#thiswayplease

Pianist Laurent Marode’s nonet album displays many qualities. The arrangements are very rich and original, reminiscent of Tadd Dameron, Supersax, Marty Paich, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Bob Florence and many others, with something of a West-Coast quality in the best sense of the term. The colours brought by the vibes are a great find, as is the precise drumming of Mourad Benhammou. Frank Basile’s strong soloing on baritone offers a nice contrast with the leader’s more introspective touch (“Wives and Lovers”) and the overall band sound is tight and swinging. Things are very controlled throughout but remain constantly interesting thanks to the complex writing balanced by melody and warmth. With its “Sidewinder” feel, “Very Last Round” is the funky piece of the album and keeps things simmering without unruly explosions.

Jean Szlamowicz for Spirit of Jazz

Sacha’s Mood; Wives and Lovers; The Adventure on Kepler 452; Start Stop; The Reason Why I Love You; Penny Lane; Very Last Round

Recorded 17th March 2016, Black & Blue Records

Fabien Mary (tp), Luigi Grasso (as), David Sauzay (ts), Jerry Edwards (tb), Frank Basile (bs), Nicholas Thomas (vib), Laurent Marode (p), Fabien Marcoz: b), Mourad Benhammou (dm)