A Summit in Paris

Description

The clarinetist Evan Christopher continues here the approach he experimented with in the albums "Django à la créole" (2008), "Finesse" (2010), and "Live!" (2014): combining the vibrant recipes of New Orleans' musical gumbo with the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt. In this album, Evan Christopher highlights the quality of his phrasing and his warm, woody sound characteristic of the great New Orleans clarinetists who inspired him (Sidney Bechet, Johnny Dodds…). His rapport with the gypsy guitarist Fapy Lafertin is evident. Fapy Lafertin establishes himself as a worthy heir to Django Reinhardt. He knows how to develop a melodic line of quicksilver while avoiding any unnecessary turbulence. Every note is in its right place. Everything is thoughtfully and carefully expressed. The two companions engage in dialogue and support each other with complementary counter-melodies, developing a personal discourse forged by attentive listening to the masters. The solid swinging playing of Sébastien Girardot and the nuanced accompaniment of Dave Kelbie, the owner of the Lejazzetal label responsible for many beautiful productions, greatly contribute to the success of the whole. The art of interpreting Django with a Louisiana twist. Alain Tomas