"Liaison Accoustique" album by Nick Lea

"This is a superb album of solo saxophone improvisations from French saxophonist, Thierry Maucci, and is a fine introduction for anyone new to the genre. Each piece is finely sculpted and developed, with Maucci having an individual approach and voice on each of his chosen horns.

Two tracks feature Thierry’s alto and on the first of these, ‘Liaison Acoustique’ his playing is fixed firmly within the horn’s natural range and relies on timbre and the continuity of the melodic line to great effect, as does ‘La Phrase En Rond’, the albums sole track for the baritone, and a lyrical delight. The other alto feature, ‘La Fin-Fine’, continues the feel and mood of ‘Liaison’ establishing a melodic thread, only this time examining every nuance and rhythmic phrase before moving on to the next.

The remaining six titles are for solo tenor saxophone, with the albums opening cut ‘Cert-Volant’ a wonderfully conceived and developed rhythmic motif that the saxophonist repeats, worries and explores over the two minute duration of the improvisation.

In his sleeve-notes the Frenchman mentions the influence of Evan Parker, and his indebtedness to his English counterpart becomes apparent in the tenor solos that complete the rest of the set; and by exploring the extreme registers of the tenor and use of multiphonics on ‘Encore Encords’ and ‘Sons 2’ prepares for the albums tour de force ‘Courage-Carnage’.

Perversely this final track is not only the longest at just over the thirteen minute mark (and nearly five minutes longer than any of the other titles), it is also the earliest of the improvisations, recorded nearly six years prior to the other tracks. It is also perhaps the most demanding listen, but again balances spontaneity, extremes of pitch and an inner logic, and is a fitting climax to this wonderful set."

Nick Lea