Louis Bao Lao – Le Temps d’Écrire

The music offered by drummer Louis Bao Lao on his first album as leader is fundamentally joyful.

Nine compositions penned by him and two standards make up the repertoire, and these pieces flow together in a radiant dance that delights the ears and gets the body moving. For, in addition to the shimmering themes he has composed, it is the leader’s eminently melodic drumming and refined drive that permeate this music.

And the partners he has surrounded himself with all participate in this joyful festival.

David Prez‘s lyrical tenor and soprano bring a radiant color to the ensemble, and his supple phrasing unfolds magnificently.

Vincent Bourgeyx‘s piano is no slouch either, interacting with his partners with constant relevance, injecting harmonies full of vitality and a luminous sound into his accompaniment and solos.

Marc Bollengier‘s double bass supports the ensemble with flexibility and vigor, and Christian Magret‘s percussion adds a welcome color to a few tracks.

The result is a beautiful group sound that gives the impression that these musicians—who are recording in the studio for the first time—have been playing together for ages.

This CD is a total success, with Louis Bao Lao asserting himself not only as a rhythmician but also as a composer, arranger, and leader. These talents mean that, once you’ve pressed the “replay” button on your turntable, you’ll be eager to hear these musicians live—which, for Parisians, will be possible on December 17 at the Sunside, Paris.