Jazz Articles about Pierre Favre

Pierre Favre: Saxophones

by Rex Butters
September 9, 2004

Pierre Favre has an interesting resume. Starting out with names like Lil Hardin Armstrong in the '50s, Favre drummed for Bud Powell, Booker Ervin, and other boppers before going free with the likes of Peter Kowald, Evan Parker, Peter Brötzmann, and John Surman. On his new release with the ARTE Quartet saxophones, with Michel Godard adding tuba and serpent, Favre utilizes parallel motion in arranging the horns resulting in a sound that, while modern, references haunting holy choral music of ...

Pierre Favre on Intakt

by Andrey Henkin
August 12, 2004

One of the most important skills contributing to the longevity of an improvising musician's career is versatility. A look at several successful examples demonstrates a commitment to adaptability: Evan Parker, William Parker, Kenny Wheeler, Anthony Braxton. Two new albums by venerable Swiss drummer Pierre Favre, one an improvised duet and the other a carefully sculpted quasi-sextet session, show why he has managed to remain relevant since the early '60s while so many others wallow in their back catalogue.

Pierre Favre ...

Pierre Favre: European Chamber Ensemble

by Glenn Astarita
January 1, 2001

Pierre Favre is not only one of the most musically minded freelance drummers in modern jazz yet also leads the charmingly inventive quartet known as “Singing Drums”. And with his latest endeavor titled European Chamber Ensemble, the maestro extends his quartet with the addition of a dual string section, guitar and bass.

Favre and fellow percussionist Lucas Niggli steer the octet through a series of thoroughly memorable pieces that serve as paradigms for predominately contrasting elements. Yet the leader’s visions ...

Pierre Favre - Singing Drums: Souffles

by Glenn Astarita
August 1, 1999

Two percussionists, Sax and Tuba comprise Souffles, led by the brilliant Swiss drummer-composer, Pierre Favre. What an interesting concept?! Judging from the unorthodox instrumentation one could very well assume that this might be one of those free-jazz fests featuring inordinate doses of pounding drums and wild improvisational banter.... Not the case here.......Favre’s vision is nonetheless cohesive, vividly picturesque while showcasing his bright, cheerful compositions boasting engagingly memorable melodies along with razor-sharp ensemble work.

Pierre Favre can swing, improvise with the ...

Pierre Favre Singing Drums: Souffles

by Glenn Astarita
August 1, 1999

Two percussionists, Sax and Tuba comprise Souffles, led by the brilliant Swiss drummer-composer, Pierre Favre. What an interesting concept?! Judging from the unorthodox instrumentation one could very well assume that this might be one of those free-jazz fests featuring inordinate doses of pounding drums and wild improvisational banter.... Not the case here.......Favre’s vision is nonetheless cohesive, vividly picturesque while showcasing his bright, cheerful compositions boasting engagingly memorable melodies along with razor-sharp ensemble work.

Pierre Favre can swing, improvise with the ...