Paul Morvan – Dedicated

For this first recording under his own name, Paul Morvan chose to present himself in different contexts: trio with saxophone or guitar and quintet with saxophone, guitar and flute. In short, various facets of his talents as an accompanist.

The repertoire includes bop and hardbop themes (Charlie Parker, Cedar Walton, Duke Pearson…), two standards and a composition by the leader. Once again, a welcome diversity. The title of the CD, Dedicated, clearly expresses the drummer’s objective: to dedicate himself body and soul to an aesthetic that he claims as a continuator of elders such as Art Blakey, Max Roach or Roy Haynes.

The result is an abundance of rich drumming on track after track, with Morvan expressing himself on drumsticks with remarkable tonicity or on broomsticks with great finesse. His choice of accompanists also reflects a sure taste for both musicality and technical performance.

We know the merits of Dmitry Baevsky and Hugo Lippi, who, each on his own instrument, are references in terms of timbre and phrasing. We’re less familiar with young flutist Christelle Raquillet, but here she proves to be every bit the equal of her elders, even if we’d have liked to hear more of her. As for bassist David Wong, whom Morvan met in New York, he proves to be an ideal partner for the drummer’s playing and ensures that the various formations have a solid harmonic and rhythmic foundation.

This is an excellent example of a timeless jazz style played by musicians who put their heart and soul into it.