Denis Levaillant - Pastiches et autres mixages (LP)

Denis Levaillant's "Pastiches et autres mixages" is a captivating journey through the realms of free jazz and avant-garde music, released on October 8, 2021, under the DLM label. This album is a testament to Levaillant's versatility and innovation, featuring a staggering 53 tracks that span a little over an hour and eight minutes. Each track is a unique blend of styles and moods, showcasing Levaillant's mastery of composition and arrangement.

The album opens with "Les Menteries du Style," a suite of tracks that explore various musical themes and emotions, from the haunting "Cette flamme" in D Minor to the playful "Tour d'adresse" in G Minor. The second part, "Trombone en Coulisses," features a series of tracks that highlight the trombone's expressive capabilities, with titles like "Ceremonie secrete" and "Le Complot" that hint at the intrigue and mystery within.

"Vidéoperette" offers a lighter, more whimsical tone, with tracks like "Fanfare" and "Jazzy trick" that are sure to delight. The album then takes a more introspective turn with "Passage de l'heure bleue," a suite of tracks that evoke the quiet beauty of twilight.

"Bienvenue au Palais Mascotte" brings a touch of elegance and sophistication, with tracks like "Valse nue" and "L'Entrée d'Eva" that are reminiscent of a grand ballroom. The album concludes with "Nerone Blues Suite No. 1," a powerful and dramatic suite that showcases Levaillant's ability to create compelling narratives through music.

Throughout the album, Levaillant is joined by the Denis Levaillant Music Ensemble, with special appearances by Jean-Louis Chautemps and Ami Flammer. The result is a rich tapestry of sound that is both challenging and rewarding, a true celebration of the boundless possibilities of jazz and avant-garde music.