Boiron/Chevillon/Gastard - Là

Leif Carlsson, Lira

 

Là is a double CD with sixteen compositions that lasts over an hour and forty minutes. Everything is written by Baptiste Boiron, except for three pieces by Duke Ellington, Keith Jarrett and John Coltrane. Several of the tune titles are anagrams of different inspirers, which can also be heard in the music. For example: "nus, MonoliThe ok" becomes Thelonious Monk.

Boiron's pieces often begin prudently with chamber music angular melodies and zigzag sounds. Sometimes with a tougher approach, the title track "Là" begins, for example, as an air-pressure drill. Sometimes with ease, as in the sparse and delicious-sounding tribute to soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy, "avec StyLe". Gradually, the music usually becomes slower, denser, and transitions to a responsive freer interaction, an exchange of reflection and clear roles, as in the sequel to "Là".

The setting is unusual, the sounds deep and clear. Boiron, who is at home with both Bach, Edgard Varèse and contemporary improvisers, plays soprano, alto and tenor saxophones, Bruno Chevillon is on double bass and Frédéric Gastard on bass saxophone. Two shots of "Le sourire à travers les larmes", dedicated to Charlie Chaplin and Tom Waits, balance between a sentiment that both caresses and tears. The set ends with two versions of Coltrane's "Lonnie's Lament". A long pleasant exhalation.