This is a departure for this unique trio which, for the first time, performs non-original material and is joined on most pieces by a string of singers and vocal groups. Although the idea for this recording came from producer Jean Rochard, band leader and bass clarinetist Denis Colin fully embraced the concept. The result is a tribute to American culture with clear political overtones as illustrated by covers of Wyclef Jean's "Diallo" about the African immigrant shot 41 times by New York police, or Marlena Shaw's "Woman of the Ghetto." Interestingly enough, Colin has been influenced by tenor sax players and acknowledge their contributions with the inclusion of two non-vocal tracks, John Coltrane's "Amen" and "Turkish Women at the Bath," a piece associated with John Gilmore, as well as Archie Shepp's "Blasé" and Sonny Rollins' "Jungoso." The most effusive passages suggests that Coltrane has the upper hand in influencing the clarinetist. Colin resorts to overdubs in order to use the whole spectrum of his instrument's sonic palette to great effect and, in particular, create dynamic contrasts. The intensity brought by cellist Didier Petit and the woven rhythms supplied by zarb player Pablo Cueco are essential to the success of this project, whose many qualities really emerge with repeated and attentive listening.
© Alain Drouot /TiVo