A new one and a revisit:
Because most of you have never heard of pianist Moncef Genoud, and that he’s coming to town in July, I thought I’d give an overview of his latest two discs. Both definitely worth hearing.
Aqua was released back in 2006, and is an amazing intro to this creatively voiced musician. His working trio here is with Scott Colley/b and Bill Stewart/dr and they deliver a sort of chanson/bohemian sound to regular post bop jazz. The elliptical touch off of Genoud’s hands on “Out of the Blue” and the clever reading of “Summertime” are artistic wonders of thought, delivery and style. For one of his last earthly recordings, saxist Michael Brecker brings some agonizing tones to a thoughtful “Mix of Key’s” and intriguing title track, while Dee Dee Bridgewater chimes in with a tour de force take of “Lush Life.” Incredible music here.
For his 2011 session, Genoud works with Antoine Ogay/b and Phillipe Staehli/dr and a few TBA guests on this mix of originals and covers. His sound is a bit more mainstreamed, but the inquisitive yearning and exploration is still palpable. His take of Monk’s “Pannonica” is well toned, while ruminations abound on “Blue in Greene.” His own material such as “Chermignon” and “Strange Experience” reveal a spaciousness to his thought, mixed with some prismatic hues bouncing around. A closing West African piece with Yousou N’Dour ends the disc on an exotic flavor. Intriguing and artistic music.
Rollin’ Dice Productions
www.rollindice.com