A young rising star of French jazz, pianist
Murat Öztürk released his first solo album in 2002. He is accompanied by bassist
Jacques Vidal, a session veteran, and drummer Jean-Marc Robin, a younger player.
Öztürk is in direct lineage with
Bill Evans,
Keith Jarrett, and, to a certain extent,
Chick Corea. His compositions favor precious melodies and an intimate mood. His playing is on the expressionist side -- what he lacks in virtuosity (which doesn't mean he can't play, on the contrary!) he makes up in emotion and rubato, pushing far into romantic territory. The best piece is "Je...Demain," but it is also the least representative. A groove in 7/4 pinned by an insisting bass piano ostinato, strongly reminiscent of
Dave Brubeck, becomes the blueprint for a song as
Öztürk sings excerpts from a Turkish poem in a whispery voice. Lively and driving, it contrasts sharply with the depressivo-romantic, smoke-filled, late-night jazz club music that surrounds it. At his most syrupy, the pianist breaks into a predictable arrangement of
Chopin's "Nocturne No. 2." Two guests have been brought in to provide variety and caution. Sax player
Éric Barret (
Steve Swallow,
Freddie Hubbard,
Michel Portal), appearing on two cuts, and accordionist
Marcel Azzola (who used to be essential to the French sound of singers like
Boris Vian,
Yves Montand, or
Edith Piaf a few decades ago) are put to good use, especially the latter in "Équilibre." In short,
Söyle is an album well done and totally harmless. It lacks surprise, but if you like your jazz soft and without the slightest element of danger, this one's for you.