Jean-Marie Machado – Como as Flores

One of the distinctive features of Jean-Marie Machado’s trio, compared to the plethora of similar groups found all over the world, is that his drummer is also a percussionist, which gives the ensemble an appreciable variety of sound colors.

This choice is entirely appropriate for a pianist whose touch and phrasing are themselves eminently colorful, thanks to the finesse of the harmonies and the way they unfold the melody, track after track, including on a piece performed solo.

Claude Tchamitchian‘s double bass is no slouch in this regard either. Sometimes played with a bow, it displays a sumptuous timbre that greatly enriches the group’s sound.

Apart from Miles Davis’ Nardis — revisited in a particularly inventive way — all the compositions are by the leader and are marked by a cantabile pulse that gives them a remarkable flavor.

While the pianist’s classical training shines through in his playing, it brings a subtle note to the ensemble and never weighs down the music. On the contrary, the richness of his touch works wonders on each piece, turning them into melodic gems.

Alternating between danceable and more dreamy themes, Machado offers us a beautiful glimpse of his artistry in a format that effortlessly showcases his uniqueness.