****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is the first Jean_Michel Pilc album I purchased and upon hearing the opening of "So What", my jaw dropped. This guy's playing is off the charts. He combines technical virtuosity with extremely interesting and often extremely complex arrangements of very familiar jazz standards. When Pilc plays notes, it feels like he's already thinking ten measures ahead. This guy re-invents the wheel on several tunes like "Stella By Starlight (ridiculously creative chord phrasing) and "Giant Steps" (bordering on a free jazz version yet precise in its extrapolation). Francois Moutin's playing is very lyrical and includes his usual fingerboard gymnastics. If you crossed Scott LaFaro and Eddie Gomez, it might sound like Moutin. Hoenig provides excellent drum work. Never in the way and always tasteful. When it's time to play loud or show off, thats what he does, but I suspect he loves being in "the pocket" more than ripping off an Elvin Jones-ish drum solo. If you like the Bill Evans trios, Keith Jarrett's trios or just virtuostic playing with extremely mature and aesthetic arrangements then buy this album ASAP!
