Search - Laurent Cugny & Big Band Lumiere :: Santander

Fantastically Innovative / Must Own

JC | MD USA | 06/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a sensational album that seemlessly merges big band conceptions with progressive electric instrumentation, without sacrificing any of the artistic values that can be found in either when in the right hands. This is absolutely a must own for anyone who appreciates sublimely crafted intelligently played music, and especially for anyone who appreciates jazz in the least, though pegging the project as jazz misses the point.



The album starts with "Lady, Like Yours", which is actually a highly original instrumental arrangement of David Crosby and Graham Nash's "Guinnevere". Stunning, and a fitting preview of the blend of musical elements and level of effort involved. This is followed by several of Laurent's original compositions before closing with Gil Evans' Orgone, which is augmented by the appearance of Bireli Lagrene. The players seem to be the cream of french professionals, with the approximately 15 piece orchestra employing brass, woodwinds, guitar, keyboards, drums and percussion.



Gil would be proud, and very happy that someone is so capably continuing to advance the musical directions he probed. This is sensuously arranged, incredibly played, beautifully written music of the highest order. If you stumbled across this disc here, you need to hear it.



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