Freshly available, I was lucky enough to receive my copy of Charis, the new album by violinist Jonas Dufrêne. It's already the second album he's composed in its entirety, and he undeniably seems to draw his inspiration from his travels, both musical and geographical. Here's what I thought of it.
Jonas Dufrêne, a nomadic violinist
Jonas follows in the footsteps of those violinists who travel the world, exploring the different colors and sounds that make up cultural globality. To this end, he does not hesitate to explore new musical horizons, which illustrious adventurers such as Jean-Luc Ponty or Gilles Apap might themselves have followed.
Indeed, in this music we find all the personality, and even the history, that has made Jonas what he is today. His violin is not drawn to chamber music(literally or figuratively), and can be heard in the most unexpected places. In his compositions, for example, you can hear the layered constructions that are characteristic of the use of loops. It's a practice that goes very well with the violin, thanks to the many textures it can create. In fact, it was probably while playing his music in the corridors of the Paris metro(as an accredited musician) that he acquired this solid live recording technique.
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Charis, the grace of the Orient
Charis is a multicultural musical project rooted in a trip to Lebanon. Largely inspired by jazz, world music and even rock, Jonas Dufrêne has composed his second album incorporating electro sounds and oriental atmospheres.
The four musicians who took part in the creation of this album, from a wide variety of backgrounds, have all brought their own personalities to bear. This combination is totally at the service of their artistic and poetic approach.
The result, driven by Jonas Dufrêne's violin, adds rock energy and electronic ambience(with live samples) to take the audience on a journey between dream and reality, peace and chaos: a journey into a world where borders overlap.
The album in brief
Here are my impressions of the soundscapes described on the album. I've limited myself to sensations rather than technical analysis, but perhaps this will speak for itself!
1 - Opening
This opener sets the tone for the album, which starts out dark and almost melancholy, then leads to electronic chills interspersed with little country flights of fancy. It's a progression that sends shivers down our spines with each passing bar.
2 - Illusion
A meditation, a rhythmic breathing supported by hypnotic pizzicato arpeggios and synth oscillations. A kind of sonic oasis where you can rest after too much exposure to the blazing sun.
3 - Agreement
First, a very oriental rhythm, with which the violin superimpositions blend particularly well. Then, very quickly, we're propelled into a relaxing fusion that takes us back to a much more Western universe.
4 - Charis
The pinnacle of the album, the eponymous track, or vice versa. An assemblage of violin and piano strings, which meet, knot and untie, like so many beings moving through the stream of their respective lives.
5 - Pul's
A steady rhythm right from the start takes us on a ride through the wide open spaces. A pulse that makes you want to get up and dance. Oh, yes!
6 - Barnum
Deep voices greet us, almost terrifying, before plunging us into a fairground universe. Surely a reflection of the barnum in question.
7 - Katarnista
Vocal percussion transports us into a swaying jazz-electronica with oriental roots.
My opinion of the album
Charis is, first and foremost, a very pleasant album to listen to. The different moods on offer will appeal to a wide range of listeners. I'd even go so far as to say that those less well-versed in ethnic, electro or jazz music will also find something to their liking. In the end, it's easy to get carried away by the rhythms and melodies. I think it's very well produced, and I'd like to congratulate the musicians who contributed to the album's conception: they're real stars.
My only regret is that it doesn't last several hours. I could have slipped it into the car radio and driven on, letting myself be carried away by the music. I think the soaring, hypnotic side isn't exploited enough, but at the same time, I'm an unconditional fan of Magma who perhaps overuses the same genre a little too much. So there's something for everyone!
Buy the album
In the end, if I've succeeded in making you want to go and listen to and buy the album. You can do so by visiting these good addresses:
You can also directly support and order the physical album on Jonas Dufrêne's Facebook page.
What's more, to celebrate the release of this album , I've decided to give you the chance to win one! Visit my Facebook page for more information
