Three months after the release of the second volume of his Quint’Up with Michel Zenino, the prolific pianist returns in a trio formation, accompanied by Michel Alibo and Arnaud Dolmen, in a new album infused with Caribbean flavors. This opus, recorded live, preserves the magic of improvisation and the camaraderie that binds the musicians.
Deeply inspired by two great figures of Antillean piano, Marius Cultier and Alain Jean-Marie, Mario Canonge undeniably stands as one of the foremost contemporary French jazz pianists. His career is adorned with prestigious encounters, a testament to his immense talent. In the early 80s, he settled in Paris to study music and immersed himself wholeheartedly in Latin music, notably as part of the group La Manigua. Subsequently, he co-founded the jazz-rock-fusion group Ultramarine with Nguyen Lê. His meteoric rise garnered high demand, leading to collaborations with artists such as Lavelle, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nicole Croisille, Carter Jefferson, and Chico Freeman.
In this modestly titled album, “Mario Canonge Trio,” he brilliantly revisits his past and present compositions, accompanied by an incandescent rhythm section. On double bass, he reunites with Michel Alibo, his faithful companion on the musical journey, particularly since their early days in the Sakiyo group, a shining light in the Caribbean music scene in the late 80s. On drums, one finds none other than the most prominent and sought-after drummer on the French scene, Arnaud Dolmen, whose latest album “Adjusting” (2022) earned him the “Revelation” award at the recent Victoires du Jazz, as well as the title of “Musician of the Year” bestowed by Jazz Magazine and Jazz News.
Recorded live at the Comptoir de Fontenay-sous-Bois in January of the previous year, under the Aztec Musique label, this recording unveils the chemistry of a trio where even the silences speak volumes. It is also the culmination of numerous performances that have propelled these three musicians to the summits of musicality, ultimately resulting in this recording—a true act of rebirth that seamlessly aligns with an already prolific year of 2023 for the Martinican pianist.
Technical details
Year: 2023
Label / Reference: Aztec Musique / CM2890
Musicians: Mario Canonge (piano), Michel Alibo (cb) & Arnaud Dolmen (dms)
Tracks: 1- A Fleur de Terre – 08:24 / 2- Madikéra – 07:48 / 3- Half Way There – 10:33 / 4- Les 3 Fleuves – 07:00 / 5- Karnaval Blues – 07:01 / 6- Murmures Rebelles – 09:49 / 7- Vidé Bo Kay – 05:06 / 8- Entre La Pelée Et l’Ararat – 06:55
Mario Canonge Trio is available online on the main streaming platforms, and on BandCamp.
In the Press
“Mario Canonge has an extraordinary knowledge of his instrument, but his intelligence prevents him from allowing himself to be overwhelmed by technical facilities. Bathed in fertile compositions, this live album is exemplary and provides us with a constantly renewed pleasure.” – Mario Borroni – Citizen Jazz – July 2023
“This formidably accomplished trio delivers 62 minutes of the highest quality.” – Jean-Claude Vantroyen – Le soir – August 2023
“There are moments of grace and tenderness on this record, moments of rhythmic madness, others of harmonic beauty. In short, it’s essential.” – Fred Goaty – Choc Jazz Magazine – June 2023
“Canonge’s music is ample, full of shimmer and bold, optimistic and vigorous combinations.” – L.J.N. – Télérama – June 2023
“A sizzling, over-the-top trio!” – TSF Jazz