Search - Daniel Mille :: Entre Chien Et Loup

A left-field favorite

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 12/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm really coming to appreciate a certain type of European chamberish jazz, practiced by, among others, Rita Marcotulli, Jean-Pierre Mas, and Myriam Alter (actually an American, but fully resonating with European sensibilities). This music has a certain delicacy usually lacking in the full frontal assault typically employed by American jazzers. Also, there's often (but not always) a caberet-ish feel.



What makes this music so engaging is its aural friendliness sans sentimentality. Typically very emotional yet not maudlin, when done right this music can be among the most evocative. And let me tell you, Daniel Mille does it right. He even surpasses one of my reigning favorites, Jean-Pierre Mas, and challenges the undisputed heavyweight of this music, Rita Marcotulli, something I'd've thought impossible before hearing this disc.



One of the things that makes this music so engaging is its anti-virtuosity. All the above-mentioned musicians, and especially this artist, seem to be more concerned with evoking provocative moods and sensibilities than engaging in ego-boosting pissing contests. Thus, they produce music eminently listener-friendly, music much more concerned with connecting with the hearer than proving they're the second coming of whatever jazz prophet holds sway over the critical mindset at the moment.



Definitely worth a listen or three."

Chamberish world-jazz of the highest order

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 12/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why isn't this man among the forefront of European jazz artists? That's a question everyone will be asking after listening to this astounding disc.



If you've heard Rita Marcotulli, Jean-Pierre Mas, or Miriam Alter, you owe it to yourself to pick up on this brilliant artist."