CIRCONFLEXE

Ô-LIOSTERE is a young french band that i had the chance to discover as first part of a DIDIER MALHERBE concert. I was very impressed by their live performance so i was looking forward a studio release. Here it is, "Circonflexe" is their first record, released in 2014.

Ô-LIOSTERE does not try to sound vintage 70's. We're here in the vast musical territory of today jazz: the receipt here is mix of modern jazz, freejazz, the whole blended with a hint of world influences (hear the vocals on "Daga dit Gouda") and the add of flute makes the band originality.

The band has its roots definetly into free, improvised jazz (STEVE COLEMAN, MAGIC MALIK, AKA MOON) and we can hear sometimes the slight world-oriental influence of AVISHAI COHEN.

Talking about a prog (jazz) band with flute leads to comparisons with classic vintage bands.

The flute work here is reminiscent of canterburyan bands such as HATFIELD & the NORTH, THE MUFFINS, thanks to a mellow but agile sound.

The opener, "1232" is a convincing tune featuring great flute/guitar work, helped by a solid, speedy and powerful rhytmic section. I must precise that the drum sounds dry and quick, reminding that the band is more on the jazz side of the fusion mix.

"2 virgule 4" is another great tune in the vein of "1232": excellent fluid guitar parts, light keyboards and delicious airy flute interventions make that number the most accomplished piece. It may remind somehow of NATIONAL HEALTH but without the spacey side and a more straithforward-today-fusion- sound. Same for "8 plus 7", while "MMM " differs from the add of cello and the use of keyboards that add some instrumental diversity to the mix.

The whole record is nicely accomplished, especially for a first album. I hope to hear from them again soon. A promising band!