(Post-Bop, Contemporary Jazz) [WEB] Géraud Portal & Etienne Déconfin (Geraud Portal & Etienne Deconfin) - Brothers - 2015, FLAC (tracks), lossless

Bassist Géraud Portal and pianist Etienne Déconfin are lifelong friends – raised in Bourges, central France. In 2013 they took a trip to New York and whilst staying in the home of legendary bassist Bill Lee, father of Spike Lee, met several young jazz musicians including saxophonists Lee Arnold and Ben Solomon and drummer Kush Abadey, all three being members of trumpeter Wallace Roney’s band. It was during this time that Portal and Déconfin, along with guest musicians, were inspired to make the album “Fort Greene Story”. Being born out of their stay in the heart of New York with the special atmosphere of the Fort Greene neighbourhood of Brooklyn, this was the catalyst for their latest release, “Brothers”. The French duo held a strong desire to continue writing and performing with drummer Abadey and saxophonist Solomon, and so started recording this album even before their French tour promoting “Fort Greene Story”. The starting point for each song on “Brothers” is, according to the composers, an emotion related to one or more persons utilising a will to use the music as a pure means of expression. And as the title suggests, there is a strong notion of fraternity and of sharing between musicians and listeners.
The album features 8 tracks, 6 of which are the trio of piano, bass and drums, with 2 adding the tenor saxophonist to make up the quartet. The music throughout this session has that rare quality to it of sounding old… yet new; a timelessness about it that evokes memories of John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner whilst at the same time bridging the gap between the United States of America and Europe, with its ECM-like feel from the 70’s and 80’s. All rounded off with a modern, confident, free-flowing originality that suggest there will be much more to come from these exciting musicians.
“Brothers” kicks off with the trio raging; full steam ahead on the opener “Lumberjack Song”. At first there doesn’t appear to be too much subtlety on the face of it here, but then when listening more attentively one can hear the incredible interplay between bassist Portal and drummer Abadey which in turn allows Déconfin to lead with his piano in such a bright and uninhibited manner. Tenor saxophonist Ben Solomon joins the party for one of the outstanding tracks of the album; “Ben’s Mode”. This is truly a killer tune, one of the best I’ve heard this year. Solomon’s modal playing sounds like a John Coltrane meets Charles Lloyd hybrid, adding both subtlety and power to this incredible composition. But it’s the emotion in the quartet’s performance that stands out above all else; mesmerising music written and played with such emotional power is rare, and it’s here for all to enjoy. The rhythmic qualities to “Blues for Kush” are startling. An initial blues based melody turns into a hard-driving drum and bass led groove that evokes 60’s Blue Note at its best. There’s a change of pace on the title track “Brothers” as the trio shine a light on their friendship, with Déconfin now showing a lightness of touch on the piano that is both soothing and memorable. “Sister Romane” provides us with a classic trio piece, well thought-out and written, once again the threesome performing with a rich virtuosity. The languorous melodies of “Maelle” are a walk upon the borders of a lost love. Touching and thoughtful. If I had picked up the sleeve notes and read that Keith Jarrett had written the tune “Elise” it really would not have been a surprise. This is one of the most perfectly written jazz tunes I have had the pleasure of listening to in a long time. The initial theme develops into a more playful piece; a-la Jarrett and co circa mid 70’s. The bass is simply beautiful, the drums are exquisite and the piano playing is stunning. Every lover of music needs to hear this wonderfully impressive tune. And so, all too soon, we come to the final track, “Goodbye Abraham”. Saxophonist Solomon once again joins the trio for this hymn-like exploration into spirituality. Fully immersed in the golden age of jazz, this tune is played out like a liberating prayer. A fitting end to a wonderful album.
If I had one minor gripe about “Brothers” it would be that I would have liked to hear more of Ben Solomon’s sax playing. 2 tracks just isn’t enough… but hey, that’s just me being greedy. I can’t fault the emotion, the attitude, the skill and the delivery of this set of tunes, I just want to hear more!
Mike Gates

Géraud Portal - bass
Etienne Déconfin - piano
Kush Abadey - drums
Ben Solomon - tenor saxophone