The guitarist Samuel Bonnet releases his ninth album as a leader, Slow, a title that may seem counterintuitive at first listen. Indeed, it is not a program of ballads or contemplative introspections. Of the eight tracks on the album, only two truly adopt a relaxed pace. The others swing pleasantly, without fuss, but at a good pace all the same. Why this title?
For Bonnet, it’s more about an attitude and a way of thinking. The pandemic first changed things within him. And following his encounter with the “slow life” philosophy in Italy and the Indian Ayurveda thought (philosophy of balance), Bonnet felt the urge to leave behind the nervous and “hustle-like” life of the West.
He therefore took the time to build his new repertoire with a renewed sense of fulfilment. The same spirit also seems to inhabit his interpretation (and those of his partners), even in the more lively passages. One can sense a care in allowing the phrases to unfold and the melodies to fully extend.
Bonnet is surrounded by loyal friends: Jonathan-Guillaume Boudreau on double bass and Simon Bergeron on drums. But he also had the excellent idea of adding the presence of Joe Magnarelli on trumpet and flugelhorn in four tracks. The elegant playing, the cushioned sound, and the assured presence of the American veteran bring a superb dimension to the whole. Sometimes, it feels like ghosts of some serene hard bop album from the 60s, with Freddie Hubbard or Lee Morgan, or even better, the duo Kenny Burrell/Kenny Dorham, hover behind. But, of course, Bonnet, Magnarelli and friends don’t do pastiche. They freely tackle this rich heritage and make it their own.
Very satisfying.
Joe Magnarelli – Trumpet, Flugelhorn (1, 2, 6, 8)
Samuel Bonnet – Guitar
Jonathan-Guillaume Boudreau – Double Bass
Simon Bergeron – Drums
