Alban Darche - Le gros cube #2 (2021) [Hi-Res]

Amongst all the machine-linked metaphors used in the history of large groups in jazz, that of Alban Darche’s Gros Cube (literally “Big Bike”) is unusual, but absolutely perfect for describing this brand new band. It can purr, snore, or roar in turn; it can even gleam and sparkle, but it never goes over the top. The impression it leaves is less one of a Formula 1 engine than that of a gleeful ballet of bikers out for a good time, swept along in a masterly choreography. Alban Darche succeeds in inventing the most improbable combinations of instruments out of the strictly classical instrumentation of the typical Big Band; he’s constantly putting sections together then dismounting them, as if it were all a musical meccano and he’s a child “screwing” the new sounds together with his particularly gifted hands.

Each of the 17 members of the band – all soloists – seems galvanised into action by a strong sense of liberty, thanks to the roaring breakaways the coherent and spectacular orchestration allows them. As for the collective harmonised parts, they all show an outstanding “vocal” quality that is virtually unknown in current instrumental jazz. G.ARNAUD

Alban Darche : saxophones, compositions et arrangements

Marie Krüttli (CH): piano
Gilles Coronado : guitare
Sébastien Boisseau : contrebasse
Christophe Lavergne : batterie

Jon Irabagon (US): saxophone alto
Loren Stillman (US): saxophone alto
Alban Darche : saxophone ténor
Matthieu Donarier : saxophone ténor
Rémi Sciuto : saxophone baryton

Joël Chausse : trompette lead
Geoffroy Tamisier : trompette
Jean-Paul Estiévenart (BE) ou Laurent Blondiau (BE): trompette
Olivier Laisney : trompette

John Fedchock (US): trombone
Jean-Louis Pommier : trombone
Samuel Blaser (CH): trombone
Matthias Quilbault : tuba