Basil Albader and Guests at Cafe Universel, Paris

This was a night to remember for jazz enthusiasts. Brought together by the charistmatic and creative drummer, Basil Albader, the musicians on stage last Saturday night were breaking ground, exploring the limits of music today. As teachers and Alumni of the American School of Modern Music, they all have a strong foundation in the language of jazz giants past.  But the hyper vigilance to respect the history of jazz that I find holding back so many Parisian jazz musicians today was no obstacle to this band of musicians. Their reverence to the masters was no obstable.  They didn't hold back one ounce of  their own creative spirit, nor were they pinned to a dead idea of perfection. Instead, they were free to explore all realms, with ease of instrument and mastery of many musicial languages.

Steve Browman, pianist currently living in Guadelupe, who was in for the occasion, brings the most history to the stage. He lived Brooklin in the 50's and 60's and lived the concerts of legends. But the sunshine of the island is not mixed with the cement of his youth, and well, his sound was something utterly unique. He combined small delicate touches, with huge, booming sounds at all the right moments.

Edouard Brenneisen, guitarist, currently living in New York, brought the experimental spirit and set the tone  for something new with his compositions; all a bit dark but non the less beautiful. The bassist Laurent Salzard surprised me most, as I as was un impressed from a previous performance I had seen him play. But this night he was spot on with a groove and a flow to admire. Most of all, his suprisingly creative lines made him every bit an intregale part of what was happening on stage.

It was Phil Hilfiker, saxist, who seemed to me, the unofficial band leader. His respect not only of the music, but the other musicians as well as the audience, created an atmostphere of true exchange. He played a humble role at times, and like a giant at other moments, all in service of the music. All in tune with what would bring out the best in the other musicians, the best in the notes. His vibe lead the way through traditional standards like Giant Steps to free-flowing improvisations born of songs like Peace. A master arranger, he seemed to play from an awareness of the whole picture, not just his part and be arranging on the spot.

Finally, Basil Albader, my absolute most favorite drummer I've met in Paris, was infallable, fun, passionate and innovative as always. I am not alone in my enthusiasm, as everyone who knows him loves him not only as a drummer, but as a cool guys as well. No doubt, he is responsible for bringing this group together for all the right reasons. I hear this was his last concert in Paris, as he leaves for Berkley in the fall.  His career will take exciting new turns, no doubt. But all these men are musicians to keep an eye, for they seem tuned into the true spirit of  music today. All these men are leaving a mark on the sound of Jazz as we speak. All these jazzmen hand picked by Basil for a memorable night that went far beyond the traditional definition of jazz.