Le Boeuf Brothers: In Praise of Shadows (2011)

Mark F. Turner

Senior Contributor since 2001

Considering himself a modern day 'Jazz Explorer' Mark continues to discover new and exciting music territories.

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Published: October 20, 2011

Projects such as the Le Boeuf Brothers' In Praise of Shadows should help quiet the debate on whether or not jazz is stagnating. The twins—keyboardist Pascal and saxophonist/clarinetist Remy—are talented musicians and award-winning composers who are a part of the new breed of young artists, like trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire Ambrose Akinmusire
b.1982
trumpet , pianist John Escreet John Escreet
b.1984
piano and bassist Esperanza Spalding Esperanza Spalding
b.1984
bass, acoustic , who channel their influences, environments, and resources into works that reflect their own identities.

As in their self-released 2009 debut, House Without A Door , the twins enlist the help of equally commanding peers such as the increasingly visible bassist Linda Oh Linda Oh

bass , drummer Henry Cole Henry Cole

drums , and newer voices such as saxophonist Mike Ruby Mike Ruby
. The eleven tracks show the brother's proclivity for sumptuous melodicism and well thought-out compositions.

This continues to hold true with In Praise of Shadows , but with a few added surprises, the first of which includes the added layering of electronics on the opening "Fire Dancing Dreams." Its acoustic-electronic blend is organic, mixing hip rhythms, processing and strong performances before it morphs into the exotic "Everything You Love," which includes Pascal's persuasive singing and an ethereal string arrangement from the Myth String Quartet.

All of the musicians are highly trained in a number of disciplines but the feel of the music is not restricted to any one idiom. There are intersecting lines of electronica and rock in "D2D," with a trippy solo from guitarist Nir Felder Nir Felder
; ambient soundscapes in "Calgary Clouds"; and tense drama in "Circles," as Remy's alto exchanges lines with the MSQ's undulating strings. The compositional methods reveal the brothers' inquisitiveness and exhaustive attention to detail. One of the most emotive tracks is "For Every Kiss," a tune that features vocals and production in the vein of eclectic singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens. It could top the charts like a hit pop tune, with the unusual exception of its lengthy, stirring saxophone solo and elaborate electronic coda.

The title piece doesn't settle the matter of where the twin's allegiance lies, and that's a good thing. It's a bright piece of modern jazz with hints of chamber and mountain folk music. Like its predecessors, the music is open-minded and masterfully crafted; a fascinating view and a precursor of things to come from the intriguing Le Boeuf Brothers.

Track Listing: Fire Dancing Dreams; Everything You Love; Two Worlds; D2D; Calgary Clouds; Circles; We Thought They Were Planets...; Red Velvet; The Last Time You Were Happy; For Every Kiss; In Praise of Shadows.

Personnel: Remy Le Boeuf: alto sax, bass clarinet, tenor sax; Pascal Le Boeuf: piano/keyboards, vocals, electronics; Mike Ruby: tenor sax; Linda Oh: bass; Henry Cole: drums; Nir Felder: guitar (3); Adria Le Boeuf: ambient vocals; Myth String Quartet (Tallie Brunfelt: violin; Jeremy Blanden: violin cello; Kim Uwate: viola; Isaac Melamed: cello.)

Record Label: Nineteen-Eight Records
Style: Modern Jazz