Flights Of Fancy
Navona, 2020
8/10
The always impressive composer Jan Järvlepp draws from European and American musical traditions here, where rock, jazz, orchestral, chamber and classical ideas are appreciated.
“Pierrot Solaire” starts the listen with Parvaneh Eshghi’s lively piano and Sara Louise Seck’s dreamy flute that complements the animated climate, and “Saxophone Quartet” follows with Jean-Guy Brault, Noël Samyn, René Lavoie and Peter Smith contributing their inimitable sax talents to a jazz fueled delivery.
Entering the middle, “Trio No. 2” benefits much from Pascale Margely’s piccolo, Kevin James’ viola and Jan Järvlepp’s cello for the swirling melodies and adventurous spirit, while “Tarantella” is quite dizzying via Mark Friedman’s flowing electric violin and Järvlepp’s dense electric guitar.
The final piece, “Overture”, is quite intimate, where Jean-Guy Brault’s flute and Angela Casagrande’s oboe displays a soothing, meditative demeanor.
A fascinating listen where each track brings new surprises, Järvlepp’s vision is represented with both creativity and timelessness from the outstanding cast.
Travels well with: Jan Järvlepp- High Voltage Chamber Music; Jan Järvlepp- Three Stories By Hans Christian Andersen