This is probably my favorite find of the year so far. Fantastic album by French trumpeter Jacques Coursil on the BYG label, recorded in 1969 and released in 1971. It’s dark, somber and contemplative. Beautiful in it’s sparseness. Perfect for an autumn afternoon. Coursil was a great trumpeter. He plays in a style of his own for sure. A very thoughtful and deep player. His choice of notes is so original and engaging. It lends itself to wanting to listen over and over again. The two pieces comprising both sides are composed by Coursil.
The album features a fantastic double bassist named Beb Guérin, we also have Anthony Braxton on contrabass clarinet, Arthur Jones on alto sax, Burton Greene on piano and Claude Delcloo on drums. Oustanding group. Braxton on the contrabass clarinet is a definitive highlight. The sounds he produces from this seldom used instrument in jazz is nothing short of magical. Got to mention Arthur Jones as well. His playing on the second side is wonderful.
This album is not for everyone I would imagine, but I think no one can deny it’s uniqueness. It’s a beautifully free, slow glowing piece of jazz artistry. Maybe a new candidate for my top 5 favorite jazz albums list.