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TOC & THE COMPULSIVE BRASS – AIR BUMP (CD by Circum Disc)

Fifth album by this trio from Lille that is around since 2009, and exponent of the active and innovative Circum-Disc scene. Jérémie Ternoy (Fender Rhodes), Ivann Cruz (guitar), Peter Orins (drums) are assisted by following brass players: with Christian Pruvost (trumpet), Sakina Abdou (sax), Jean-Baptiste Rubin (sax) and Maxime Morel (tuba, trombone). Each release documents a certain project. This time New Orleans is the source of inspiration. At first glance obvious references to ragtime, marching bands, professor Longhair, New Orleans funk are missing. But the way the horn blowers choose their own directions, and coproduce a pleasant wilderness I can relate to the behaviour of horn players in marching bands. Especially in the closing track ‘Kat Kid’. But the blowers are embedded in strange, circular patterns by guitar and drums. The music is like a constant stream of strongly interconnected playing by the trio, drone-based, with hypnotic effects and sometimes leading up to an explosive climax. All four tracks are the result of collective improvisation. Another fascinating and captivating album by this obstinate trio from Lille, in an inspiring coproduction with Compulsive Brass. (Dolf Mulder)