Album Review: 7 Years Live At Le Trianon by Big Four
Released in 2017 under the European label Neuklang, 7 Years Live At Le Trianon is a vibrant jazz album that captures the energy and artistry of its creators—Quentin Ghomari, Julien Soro, Stéphan Caracci, Fabien Debellefontaine, and Rafael Koerner. This live recording breathes life into nine tracks, blending technical brilliance with raw spontaneity. It’s not just an album; it’s an experience.
The standout track for me has to be “Zéphyr.” Right from the opening notes, you’re hit with this breezy, almost weightless saxophone line courtesy of Julien Soro. The interplay between him and Stéphan Caracci on piano feels like a conversation between old friends—natural yet unpredictable. What sticks in my mind is how effortlessly they balance complexity and accessibility. You don’t need to be a jazz aficionado to appreciate the way the rhythm section subtly shifts gears midway through, pulling you deeper into their world without ever losing coherence. By the time the final note fades, you're left wanting more.
Another track worth mentioning is “Pretty Much Henry.” If “Zéphyr” is all about fluidity, this one leans harder into groove and grit. Quentin Ghomari’s basslines here are nothing short of hypnotic, locking perfectly with Rafael Koerner’s drums to create a foundation so solid you could build a house on it (well, maybe not literally, but you get what I mean). There’s a cheeky nod to bebop in there too, which adds a playful edge to the otherwise polished arrangement. It’s the kind of tune that sneaks up on you days later when you least expect it, looping endlessly in your head.
Other tracks like “Voyou” and “Danser” showcase the band's versatility, while “160 Bpm” closes the album with a frenetic burst of energy that leaves you breathless. But honestly? It’s the chemistry among these five musicians that makes 7 Years Live At Le Trianon truly memorable. They don’t just play together—they listen, react, and challenge each other, creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
Reflecting on the album as a whole, it strikes me how rare it is to find live recordings that feel this intimate. Sure, some moments might sound slightly rough around the edges, but isn’t that the beauty of jazz? Perfection is overrated anyway. And hey, who would’ve thought a bunch of Europeans could make such authentically soulful music? Guess talent doesn’t care about borders after all.
Rating: 8.5/10
Final Thought: Listening to this album feels like stumbling upon a secret jam session where everyone happens to be ridiculously talented. Lucky us.
