| Jazz |
Undeniably one of the most beautiful discoveries and one of the biggest slaps in the face for the end of this year: True is the EP offered by trombonist and composer Pierre Flasse. We must admit that until now we have never heard his name, and yet our editorial staff is flooded with news, information, albums, various requests to present many different musicians, bands and groups. So we searched… who is this Pierre Flasse?
Aged 29 (only…) Pierre Flasse is a British/ Belgian composer, sound designer, performer, arranger, musical director and educator who studied music and composition at the University of Manchester and graduated in 2018. And, excuse me for mentioning this, Pierre is currently an assistant composer to Sally Potter OBE, working as a transcriber, arranger, orchestrator, mixer, sound editor and creative collaborator. He has also scored two original film soundtracks: Sis – a drama about a broken family relationship, and Svaha – an adventure film about two friends kayaking the Caribbean. Hard to believe Pierre is only 29!
Now, True, his first album (EP) creates sounds of joy and rhythmically dynamic music for people to feel in their hearts. After a first, then a second and a third listening to this album, we must recognize that Pierre Flasse is probably one of the most interesting trombonists. Here, on his first album as a leader, he’s accompanied by Tom Drew (Tenor Sax/ Clarinet), Maria Rocha (Acoustic/ Electric Guitar), Andrew Barney (Keyboards), Dan Springate (Bass Guitar/ Cello) and Will Shaw (Drums). The progression of the tracks allows space for musicality, solos, and intricate melodies.
The album presents four tracks from a dream line-up, with the strong presence of Springate’s bass – whether on electric bass or cello, Dan Springate’s style captivates from the first track – supported by drummer Will Shaw, tenor saxophonist Tom Drew, keys’ player Andrew Barney, and Maria Rocha’s guitars. Their performances reflect all the boldness and dynamism of the British jazz scene.
With the third track, “No Rest For Whoever’s Left”, comes the poetic element, with music phrases feeling like stories and dreams. The search for aesthetics pushes the jazz tradition beyond its limits, making it impossible not to appreciate such an exercise. Here, the poetic element is always present, but everything is decidedly more restrained, as if the artist found, in that recording, an inner peace that allows him to settle without needing to pursue the absolute.
We remain impressed by the quality of the compositions, which seem to require no musical arrangement to stand tall. Here, the precision of the composer and the imagination he conveys from his inner world can touch anything. This album cannot leave anybody indifferent. One must take the time to immerse oneself to feel its full effects.
The interaction between the trombonist and the five other musicians is quite fascinating. As the album progresses, a language takes shape, a story is told, and it’s not just about the encounter between the six musicians. They maintain two constants in all their variations: an exceptionally high level of musicianship and a taste for the Masters’ distinct and unconventional aesthetic. Yes, this album is one to discover, for its beauty – the beauty of art and well-crafted work.
With his first album, Pierre Flasse demonstrates that he is not only a musician of the highest calibre but also a thinker, storyteller, and sonic orator from the heart.
It’s a shame, however, that this album is only an EP and that it only offers us 4 tracks (but for almost half an hour of music!!!), but despite this it is placed directly in the list of “Must Have” from our editorial team.
Again, undeniably one of the most of this end of year beautiful discoveries and one of the biggest slaps in the face for the end of this year: True, the EP offered by trombonist and composer Pierre Flasse.
Frankie Pfeiffer
Editor in chief – PARIS-MOVE
PARIS-MOVE, November 11th 2024
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Tracklisting:
1. Gratitude 07:26
2. Strange Luck 07:43
3. No Rest For Whoever’s Left 08:30
4. Feather 04:47