Komos Jazz ’s motto is “to present new directions in jazz music, from France to the world.” This bijou label is run by the legendary French producer/manager Antoine Rajon. Following on in the same vein as Sélène Saint-Aimé’s acclaimed album Mare Undarum this album is fresh and unique, in a realm of its own, navigating between contemporary jazz, free improvisation, Moondog/Tom Waits cosmic blues, ballads, atmospheric synths and Creole poetry.
The duet consists of Hollywood pianist and orchestrator Randy Kerber playing both piano and groundbreaking synthesizers like the Osmose (’The Long Way Home’), who co-leads with Montreal-born Haitian reedist/horn player Jowee Omicil. Together they created thirteen pieces combining pure improv, fleeting moments, long dialogues, rambling duos, jazz antics, a nod to Miles ('Ascenseur 2020’), blues fantasies, a tribute to Jowee’s father (Grenadié) or an ode to Haïti (‘La Gonave’). These last two tracks, on which Jowee half sings half talks in Creole, are possibly the most beautiful songs you will hear this year. Word.
This is an album that will grow on you, each repeat revealing new intricate details and pulling you deeper into their original world. A treasure! As usual with the label extra care has been given to the recording and to the vinyl pressing, which comes in as a double LP pressed at an audiophile friendly 45rpm. Do not miss!