Colin Vallon – Samares (2024) [FLAC 24bit/96kHz]

Colin Vallon – Samares (2024)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 43:16 minutes | 781 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © ECM Records

The signature-lyricism and melancholy of Colin Vallon’s compositions as well as his trio’s understated three-way interaction remain magically intact on Samares. Yet, much has evolved in the sound of the Swiss pianist’s group since their last record for ECM, 2017’s Danse, among other things Vallon’s freshly introduced use of electronics to modulate his instrument’s pitch. Dynamic extremes are explored and tuneful hooks – some melody-, some harmony-, others beat-based – patiently assembled, often completed in mesmerizing fashion. Where subtle rhythmic twists and harmonic progressions constructed around piano triads recall cutting-edge inspirations from the world of art-rock, other expositions reveal a tight-knit jazz trio elaborating a chamber sound focused on close listening and reacting. Recorded at Lugano’s Auditorio Stelio Molo in 2023, Samares was produced by Manfred Eicher.The lyrical pianist Collin Vallon excels at swirling melodies. His playful, expansive musical sense is phytomorphicized by Samares’ namesake—the winged indehiscent fruit of maple trees, better known as whirligigs or helicopters. On second track, “Maris,” Vallon forcefully outlines the tune’s melody, alongside superb drummer Julian Sartorius who quietly drums with incisive care and supportive motives, like his inventive cymbal rasping, and stand up bassist Patrice Moret, another chill but impassioned musical presence, who adds depth. This trio creates a dense web of textures that arise from a method that Vallon says occurs when they “collectively contemplate before moving mountains … energy rises from a quiet center breathy percussion, shaded pulse, and gives this moving collection a tidal quality.” As is the case with all ECM sessions, the sound is strikingly transparent and accurate. At times it effectively mixes the ethereal with an insistent rhythm as in “Ronce,” where Sartorius masters a frenetic chopping motion as Vallon moves through cyclonic figures. In “Étincelle” the piano shapes the music with rubato freedoms while Moret thumbs chords and Sartorius’ dexterous cymbal work adds texture. Vallon explores ideas at his own rising and falling pace, discovering and moving on before the piece fades out. “Timo” (which along with “Lou” is named after Vallon’s kids) opens with a prepared piano that adds a plucked, music box-like resonance, and Sartorius is again excellent, opening with a slapping sound before modulating to active cymbals and a light touch as Vallon returns to acoustic piano. Not surprisingly, the title track features Vallon running down the keyboard, before all join in on an adamant rhythm showcasing the sixth sense that allows trios to speak with one voice. – Robert Baird

Tracklist:

1-1. Colin Vallon – Racine (03:25)
1-2. Colin Vallon – Mars (06:46)
1-3. Colin Vallon – Lou (05:38)
1-4. Colin Vallon – Ronce (04:06)
1-5. Colin Vallon – Étincelle (06:16)
1-6. Colin Vallon – Timo (04:45)
1-7. Colin Vallon – Samares (03:39)
1-8. Colin Vallon – Souche (03:33)
1-9. Colin Vallon – Brin (05:03)

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