Romain Leleu Sextet - Face à Face (LP)

Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of the Romain Leleu Sextet with their latest album, "Face à Face," released on October 1, 2021, under the prestigious harmonia mundi label. This exquisite collection of tracks showcases the virtuosity of the sextet, led by the brilliant trumpeter Romain Leleu, accompanied by a string quintet in arrangements masterfully crafted by Manuel Doutrelant.

The album is a delightful journey through a diverse range of musical styles and eras, from classical to jazz and film scores. It opens with a dazzling rendition of George Gershwin's "An American in Paris," followed by the soulful "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess." The sextet then takes on a variety of compositions, including the enchanting "Nataruna," the virtuosic "Fantaisie-Variations sur un thème de Paganini," and the romantic "La Javanaise."

Fans of musical theater will appreciate the sextet's take on "America" from "West Side Story" and "Gabriel's Oboe" from "The Mission." The album also features a bonus track, a charming arrangement of Mozart's "Sonate pour piano, K. 331: Marche turque," and a beautiful rendition of "Il Giustino: Vedrò con mio diletto."

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes, "Face à Face" is a testament to the sextet's exceptional musicianship and versatility. Each track is a testament to the sextet's ability to bring out the best in each composition, making this album a true delight for any music enthusiast.