In this month of April, Fnac record stores are honoring a refined selection spanning jazz and classical music: from Flore Benguigui’s sensitive explorations to Anne-Sophie Mutter’s virtuosic flights, Naïssam Jalal’s spiritual depth, and Bach’s timeless elegance revisited by Raphaël Pichon, these albums offer a musical journey rich in emotions and discoveries.
Flea – “Honora”
On “Honora,” Red Hot Chili Peppers’ bassist Flea surprises once again with ten new tracks, including a duet with Thom Yorke on “Traffic Lights,” a piece reminiscent of Last Poets or Gil Scott-Heron called “A Plea,” and the breathtaking “Thinkin Bout You” carried by a magical trumpet-bass dialogue. Highly recommended.
Christophe, Fnac record store in Chambéry
Anne-Sophie Mutter – “East Meets West”
Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter delivers 15 quartet tracks, with the standout “Gran Cadenza” duet with Nancy Zhou and a solo on “Likoo.” “East Meets West” alternates between beautiful violin flights, intimate chamber pieces, and concertos with orchestra. The virtuoso confirms her exceptional charisma here.
Christophe, Fnac record store in Chambéry
Flore Benguigui & The Sensible Notes – “i-330”
After “L’Impératrice,” Flore Benguigui turns to jazz with “i-330.” Shadows of Billie Holiday and Chet Baker float on this record, combining soft melodies with the synthetic sounds of the instrument she designed, the “i-330.” A first attempt aiming to go far.
Manue, Fnac record store in Saint-Lazare
Raphaël Pichon, Ensemble Pygmalion – “Johannes Passion, BWV 245”
Raphaël Pichon and Pygmalion tackle Bach, emphasizing the urgency of passion while offering a deep and dramatic experience. The “Aria N° 9” and “Chorus N° 1” perfectly convey the moving aspect. A magnificent contrast between darkness and light. Fascinating.
Christophe, Fnac record store in Chambéry
Grant Haua – “Tahanga”
We know the blues of Chicago, the delta, Texas, or the bayou – now we must add Grant Haua’s blues from far-off New Zealand, with all the power and virtuosity of his Maori roots. “Tahanga” and its direct impact manifest the good health of a globally-spread blues.
Julien, Fnac record store in Montparnasse
Aline Piboule – “Archipel”
On “Archipel,” French pianist Aline Piboule plays Debussy and John Ireland. Twelve pieces blend for an explosion of colors, with Yann Ollivo on arrangements. Aline Piboule is a daring musician, driven by a complex, melodic, and habitual play. She brilliantly confirms her success from 2004. To follow.
Christophe, Fnac record store in Chambéry
Biréli Lagrène – “Elegant People”
Guitarist entrenched in jazz history, Biréli Lagrène continues to produce increasingly rich opuses. After “Solo Suites,” this lover of blues delivers “Elegant People,” a no-frills album that goes to the essentials, showcasing his mastery of strings and his group’s osmosis.
Manue, Fnac record store in Saint-Lazare
Jakub Józef Orlinski – “If Music”
Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orlinski continues his baroque exploration with Purcell, Handel, and Fux. “If Music” offers 17 songs and arias interpreted with his friend, pianist Michal Biel, master of the modern Steinway. His pure interpretation brings finesse and maturity to the work. Intimate and luminous.
Christophe, Fnac record store in Chambéry
Naïssam Jalal – “Landscapes Of Eternity”
Eleventh album from the flutist unlike any other. Each title presents its landscape and mystical ambiance. With “Landscapes Of Eternity,” Naïssam Jalal offers an immersion into North Indian music filled with nuances and spirituality, close to the work of Dhafer Youssef. For an inner, soothing, and beautiful journey.
Christophe, Fnac record store in Chambéry
Elsa Dreisig – “Invocation”
Parisian soprano sings 15 arias and two titles written by 14 composers. Accompanied by the Genova orchestra of Massimo Zanetti. “Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act 4” and “Songs, Op. 11: No. 2, Extase” are marvels. Modest, vulnerable, mysterious, and intense, Elsa Dreisig’s vocal presence proves to be unique.
Christophe, Fnac record store in Chambéry
