Matthieu Chedid Cardiac Dance

Passion Jaroussky marks 20 years since Philippe Jaroussky made his professional debut and commenced his rapid ascent to stardom. As the French countertenor says, “Even after all these years, my passion for music is undimmed.” Ranging musically from the 16th to the 21st century, the triple album comprises both new recordings and highlights from recent albums, and it also showcases Jaroussky’s collaborations with a host of major singers – from the worlds of both classical music and pop – instrumentalists, conductors and orchestras.

Born in Beirut, now settled in France, Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf plays a heady mix of jazz, funk and improvisation steeped in classical and Arabic styles. In Paris, he has become a noted figure on the electro-jazz scene, bringing his style to modern funk and electronica acts, but his music also has a mystical, contemplative quality that sets him apart from most contemporary players. Named `Discovery of the Year? at the 2010 French Jazz Music Awards Ibrahim has played with renowned artists such as Amadou and Mariam, Sting, Salif Keita, Toumani Diabate, Matthieu Chedid (aka M) and the legendary Lebanese composer/singer and oud player Marcel Khalife.

François Poitou est contrebassiste de jazz mais aussi compositeur et arrangeur. Pour son premier projet en leader, il a monté un groupe assez original sans batteur. Un quintet violon, alto, guitare, saxophone et contrebasse donc. Pour le disque, un second violon vient compléter la formation. Huit compositions et une reprise de Matthieu Chédid pour un répertoire étonnant, inclassable mais extrêmement goûteux et audacieux. Les cordes tissent une trame assez douce (parfois en pizzicati) que le saxophone ou la clarinette basse ponctue tantôt allègrement, tantôt délicatement. Poitou et sa contrebasse assurant la pulsation. Mais l’album vaut beaucoup par le jeu littéralement envoûtant de Federico Casagrande à la guitare. De la musique de chambre contemporaine qui swingue, qui groove cela pourrait fort bien s’appeler du jazz.