Steeve Laffont - Alba Gitana (2022)

Alba Gitana, Gipsy dawn, is a commencement, a turning point of particular importance in the career of a guitarist labelled as “manouche”. Because despite the universality within that word, (“manu” meaning “man” in Sanskrit), it is often reduced to the almost mystical musical legacy of the genius Django Reinhardt. Steeve Laffont’s dawn sees his artistry break away from the confines of this tradition.
In his original compositions we find the ingredients for an unexpected recipe. There is a manouche feel to it, but the fragrance of flamenco mixes with Indian spices, the bossa nova breaks and klezmer rhythms are coloured by Spain ; Steeve finds comfort in both the journey and it’s unexpected turns. Such is the very essence of Tzigane culture. This album tells the story of an emancipation and the joy of no longer being held to respect a legacy, a tradition, of finally having so many more roots to grow with.
Freedom is key to this project which never compromises on the essential : sharing the pleasure of playing together. In the company of such virtuosos as Costel Nitescu on violin, Dominique Di Piazza on bass and of course the ever-faithful Rudy Rabuffetti on rhythm guitar, the compositions are never shows of strength, rather finely crafted magic tricks.
Unlike a song, which will often go back on its own tracks, these pieces wander across the landscape in their own way, nomadic. Their rhythmic pulse is not always where one would expect to find it, sometimes preferring to denote the melody’s favourite corner, or indeed its clever counterpoint.
Among the many strong, free female figures presented here, we encounter such pillars of Steeve’s life as his wife, in the homage Djess Fusion, and his daughter, Djazz in Pour ma Fille, along with a certain Tchaï Funky. And male friendships are not left aside, Tato brings his rumba guitar to spice up the title track Alba Gitana, whilst Groove for Costel is a tribute to the violinist’s singular talent. Keep Calm sums up Steeve’s unique relationship with his art; having emerged from a day of dreadful unrest, music is the final meeting place, the place where he finds his peace.
With such vivid, liquid playing Alba Gitana is an invitation to let go, to submit to a harmonic wandering as deep as it is wide. A high-wire walk between structures and freedom, here is the spirit of jazz at its most elegant and universal.