I recently listened to the title track of pianist Romain Collin’s newest album, The Calling. To say that I was blown away by this piece would be a total understatement!
The New York-based Frenchman seduces listeners with this composition which is difficult to categorize due to the various elements that vie for your attention. It’s classical, yet modern; reminiscent of soft jazz, but has a touch of alternative rock; peaceful and carefree, though with an underlying eeriness to the whole thing. Add flowing transitions that sometimes follow in the tradition of improvisation, yet discreetly allude to painstaking design, and you’ve got an absolute feast for your ears.
With Luques Curtis on double bass and Kendrick Scott on drums, the trio revitalizes the concept of three-member bands which are usually boring and predictable in the jazz genre. Their collective energy makes for a rich and exciting listening experience that is pleasantly intimate. Their harmonies are simply breathtaking, infused with a tenderness that would warm anyone’s soul.
Collin’s progressive instrumentals are unlike any other musician’s on the scene today. It’s no wonder he’s earned praised from legends like Terence Blanchard, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, among others.
I could listen to “The Calling” all day. If this one track is any indication of what Collin is artistically capable of, there’s no limit to the amount of beautiful music he’ll be gracing us with in the years to come.
For more information, please visit Romain Collin’s website.