Olivier Manchon
Ochestre De Chambre Miniatre-Volume 1
Obliqsound Records
www.obliqsound.com

Violinist/composer Olivier Manchon has put together an alluring and
intriguing mix of chamber strings with jazz sensibilities on this
attractively eclectic disc. While these collaborations can lean
towards sterility, Manchon avoids most of the pitfalls by emphasizing
one soloist (usually) to accompany the varied melodies provided by the
string quartet. The strings are bowed, clipped and tapped throughout,
as on the latin and romantic “Come Back” which includes some wondrous
tenor work by John Ellis. The band gets passionate on the Spanish floor
dance of “The Hanged Man” while Hideaki Aomori’s melancholy clarinet
is a partner to the strings on the minuet of “Feline Leukemia.” Some of
the tunes go a bit distortive and break the dreamlike mood, as on “Just
A Second,” but they are more than made up for on the clever mix of
Sibelius and modern jazz on “Valse Triste.” Well thought out, crafted
and delivered, with enough celebration and cerebration for both sides
of the brain.