Emile commands this modern version using the soprano with great restraint in this homage  to Louis Vierne. Although still composed in a classical style this is a very nice pace-setter/introduction to journey you are about to embark on.

Poulp translates as Cephalopod, the octopus. This varied pace track sparks images of the mystical creature of the deep sea represented by the funky bass-line prodding it's vibra-tone tentacles then braking out into hard bop riffs. A hot jazzy joint that exposes the raw talent of Joachim on piano and Simon Tailleu on Bass as they improvise off each other. Get ready for the lock-in.  

I wasn't sure what I was letting myself in for when I asked to review this album. I was pleasantly surprised by - no impressed - with Le clown tueur de la fête foraine I, Le clown tueur de la fête foraine II and Le clown tueur de la fête moraine III, which originally appeared on the 2006 album Au Revoir Porc-Épic as a single  continuous track. Transitioning thorough contemporary, avant-garde and improvised jazz, Emile pens his thoughts in music telling the story of the Funfair Clown Killer. I'll leave the rest to your imagination. Every time I listened to these three tracks my imagination evolved from more happy to deep and dark world of exciting adventures. This is truly a great track stirring many emotions. 

Duet For Daniel Humair ovelrays a picture worth more than a thousand words for the drummer, composer and painter. This is classical music improvised over the voice of the soprano sax. There is no end to these musicians' talent.  

In my opinion, one of the strongest tracks on the album is Arome De L'air with a staunch sax solo providing the foundation. This would be much appreciated played live at the world famous Ronnie Scott's jazz club. I imagined Joachim smiling, playing the piano, before the transitioning to the Weather Report-style ending. 

Brainmachine has an eerie slow rock intro, almost as if it was meant to be played as an alternative to the Death March. A clever composition that again, invokes different imaginative stories of dark times.

If I said I have played this track forty times in three weeks it would not be short of the truth. Umckaloabo is by far the strongest track of the album, fused with classic-folk before the segue into jazz-fusion. The bass and piano solos will make the hair stand-up on the back of your neck before you attempt the jazz pirouette. Oh, and listen for that amazing accordion and bass clarinet which is off-the-wall and far out.   

Balladibiza I is a downbeat classical blues and jazz track which has a deep electric solo played by Manu Codija. One that encourages the slow head nod and intermittent foot tapping. I need more of this talent in my circles. 

The epilogue to the album starts with a piano solo which I encourage you to play with a moderate to high volume to digest all that is Balladibiza II. The plucky bassline is reserved for the finale. 

I am glad and appreciate the opportunity to be exposed to so much talent which can only increase your musical appetite as a consumer of good music. Enjoy. 

 

Executive Producer: Siggi Loch

Musicians: Emile Parisien (soprano & tenor saxophone), Joachim Kuhn ( piano) , Manu Codjia (guitar), Simon Tailleu (double bass), Mario Costa (drums) 

Guest Artists: ( tracks 3, 4, 5, & 9) : Michel Portal (bass clarinet), Vincent Peirani (accordion)

 

Review: Fernando Rose

Read 2251 times Last modified on Monday, 25 September 2017 08:43

Our Contributors

image

Rob Mallows

London Jazz Meetup owner and fan of ‘plugged in’ jazz.
 
image

Simon Cooney

By day a full time Londoner in tv news. By night jazzaholic
 
image

Fernando Rose

I love my jazz and I bless the funk. I play percussion for all and sundry and go by @Mr Cool.
 
image

Grae Shennan

Laboratory scientist with a love of evolving music that defies boundaries. 
 
image

Hilary Robertson

Jazz-obsessed freelance writer and saxist.
 
image

Kim Cypher

Saxophonist, vocalist, composer, band leader and radio show presenter. Follows dreams and loves to celebrate great music and musicians.
 
image

Fiona Ross

Fiona is the founder of the award winning organisation Women in Jazz Media. She was the guest editor in chief for the 2020 edition of Jazz Quarterly and writes for many publications across the globe.
 
image

Wendy Kirkland

Jazz pianist and singer with wide musical tastes spanning latin through fusion to bebop and swing. Cat fanatic.
 
image

Elana Shapiro

From Manchester, currently living in Berlin. Lover of jazz, RnB, and soul inspired music.