The jazz canon is full of outstanding material for musicians to use as vehicles for improvisation. The music of Brazilian composer AntÃ´nio Carlos Jobim and his peers has been especially ripe for interpretation since the 1960s. Chromatic harmonica specialist Yvonnick PrenÃ© looked to the Brazilian jazz school for inspiration for his new duo recording with piano virtuoso Geoffrey Keezer, entitled Jobim's World.Originally from France, PrenÃ© has made a name for himself in the New York City jazz scene by his straight-ahead jazz style that leans heavily toward the post-bop language. After his last quintet recording, Listen!, PrenÃ© decided to find a new avenue to showcase his heightened improvisational sensibilities. He enlisted the assistance of Paris based producer Daniel Yvinec and the two landed on the idea of recording a duo album in honor of the spirit of Jobim's music. The scaled down approach would display PrenÃ©'s talents in the most transparent way.PrenÃ© has known Geoffrey Keezer's playing and personality for a long time, following the pianist's appearances in New York City and studying his music. Without meeting Keezer, PrenÃ© invited him to record this album, to which Keezer accepted. To prepare, PrenÃ© and Yvinec took their time discussing the possibilities and the material they should work on. PrenÃ© also brought in pianist Laurent Courthaliac, a bebop enthusiast, to help arrange a number of pieces, which they worked on over a three-day period in Paris in September 2023.The trio ultimately arrived on five Jobim pieces, two pieces by Jobim peers, and two original compositions by PrenÃ© for the program. The well-known material from Jobim was really transformed in their arrangements, which respects his timeless melodies but really stretches the harmonic structure to allow for a more modern edge. After an afternoon of rehearsal with Keezer, in which the pianist and PrenÃ© found a close musical rapport and respect, the recording was captured at Oktaven Audio on November 17, 2023.

Tracklist:

Triste
Proezas De Solon
Dans Mon Ile
Vagues Ã Lames
The Girl from Ipanema
Too Many Notes
Tide
Desafinado
Double Rainbow

UPC: 016728172721
Label: Sunnyside
Release Date: 6.7.24
Format: CD

Yvonnick Prene / Keezer,Geoff - Jobim's World (CD)