Record Reviews

EMILE PARISIEN QUINTET ~ SFUMATO ACT 9837 (Barcode: 614427983725) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is an album by French Jazz saxophonist / composer Emile ParisienFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with legendary German pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and French guitarist Manu CodjiaFind albums by this artist and bassist Simon TailleuFind albums by this artist and Portuguese drummer Mario CostaFind albums by this artist. On four tracks the quintet is expanded to a septet with the addition of French veteran bass clarinetist Michel PortalFind albums by this artist and accordionist Vincent PeiraniFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, mostly composed by Parisien, one co-composed with Kuhn and two composed by Kuhn. The music is brilliant modern European Jazz, strongly based on typical French balladry and chanson traditions, but incorporating Free (well almost) elements, extensive improvisations and is full of superb soloing, which is often breathtaking. Kuhn finds himself in a most suitable environment and his piano work is alone worth listening to the album, but the general level of musicianship is truly astounding. This album is a well-deserved indicator of the incredibly high level of contemporary French Jazz, which sadly is often quite overlooked on the thriving European scene, which is a pity. Overall, this is a beautiful album, full of great music and sublime musicianship, and Kuhn’s participation is a true cherry on top. Although often quite complex, the music is still accessible to a wide audience due to its melodic elements, and is obviously wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 29/01/2026Posted: 29/01/2026

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