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
All compositions & arrangements by Alban Darche
Recorded and mixed by Jonathan Marcoz at Peninsula studio in January 2020, under live conditions. peninsula-studio.com
Mastered by Pierre Vandewaeter at studio Lakanal. studiolakanal.com
Sébastien Boisseau plays on D’Addario ZYEX strings
Alban Darche plays D’Addario reeds and Selmer instruments
John Fedchock plays XO Trombones exclusively
Samuel Blaser is a XO Brass Artist and appears courtesy of OutNote Records/Outhere Music
Matthieu Donarier plays D’Addario reeds and mouthpieces
Jean-Paul Estiévenart plays AR Resonance mouthpieces
Christophe Lavergne’s cymbals are modified by Johan Nicolas Janicke
tracklist
1. A la bougie
2. Ping-Pong
3. Le Cercle
4. Arcane XVIIII - Le Soleil
5. Le Mort Joyeux
6. Beauty and SAdness II
7. Le chemin (vertueux)
8. L'Oiseau qu'on voit chante sa plainte
9. Arcane XXII - Le Mat
10. Arcane XV - Le Diable