#baptisteherbin

The young Frenchman has been on the radar of jazz fans for several years as a truly talented alto player. This album shows why—his fluency and aggressive bite are fiercely lyrical. 

His technical proficiency is almost too much of a good thing as he uses all the possible effects reaching the verge of showiness on the title track. The overall effect remains one of impressive mastery and athletic enthusiasm. It is reinforced by the immaculately muscular and refined nature of the rhythmic support he receives. Darryl Hall is both sturdy and sophisticated, bringing substance and high-powered agility to the deeply complex and colourful lines of Eduardo Farias while Ali Jackson establishes a clean sonic presence that manages to be both restless and well-defined. The music is assertive but not excessive, varied but focused. And while it never shies from modernistic bravado, it retains enough melodic content to keep the listener constantly interested.

Jean Szlamowicz (Spirit of Jazz & Down Beat)

Tracks. For Julian ; Dreams and connections ; Mia Sorella ; For JC ; Confusao geral ; Idriss ; The sphere ; Mister X ; Poor Butterfly ; Um a zero

Personnel. Baptiste Herbin (as, ss), Eduardo Farias (p), Darryl Hall (b), Ali Jackson (dm)

Recorded October 2017