The Blue Land
Matthieu Bordenave
A delicate tightrope is trodden between tonal and abstract [making] for an intriguing, collectively expressive set of chamber ensemble pieces.
The Blue Land
Matthieu Bordenave
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A delicate tightrope is trodden between tonal and abstract [making] for an intriguing, collectively expressive set of chamber ensemble pieces.
About
For the follow-up of his ECM-leader-debut La traversee, French saxophonist Matthieu Bordenave expands his trio of German pianist Florian Weber and French bassist Patrice Moret with the unique sensibilities of drummer James Maddren, whose unrelenting pulse adds deft counterpoint to the group's already idiosyncratic sound. Beyond the soulfully angular rendering of John Coltrane's "Compassion", the quartet tackles eight Bordenave-originals that bridge the gap between chamber-jazz dynamics and post-swing designs. Weber and Bordenave's oblique approach to their instruments - Bordenave can be heard on both tenor and soprano sax - coalesce seamlessly, spinning unanticipated lines over a highly interactive rhythm section. The Blue Land was recorded in Pernes-Les-Fontaines in 2022, and produced by Manfred Eicher.
Matthieu Bordenave: tenor saxophone
Florian Weber: piano
Patrice Moret: double bass
James Maddren: drums
Contents and tracklist
Side A
1. La Porte Entrouverte
2. The Blue Land
3. Compassion
4. Cyrus
5. Refraction
Side B
1. Distance
2. Three Four
3. Timbre
4. Three Peaks
Awards and reviews
March 2024
A delicate tightrope is trodden between tonal and abstract [making] for an intriguing, collectively expressive set of chamber ensemble pieces.
…Bordenave expands his trio with the unique sensibilities of drummer James Maddren, whose deft touch and unrelenting pulse adds a perfect counterpoint to the group's already idiosyncratic sound.
