On Samares, Swiss Pianist Colin Vallon Uncovers a Program that Mirrors Inspirations from Nature – Plants in Specific – with Organic Grooves and Seemingly Telepathic Interplay Between Vallon, Bassist Patrice Moret and Drummer Julian Sartorius

Available November 15, 2024

The lyricism and melancholy of Colin Vallon’s compositions as well as his trio’s understated three-way interaction remain a trademark on Samares. Yet, much has evolved in the sound of the Swiss pianist’s group since their last record for ECM, 2017’s Danse, as the band’s chemistry has grown even stronger, delving deeper into thick trio tapestries of sound. Dynamic extremes are explored and tuneful hooks – some melody-, some harmony-, others beat-based – patiently assembled, often completed in mesmerizing fashion. Where subtle rhythmic twists and harmonic progressions constructed around piano triads recall cutting-edge inspirations from the world of art-rock, other expositions reveal a tight-knit jazz trio elaborating a chamber sound focused on close listening and reacting. As a whole, the varying pulses are connected by an underlying theme that permeates the music like a heartbeat.

“The name ‘Samares’, like the seeds of the maple tree, has guided me for the entire process. And it seems so fitting, if you just imagine these seeds dancing in the wind. Danse, Le Vent are the titles of the two previous trio albums. And while there are without a question many differences between this recording and the two previous ones, they are nonetheless also closely connected and form a trilogy.”