actuellecd

Review

Dolf Mulder, Vital, no 703, 1 novembre 2009

Normand Guilbeault Ensemble. With an earlier CD in mind of this ensemble, Mingus Erectus, their new one is again dedicated to the work of jazzgigant Charlie Mingus. In a line up of six musicians plus guest a singer (alt and baritone saxes, flute, voice, clarinet, bass clarinet, trumpet, fluglehorn, piano, drums, doublebass) they interpret six compositions by Mingus. It is a very demanding and heavy kind of jazz. It not so easily opens itself up for the listener. The music is very intense. But there is also room for humor and charm. The piano solo in Prayer for Passive Resistance is hard to resist. It is difficult for me to judge how this combo actualizes the music of Mingus, but for sure not in a conservative retro way.

The music is very intense. But there is also room for humor and charm.