Waxx Up

Charles X, ; Coltman, Hugh; Tribolet, Xavier; Naim, Yael; Romeo, Daniel; Legnini, Eric; Pokora, Boris; Edwards, Jerry; Lohrer, Eric; Maalouf, Ibrahim; Ghomari, Quentin; Williams, Natalie; Boogaerts, Mathieu; Evans, Kellylee; Potdevin, Anaëlle; Agulhon, Franck; Willis, Michelle

Jazz keyboard player Eric Legnini’s new project is a pop jazz masterpiece. The gifted keyboardist and composer has been a prime player on the European jazz scene for a few years, but nothing he has done quite measures up to the soul/jazz blend of WAXX UP, hot from the Paris based Anteprima label. All songs and raps are in English.  The disc kicks off with a vocal showcase for Canadian singer Michelle Willis, who is featured on four songs.  Legnini says that Willis, who has also sung with Snarky Puppy, “brings something really fresh to the record”. Legnini’s skill on the Fender Rhodes electric piano is evident throughout the disc (“Not many people in Paris play the Rhodes”). Star French/Lebanese trumpet player Ibrahim Maalouf makes a deeply musical appearance. “Lagos 75” touches on the Afrobeat sounds of Fela and King Sonny Ade. Young singer Anaelle Potdevin makes an unforgettable recording debut on “Riding The Wave” Charles X enlivens “Run With It” with a free style rap over a classic electric piano vamp. All of the lyrics are in English, because, says the composer “I don’t like the sound of R & B lyrics in French.” Showing influences as disparate as The Meters (“Here Comes The bEat Man”), the early 1970’s recording of Herbie Hancock’s electric band, (“Black Samurai”) and more, Legnini stirs a rich, original and deeply satisfying bouillabaisse of hip jazz.  

Price: $14.98

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