Blue Note, the project that endures – The Gazette (Subscription)

Initially created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the legendary American label Blue Note in 2014, the Star Group Our Point of View now seems destined to last a while. And his regular guitarist, Lionel Loueke, will be the last to complain

Also called the Blue Note 75 Band, the group brings together six of the most relevant musicians, influential and popular of the contemporary scene.: pianist Robert Glasper, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, Loueke, saxophonist Marcus Strickland, drummer Kendrick Scott and bassist Derrick Hodge. A true “All Star Band” which shows the sum of its parts how this label has remained an essential jazz reference over the years.

A unique collective

“ We all have a strong musical personality , said Tuesday in his calm voice Beninese . Lionel Loueke, joined in Europe We could not guarantee the label it would work initially – often, this kind of group All Star failed to generate something musically . But with Blue Note 75, we have developed a truly unique collective sound in which we also hear the personality of each member. We all put our ego aside. “

The secret? Difficult to say, answers Loueke, who notes, however, that “ is the music that guides “ the group. There is also the six belong to a current musicians “ all have the same vision “. That is to say ? “ None of us want to stay in this traditional spirit jazz and bebop, broader seen. “ Glasper embodies this generation reach the musical crossbreeding, multiplying projects affecting the entire radius of the black American music. And his cronies are of the same ilk

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Freedom

If this is the team Blue Note who formed the group from its broad pool house artists – and bringing together musicians who already knew – Our Point of View is completely free to play what he wants as he wants, assures Loueke.

“ There are no constraints. This is a project that brings together the old and the modern, in the sense that one can dip into the past of the label directory [compositions of saxophonist Wayne Shorter, including] add original compositions and all play our way. I love it because you never know where the music goes with these guys. One can expect anything, it’s a real pleasure to play with them. “

This is to Moreover and Lionel Loueke imagines mind Blue Note: a blend of uniqueness and freedom. “ Love it or not the sound of a particular musician, will sign with Blue Note artists who are original, that something unique, bearing a personal message , he evaluates. Unlike other majors Blue Note does not try to copy what works elsewhere. And for the four albums I’ve made for them, an absolute free choice they let me. It’s precious. “

As for Blue Note 75, the Montreal concert will be followed by the exit of a disc recorded at the end of 2015. other shows are expected, think Loueke. “ It was not planned that way, but it looks like it will last a good while, and better. “