Jazz siblings such as Monty and Larry Alexander; Jimmy, Percy and Tootie Heath, and of course, George and Ira Gershwin share a unique bond of family and music kinship. It's even more unique to learn how a set of twins that grew up in an environment surrounded by jazz music, have earned a PHD in Physics and a Masters in Mathematics, have pursued their true fraternal love: Jazz music. With brothers Louis on acoustic bass and Francois on drums, their music is now reborn and thankfully presented to jazz enthusiasts here in the U.S. Their new CD entitled Power Tree which was released in France a few years with much deserved acclaim, is a powerful testament to the talent and creativity of a unique jazz kinship.
The Reunion Quartet is completed with the addition of equally talented musicians Baptiste Trotignon on piano and Sylvain Beuf on tenor and soprano saxophone. The music is at once captivating and soulful. Steeped in the roots of swing and groove, it is also a modern work of art with vision and self identity. It's contemplative, entertaining, and cool, with a deep sense of power and purpose. The CD contains a mixture of original compositions by the brothers, selections by French singer Georges Brassens, and a unique bass/drum duet version of the famous standard, "La Vie en Rose".
Francois is a dynamo of a bass player and is also the bassist with the stellar Jean-Michel Pilc Trio, also on the Dreyfus Jazz label. His bass sings and swings with much spirit. His playing and writing wizardry is displayed on the composition "Africa" which opens with a powerful bass solo. Drummer and percussionist Francois is equally adept as he exhibits command and artistic vision on selections such as "A Batons Rompus" which expresses a sense of swing and freedom. Sylvian Beuf on tenor, alto, and soprano sax is a most serious sax man. His solos and phrasings are a show of controlled intensity, smooth animation, and soulful creativity. Pianist Baptiste Trotignon has spirit and soul in the vein of Hancock and Tyner. A prime example is exhibited on his dynamic solo on Brassens selection "Je M'Suis Fait Tout P'tit". It is truly delightful to experience the musical bond and now gift of gratifying jazz by the Moutin Brothers and their Reunion Quartet. Highly Recommended.
Moutin Reunion Quartet
