Etienne Manchon Trio: 'Weird Life'

Fresh from Paris, the new album from pianist and composer Etienne Manchon gives a great insight into some of the exciting jazz coming out of France right now. 'Weird Life' is anything but weird and the trio seems to combine folk with drum 'n' bass, while remaining steadfastly jazz.

From the opening track - Regard Noir - through to Iris by Wayne Shorter, there is a drive and intensity about this somehow persuasive collection of tracks. I sometimes look out for albums to share with people who "don't like jazz" and this is now on that list. An adept use of dynamics allows the tension to rise and fall to bring a real variety: the beautiful bass opening on C'est bientot mon anniversaire (It's my birthday soon) retains an eerie quality that is enhanced by electronics.

Manchon is joined by regular trio members Clement Daldosso (double bass) and Théo Moutou (drums) for their third studio album together.

There are hints of Bill Evans, as well as more French folk influences and Manchon himself makes powerful use of grand piano and synth sounds, Fender Rhodes and a range of electronic effects.

If life is weird, then that's a fundamentally brilliant thing and Weird Life is setting the bar high for French jazz.

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Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

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