I’d never heard of the four musicians who make up this wonderfully limber quartet, but their music happily reminds me of a time more recent than 1938 — when jazz improvisations were part of danceable pop music rather than consigned to their special box at the edge of the aesthetic universe. The four tracks I’ve heard — and that you can also hear below — recall when the music coming out of the car radio was both new and comforting, melodic and swinging but vibrant.
Guitarist / composer Laurent Medelgi (who makes me think of Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Pat Metheny, Pat Martino — depending on how the light is coming in to the room) has assembled a cohesive jazz quartet that evokes some of the work of Chick Corea. Now, I know that many JAZZ LIVES readers might be spooked by those modern names, preferring instead to pray for the resurrection of Charlie Christian or at least an hour of new material, but this band has its own delightful swinging momentum — on original compositions built on simple lines that take unpredictable turns. Listen for yourself.
And for those who like their sensory stimulation on several levels at once, here is the Medeljazz Quartet’s little video voyage:
You can also read and hear more here.
Laurent and company have started an Indiegogo campaign to help finance a full CD: more details here. I encourage you to look and listen: this is honest, energized creative music.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 