Frédéric Favarel - By Oneself (2022) Hi Res

American pianist Richie Beirach, who was one of my teachers, would always tell me that one day, I would inevitably have to make a solo recording. Consciously or not, I have often backed away from doing it, as I was impressed both by the technical challenge and by the fear of being so exposed. The approach of presenting an album (almost) entirely alone is new and totally different from solo improvisation during concerts in a group”.

After six albums as a leader with various instrumental formats a busy activity as a sideman in larger ensembles, this seventh album marks indeed a new turning point in the guitarist's artistic path, a "refocusing" on himself and by himself ("by oneself").

"Frédéric Favarel's new solo album is a little "jewel", a collection of miniatures that takes the listener into the heart of the most beautiful jazz standards, from Cole Porter to Duke Ellington, from Kurt Weill to Wayne Shorter...



His inspiration comes rather from pianists, as Frédéric likes to remind us: Art Tatum (for the dazzling feats), Bill Evans (for the harmonic sensitivity), Richie Beirach (the guide and inspirer...) but also current pianists like Fred Hersch, John Taylor or Marc Copland, as his initial guitar sensibility had led him more towards musicians like Joe Pass or Ralph Towner.

Favarel being a master at making things hiw own, each interpretation stems from a sensitive and accurate inspiration.

The melodies and harmonies are deeply embellished, the time and groove are full of elegant serenity and swing.

 The key word throughout this album is rewriting, whether regarding form, the use of devices such as reharmonization, the stretching of structures and rhythms.
 The great richness in Frédéric's contribution throughout the album, is to mingle preludes, improvisations, dazzling moments and themes all integrated symbiotically within a unified underlying voice, thereby revealing a great mastery and a magnificent sense of form.



The icing on the cake is the presence of Thomas Savy on bass clarinet on two of Favarel's original compositions: a presence that energizes and enriches an album that is already so warm and bewitching.


If the recent lockdowns we had to undergo (the aptly named "Parenthese") led the artist to introspection, it is only to come out more inspired and more generous than ever. This album is the proof of that.

Bravo to the artist and long live this beautiful project!