Théo Ceccaldi Trio - Carrousel

Eyal Hareuveni, AllAboutJazz

This unique French string trio was recommended to Ayler Records by double bass master Joëlle Léandre. Léandre was right, of course. Carrousel, the debut from this trio, is an original set of sophisticated compositions delivered by mature musicians who found a sound of their own—a chamber-like quality but an adventurous one, intense but lyrical, light but profound.

The trio's instrumentation is rare: violin played by leader Théo Ceccaldi (who composed most of the compositions here); cello, by brother Valentin; and electric guitar, by Guillaume Aknine. Their interplay is based on the legacy of contemporary chamber trios but with an important element of ris- taking and swift swinging rhythm. All three switch leading roles and contribute to the playful rhythmic interplay.

The musical language of the trio is rich. The compositions move between the lyrical yet adventurous "Excusez-moi," the brief and chaotic "Gros sur la Patate," the minimal and the thoughtful "Cocube," with its beautiful restrained theme, and the collective improvisation of "Mélenchology," where the trio cites the familiar theme of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's "Norwegian Wood." The short "Blouse Blanche et Blouson Noir" is a brilliant, playful piece, full of eccentric humor, daring role exchanges, and exquisite performances; the following "Odette" is an impressionistic, mysterious composition, while "Viennoiserie" sounds like a modern dance piece. The trio's versatility between contemporary references and modern jazz sensibility feels organic throughout all compositions.

An impressive debut by a highly genuine trio.