Sylvain Luc: Trio Sud

The acoustic timbres and sensual approach to jazz bring Sylvain Luc’s trio in line with Django Reinhardt. Born in Bayonne, France, Luc comes from a family of traditional Basque musicians. To his natural heritage, the guitarist has added South American and South African tinges, and timeless, straight-ahead colors to his palette. Sud has been together for several years. Their empathy produces a well-structured program with seamless transitions between solo and group voices. Luc delivers a powerful performance, steeped in tradition and yet fresh with creative pleasures. His lyrical melodies alongside the bassist’s ringing walks provide a sensual program. Their feverish “Pata Pata” and tangoish “Les Amants d’un Jour” work best. Pop melodies “Could It Be Magic” and “Brazil” take on a special meaning in the hands of this veteran guitarist and his Trio Sud. Luc’s original “Irdir” smokes with contemporary fire and a funk-driven attitude. Bassist Jafet’s original “Don’t Tell Me” sparks a similar, spontaneous mood. Blues, roots and a creative spirit take over. Be it the music of southern France, southern Spain, South America, South Africa or the south side of Chicago, this trio’s latest release is a winner.