Open Space
Relative Pitch, 2026
8/10
The bass clarinetist Fie Schouten is joined by some excellent players for this improvisation that illuminates texts from the book Espéces d’espaces/Species of Spaces by Georges Perec.
“SPACE” opens with Pierre Baux’s unpredictable vocals alongside the bare musicianship that makes for a minimalistic start, and “the bed & the room” follows with the curious clarinet and Sofia Borges’ strategic drums making an impression.
The midpoint belongs to “the street”, where free jazz exploration unfolds with a rare energy, while “a letter” makes great use of Vincent Courtois’ violoncello amid intimacy and soft vocals.
Arriving late, “the country-borders” builds into a dynamic and hectic album highlight that’s atypically rhythmic, and “UNIVERSE” exits with the harmonic clarinet accenting the crisp drums and aching violoncello.
An often emotional experience that pays close attention to pitch and harmonics, Schouten and company utilize music as a language in abstract and enlightening ways that few others could.
Travels well with: Sam Morrison- Cosmic Trip; John O’Gallagher- Ancestral