Michel Godard invites you into a world of enchanting melodies and captivating rhythms with his 2015 album, "A Serpent's Dream." This French jazz masterpiece, released under the Intuition label, is a testament to Godard's virtuosic skill on the serpent, a rare and ancient wind instrument, as well as his prowess on other brass instruments. The album's twelve tracks, including standout pieces like "Le miroir du temps" and "Our Spanish Love Song," weave a tapestry of sounds that are both traditional and innovative.
With a runtime of 49 minutes, "A Serpent's Dream" offers a rich and immersive listening experience. Godard's compositions are intricate and evocative, drawing from a wide range of influences and blending them seamlessly into a cohesive whole. The album's title track, "Serpent's Dream," sets the tone with its hauntingly beautiful melody, while "Miserere" showcases Godard's ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
Throughout the album, Godard's playing is both technically impressive and deeply expressive. His use of the serpent, an instrument with a history dating back to the Middle Ages, adds a unique and otherworldly quality to the music. Tracks like "In Splendoribus" and "A Trace of Grace" highlight the instrument's haunting, ethereal sound, while "Old Black Snake Blues" and "Les portes du 7e ciel" demonstrate its versatility and range.
"Le sommeil," the album's final track, brings the journey to a close with a sense of tranquility and resolution. The track's gentle, lullaby-like melody is a fitting end to an album that is as much a work of art as it is a collection of songs. Whether you're a longtime fan of French jazz or a newcomer to the genre, "A Serpent's Dream" is sure to captivate and inspire.
