Rêve d’éléphant orchestra : Jungle Binche

For a quarter of a century, the Belgian orchestra Rêve d’éléphant has been asserting its uniqueness on the European jazz scene. And this sixth album, five years after the previous one, confirms the vitality of this intergenerational group, each member of which contributes to the development of an original repertoire. Rêve d’éléphant has a unique sound, with a combination of high and low tones (flute and trumpet vs. sousaphone, euphonium, trombone, and double bass) and two drummers/percussionists surrounding the guitar, the ensemble’s only harmonic instrument. The result is a sound that is sometimes dense, sometimes more subtle, and often danceable. All the instrumentalists are also excellent improvisers and have the opportunity to express themselves in delightful solos, supported by a rich rhythm section.

The reference to the jungle in the title of this CD gives an idea of the atmosphere that reigns within the orchestra. But this jungle is never synonymous with chaos, as the collective arrangements of each piece display a rigor that allows the generosity of the message to shine through. This is an excellent recording by a group that we regret not having many opportunities to hear live in France.

Musiciens :

Christian Altehülshorst : trompette, bugle • Pierre Bernard : flûtes • Michel Debrulle : batterie, percussion • Nicolas Dechêne : guitares • Louis Frères : basse, électronique • Michel Massot : sousaphone, euphonium, trombone • Stéphan Pougin : batterie, congas, bongos, percussion •

Label : Igloo