A new project that shines like a handful of blue dust – azure. After the H septet and Musique à neuf, this is the third big band project from Pirly Zurstrassen, whose offerings always inspire such enthusiasm. One has to ask: how do they do it? OK, there is a joy in playing that you can physically feel in this new septet. But that doesn’t explain everything. Musicazur’s airy yet roots-inspired jazz melodies; its gentle atmospheres that expand and explode; the interplay between soloists that grows in crescendo; the subtle complicity: what pleasure!

It’s biodegradable, honest and full of finesse. Dance, ye damned of the earth. There is more than ugliness in this valley of tears. Just ask Pirly! Good Lord, they make us feel so good, these seven wizards.

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