Drummer Lionel Beuvens Touches The Sky With His Latest Album '49 Steps To Heaven'

After years of touring and recording as a sideman, which saw him play on forty records, and also release two of his own very contemporary sounding albums, Trinité and Earthsong, Lionel Beuvens presents this ambitious new project under the Hypnote Records label. Reuniting the talented Alexi Tuomarila (piano), Brice Soniano (double bass) and Jorma Kalevi Louhivuori (trumpet), joined at times by Ewout Pierreux (rhodes) and Frank Vaganée (alto saxophone). This offering confirms the richness of his repertoire, nourished by jazz as well as classical and latin music. The influences of his compositions range from African music to Bach via Radiohead, Steve Coleman, Count Basie and John Coltrane.

Strong, contrasting and complementary personalities, accurately describe the exceptional musician that is Lionel Beuvens. The new album 49 Steps To Heaven is rich and contrasting, comprising a range of masterfully written contemporary jazz pieces, bordering on the experimental but imprinted with sober and powerful lyricism. The composer’s multiple inspirations can be heard (funk, Latin music), served with accuracy and emotion. Lionel Beuvens' carefully fashioned writing gives the musicians plenty of space to unleash their improvisational talents and reveals tremendous group complicity.

Imbued with an almost spiritual quality, as it oscillates between dense, wild, sometimes festive tensions, and a contemplative, calming retreat, this album can be listened to on repeat throughout the day and will definitely be one that stays with us.