Sebastien Paindestre Trio: Parcours

Parcours finds French pianist Sebastien Paindestre leading a trio with longtime collaborators Antoine Paganotti (drums) and Jean-Claude Oleksiak (bass). The disc highlights the collaborative spirit of the ensemble, navigating through Paindestre's harmonically lush compositions.

The session opener, "Le Soupirail," has a modal, swinging quality reminiscent of a 1960s Wayne Shorter composition. It's the perfect introduction to Paindestre's modern approach. The pianist has a supple touch on the keyboard, maintaining an even flow with impressive technical control. With improvisational ideas that are at once lush and accessible, Paindestre allows for plenty of breathing room between phrases, as demonstrated on the vibrant waltz, "Un Pere Impair" and the George Gershwin ballad "Bess, You Is My Woman Now." "Metamorphose" reveals the influence of piano legend Herbie Hancock on Paindestre—as does the inclusion of Hancock's funky classic "Tell Me a Bedtime Story."

Oleksiak's bass playing drives each track with a forward momentum, pushing the beat with an unrelenting intensity. The bassist proves himself a strong soloist on "Je Kaje Lune." Paganotti is a quiet force behind the drums, supporting Paindestre with inspired syncopations and steady-as-a-rock time-keeping.

Parcours is an exemplary demonstration of progressive jazz. Paindestre is an exciting pianist who succeeds at shaping the sound of his trio into a unique collective.