Album Review: Untitled by Joel Grip & Pierre Borel
If you’re into jazz that doesn’t play by the rules, Untitled by Joel Grip and Pierre Borel is worth your time. Released in 2011 under the Italian label Surmeira, this album dives deep into free improvisation—a style where structure takes a backseat, and raw creativity drives the bus. With just two core musicians—Joel Grip on double bass and Pierre Borel on saxophone—the record feels intimate yet expansive, like they’re inviting you into their private jam session.
One track that sticks out (other than the obvious title track "Untitled") is its sheer unpredictability. From the first note, Grip’s double bass groans and growls, setting an almost unsettling tone. It’s not background music—it demands your attention. Then Borel’s saxophone swoops in, weaving sharp, angular lines that clash beautifully with Grip’s low-end rumbles. You can tell these guys aren’t following a script; every sound feels instinctual, alive. It’s messy in the best way possible, like watching a storm roll in—you don’t know what’s coming next, but you can’t look away.
Another standout moment comes midway through when the duo seems to lock into a fleeting rhythm. For a few bars, it feels like they’ve stumbled upon something tangible, only to let it dissolve back into chaos. That push-and-pull dynamic keeps you hooked. The recording quality, handled by Dario Boldrini, captures every scrape of the bow and breathy squeak of the sax without over-polishing. It’s gritty, real, and unapologetically human.
What makes Untitled memorable isn’t any one melody or hook—it’s the vibe. Listening to it feels like eavesdropping on a conversation between two old friends who finish each other's sentences. Sure, some parts might feel indulgent if you’re not in the mood for experimental jazz, but there’s a strange beauty in the imperfection.
Here’s the kicker: after listening to Untitled, I realized how rare it is to hear music that doesn’t try to impress you. There’s no flashy production or forced climaxes here—just two musicians exploring the edges of their craft. And honestly? That kind of honesty is refreshing. If anything, this album reminds me that sometimes, art doesn’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, asking the questions is enough.
