Continuing the jazz vibe on undomondo, I’ve decided to choose this French trio’s last album for a quick review. Aldo Romano, Louis Sclavis and Henri Texier are 3 major French contemporary jazz figures, and this album is the final chapter of the African journey that started 10 years ago.

I have yet to listen to the first 2 releases so I can’t compare it to the first two albums, but this CD is a joy in itself, bundled with a booklet of over hundred photos by Guy le Querrec from the journey, and featuring such delicate songs, I can surely say this has been an important album that has strengthened the jazz seeds in me.

Now, I usually start the day with `Berbere`, an outstanding track with silk smooth brasswork by Sclavis, and I feel like I’m travelling with a jeep through Africa on a sunny morning (is there any other option?:) . Definitely a cinematic album, with outstanding musicianship and cooperation by all 3. (the doublebass break by Texier on this song showcases this, as do Romano’s brushes.) I know I’m running out of adjectives to describe the quality and the warmness of the music here, so I should only tell you that they can translate their experiences and their feelings through music, unlike anyone else.

The album has some wild freejazz points, but all in all it’s a refined and mature album with spectacular melodic composition and instrumentation, and an encompassing African journey told through music as you would expect from these experienced musicians.

Trio Romano Sclavis Texier - Berbere
Trio Romano Sclavis Texier - Link