Songs For Swans

Songs for Swans definitely builds on the foundation its predecessor laid. On this occasion, the accent is more heavily put on pop tunes (Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix again, Can, or Curtis Mayfield are among the artists covered) with Gwen Matthews, the unique vocalist, prominently featured on all the selections. Denis Colin also goes for a sparser sound. The clarinetist's goal is not as much to use those tunes as a prop for improvisation (or to disguise them through deconstruction) as to emphasize their melodic and rhythmic qualities. As an instrumentalist, his role is rather subdued even if he soars, from time to time, with an effusiveness reminiscent of Coltrane. His two longtime cohorts continue to deliver the goods: cellist Didier Petit produces guitar-like riffs that are most appropriate to this context and brings his usual intensity; and zarb master Pablo Cueco's impressive steady rhythms never falter. As for their guest,Matthews is an impressive singer with a smooth but powerful and expressive voice that commands attention. Her occasional yodeling can be over the top although it usually adds a demented dimension to the most unnerved moments. This is an original attempt at crossover well worth checking out. ~ Alain Drouot