Daniel Humair par Julien Le Gros

Asking Daniel Humair to tell his story through the numerous interviews that Julien Le Gros compiled in this excellent book gives one of the leading musicians of recent decades the opportunity to detail his career and share his vision of music. For throughout the journey that led the young drummer from Geneva to become one of Europe’s greatest drumming specialists—a journey that is not presented here in strictly chronological order, and that’s just as well—we’ll encounter the names of illustrious musicians—both American and European—for whom Humair served as a sideman, followed by others with whom he collaborated as equals, and finally young musicians whom the drummer has increasingly surrounded himself with over the years. This offers a panorama ranging from Bud Powell to Tony Malaby, from the Swingle Singers to Joachim Kühn, from Martial Solal to Marc Ducret, from Jean-Luc Ponty to Kenny Barron, from Samuel Blaser to Vincent Peirani… and we could go on and on listing all those whose paths crossed with Humair’s, painting a panorama of postwar jazz that is as broad as it is diverse. Humair is a musician who recognized very early on the role his instrument could play within the jazz idiom, and who has expanded that role both melodically and rhythmically, to the point where his playing is instantly recognizable on record and a thrill to watch in concert. Paradoxically, while Humair cites several drummer influences, he doesn’t really have any followers, as his playing is so personal and contains an element of unpredictability, open to whatever happens in the moment. Julien Le Gros has done an admirable job of profiling Humair and letting him speak about his conception of music, his relationships with the musicians he has accompanied or hired for his own bands, and his discourse is exceptionally articulate, well-researched, and well-reasoned. Half of the book is devoted to anecdotes collected by Daniel Humair’s wife, which offer a more intimate glimpse into the man—who, as we know, is also a renowned painter, an eminent food connoisseur and friend of several Michelin-starred chefs, and himself a great lover of cooking, which he practices as a hobby. Reading these pages is a great pleasure, as we discover a colorful man, full of love for life and capable of sharp, critical perspectives on the world and his fellow human beings.

Highly recommended reading—and not just for jazz fans.