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. - Jim Santella
Tracks
01. Jordu (Duke Jordan)
02. Les Amants D'Un Jour (Delécluse/Monnot/Senlis)
03. Xarmegaria (Sylvain Luc)
04. Out Of The Night Came You (Horace Silver)
05. Eraldi (Sylvain Luc)
06. La Complainte De La Butte (George Parys/Jean Renoir)
07. Pata Pata (Myriam Makeba/Norman Margulies)
08. Could It Be Magic (Adrienne Anderson/Barry Manilow)
09. Peace (Horace Silver)
10. Brazil (Ary Barroso)
11. Irdir (Sylvain Luc)
12. Recuerdos la Alhambra (Francisco Tarrega)
JEAN-MARC JAFET bass
SYLVAIN LUC guitar
ANDRÉ CECCARELLI drums
Recorded at Studio Ferber, Paris on October 14, 15 & 16, 2001
Dreyfus Jazz - FDM 36632-2