Pierrick Pedron - The Shape of Jazz to Come (Something else) (2024) (Hi-Res)

In 2023, under the artistic direction of Daniel Yvinec and the arrangements by pianist Laurent Courthaliac, Pierrick Pédron ventured into a memorable project alongside the renowned Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Building on the success of that collaboration, Yvinec and Courthaliac have now embarked on an even more ambitious and challenging project, inviting Pédron to reinterpret one of the most iconic albums of free jazz: Ornette Coleman’s The Shape of Jazz to Come, originally recorded in 1959.
Leading his established quartet—which includes bassist Thomas Bramerie, and two of France’s most promising young jazz talents, pianist Carl-Henri Morisset and drummer Elie Martin-Charrière—Pédron skillfully navigates the intricate demands of this historical piece. Guided by the insightful and scholarly framework set by his two “producers,” he deftly avoids the pitfalls of overly reverent or purely formalistic approaches, instead bringing an organic, poetic depth to the project.

The quartet honors the album’s original sequence, revisiting legendary themes like the haunting ballad Lonely Woman, Peace, and Focus on Sanity. Courthaliac’s arrangements, which can be described as “archeological” for their exploration of hidden stylistic forces, reveal new historical connections and breathe new life into Coleman’s compositions. The piano’s harmonious presence introduces fresh tonal colors, while the entire band infuses the music with a spectrum of influences and subtle nods that acknowledge the 65 years since Coleman’s original work.

Throughout, Pierrick Pédron’s deeply personal touch shines, bringing a unique lyrical quality to Coleman’s joyous melancholy. With this unlikely remake, Pédron has crafted one of his most personal and introspective albums, leaving his mark on a classic with profound respect and originality.

Tracklist
1 Lonely woman
2 Eventually
3 Peace
4 Focus on sanity
5 Congeniality
6 Chronology