Louis Sclavis, now recognized as one of the most important voices in European jazz, introduces a new band, with only bassist Bruno Chevillon retained from his previous ECM recordings. Blending strong jazz soloing (with trumpeter Jean-Luc Cappozo making a particularly impressive showing) with elements drawn from contemporary composition, free improvising, and real and imaginary folklore, Sclavis has come up with a very convincing musical statement. Compositions include the suite-length 'Hommage à Lounès Matoub', dedicated to the memory of the Algerian protest singer murdered in 1998.