AN AMERICAN FORMAT, TO GO FROM THE FAMILIAR TO THE DISCONCERTING
Among the countless machinist metaphors that have sprung up in the history of “big bands”, that of the “big cube” is unprecedented and perfect to describe this flamboyant orchestra: by turns purring, snoring or roaring, gleaming but never overdone, it is less reminiscent of a Formula 1 than of a joyful ballet of bikers on the go, choreographed by a master’s hand. From the most classic big band instrumentation, Alban Darche pulls unheard-of combinations, constantly dismantling and reassembling sections, revisiting sounds like a “musical meccano” entrusted to a gifted child. Each of the seventeen members of the orchestra – all soloists – seems galvanized by an extreme freedom, thanks to the whirring escapes provided by an orchestration that is as coherent as it is spectacular. As for the harmonized parts, they possess a “vocal” quality that is exceptional in today’s instrumental jazz. (G.ARNAUD)