ERIK TRUFFAZ
Mantis (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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There's an ever-present sense of exploration on Erik Truffaz' latest release, Mantis, featuring the French trumpeter leading his Ladyland Quartet (Manu Codjia, guitar; Michel Benita, bass; Phillipe Garcia, drums). While it's almost impossible to discuss Truffaz without invoking the memory of Miles Davis, the Frenchman's approach is more reminiscient than imitative. While he points in directions that Miles may have taken, he finds musical spaces as yet unexplored. Though the result is unmistakeably jazz, elements of drum & bass, rock, world and pop music are incorporated into the sound.

At moments Truffaz can sound almost hesitant, as though he's peering into dark corners of his musical conception, unsure of what he will find. Other moments are more assured, as Codjia boldly explores the musical potential of noise, or Garcia creates music from his voice mutated through a processed signal from a megaphone. When Truffaz wants to explore new musical languages as well as styles, he calls on guests like oud player Anouar Brahem or Tunisian vocalist Mounir Troudi. Whether exploring new or familiar territory, though, Truffaz draws a map that the listener will happily follow on a visit to an original conception, a rare enough experience in any style.

Track List:

The Point * La Memoire * Saisir * No Fear * Nina Valeria * Parlophone * Magrouni * Mantis * Yasmina * Mare Mosso * Tahun Bahu

© 2002 - Shaun Dale