Erik Truffaz: Saloua

Reggae and rap enter the album's lineup for a broader picture. Add to that Mounir Troudi's exotic chants, and you have a world view of modern jazz. Truffaz interacts with his two vocal guests to deliver a social message that's intended to wake up his audience. The leader's trumpet, however, takes a diminished role behind these vocal diatribes. He paints landscape scenes that flow gently and mournfully behind the album's lyrics. Truffaz uses his horn merely to color what is being said.

The trumpeter's instrumental numbers provide a better picture of the jazz spirit. "Tantrik" echoes with a soulful open-horn moan. "Spirale" incorporates electronic effects into its moody fusion. "Le Soliel d'Eline" lets the leader's open trumpet express its ballad message clearly with heartfelt passion. "Et la Vie Continue" romps with a raucous muted horn syncopation, while "Ghost Drummer" stirs the traditional spirit with open horn and highly creative techniques. When he opts to step forward, Truffaz gives his audience a firm grasp of the power he holds in his horn.

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