© Erik Bogaerts
Lionel Beuvens’s latest album reveals a range of masterfully written contemporary jazz pieces, bordering on the experimental but imprinted with sober and powerful lyricism. The composer’s multiple inspirations can be heard (Funk, Latin music), served with accuracy and emotion by Brice Soniano (double bass), Ewout Pierreux (piano) and Pierre-Antoine Savoyat (trumpet). Lionel Beuvens’ carefully fashioned writing gives the musicians plenty of space to unleash their improvisational talents and reveals tremendous group complicity.
Imbued with an almost spiritual quality, as it oscillates between dense, wild, sometimes festive tensions, and a contemplative, calming retreat, this album can be listened to on repeat throughout the day and will definitely be one that stays with us.
ALBUM : 49 Steps To Heaven (Hypnote Records, 25.11.2022)