Pensées Rotatives

Description

As we approach the end of 2021, jazz fans around the world seem increasingly eager to experience live music. French double bassist Théo Girard, who has been seen alongside Bratsch, Macha Gharibian, Trans Kabar, and Deal in recent years, has perfectly captured this spirit with Pensées Rotatives, a joyful, optimistic, and colorful album recorded live at the Jazz Sous Les Pommiers festival in 2019 in Coutances. The conductor brings together ideas, motifs, and musicians from his 20-year career in a masterful opus that showcases the excitement and energy of this group. At the heart of Théo Girard's orchestra are long-time collaborators: Sebastian Rochford (UK) on drums and trumpeter Antoine Berjeaut (FR). Surrounding them—both figuratively and literally during concerts—is a crown of 12 horn players, many of whom have already played alongside the bassist in various formations throughout his career. Gently dancing between sensitivity and intensity, Pensées Rotatives presents a true meeting of minds among old and new friends, in the form of an impressive collection of improvisations. Surprisingly, for a recording composed entirely of original music, it could be described as a cover album. Each piece revisits one of his previous works before twisting, turning, and developing it for this 15-musician ensemble. The brass players (4 altos, 4 tenors, and 4 trumpets) are sometimes used as a single instrument. At other times, they regain their individuality and each bring a unique sound and timbre to the pieces. Above all, Pensées Rotatives is a more vibrant reminder than ever of what it feels like to be in a packed room, experiencing the thrill of live music.