[HADRIEN FERAUD]

New Hadrien Feraud CD preview/review

I just got an advance copy of Hadrien's debut solo album and I think it's really killing... I was always impressed with his playing but this actually shows he has some serious depth to his musicianship beyond his outrageous technique. He plays a lot of keyboards too - seemingly as well as he plays bass, he also covers the John McLaughlin tune 'High Jacked' - from the Que Alegria album that first introduced the world to Dominique DiPiazza - and he plays it note perfect and then some and is even joined by McLaughlin on the tune and it's all rather good. There's a funny abstract version of Giant Steps too with Linley Marthe playing both keys and soloing on bass as well. There are a few little weird freak out 'interludes' with HF and Linley as well where they just play 'free' and having seen Linley with Joe Zawinul recently they are two players/friends who are very much on the same level - conceptually and technically. The overall vibe is a real mix of classic fusion, some heavy dance beats and grooves with some world and soundtrack style textures - it's a bit uneven with some tunes rambling a bit - but considering this is the work of a 23-year old kid - it's still hugely impressive.

And his playing... far from wanting to sound OTT or sycophantic - Hadrien is a mother****er - he's pretty much got every technical and harmonic base well and truly covered and his lines sound as effortless as they are jaw dropping - his style is like a cross between Jaco and Dominic DiPiazza - who also guests on two tunes - with a touch of Matt Garrison, bebop and Bach thrown in for good measure. it's obvious he's transcribed a lot of Joe Zawinul too as no matter how insanely fast his playing gets, it always seems melodic, there's also a 'heavy' Weather Report sound throughout the album.

Whether you want to give up or get practicing after you hear him Feraud is a fresh talent with decades ahead of him to mature (not that he lacks maturity) even further, and if you are lucky enough to be able to catch him live on tour with John McLaughlin, Gary Husband and Mark Mondesir later this year - get the hell out and see him!

Just thought some of you guys would appreciate a heads up on this CD

Mike

http://www.abstractlogix.com/xcart/p...roductid=22152
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