69-96 (Magic Malik Orchestra)

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Malik Mezzadri (aka Magic Malik) is a French flutist/composer/bandleader and a vanguard practitioner of what is being called the European new jazz. His orchestra, while employing mainly acoustic instruments, explores links between challenging jazz and sounds associated with electronica and club music. On top of his intriguing beats and melodic inventions, Malik will often chant in a high, intensely impassioned voice, giving the music something of a North African or Eastern flavor. The disc begins with a bang and then starts to slow down, although that's not a bad thing in this case; Malik's concepts are engaging from start to finish, from the rapid drum'n'bass vibe of "Ovni" to the slow and hypnotic, almost Saharan feel of "Ave Maria." Bassist Jules Isaac Bikoko Bi Njami and drummer Maxime Zampieri keep the rhythms lively and varied, supporting excellent playing by Malik, saxophonists Denis Guivarch and Julien Lourau, and guitarists Nelson Veras and Seb Martel. Ethnic touches abound, from the Latin jazz of "Voleo" to the traditional Andean folk of "Alti Plano" (which sounds almost Celtic) to the off-kilter, Hindustani color of "Pandemonium." Miscellaneous instruments such as the tabla, kalimba, and harmonium help Malik achieve the desired effects. Best of all, however, is "Doyin," with its darting 16th-note lines over dissonant, shifting whole-note chords. This track continually evolves over nine and a half minutes, providing the most satisfying and thorough look into Malik's creative vision.
© David R. Adler /TiVo