Label: Double Moon Records, 2026
Personnel - Frédéric Borey: saxophones; Médéric Collignon; cornet, voice; Gueorgui Kornazov: trombone; Michael Felberbaum: guitar; David Patrois: vibraphone; Yoni Zelnik: double bass; Olivier Le Goas: drums.
Intrepid French drummer Olivier Le Goas reunites his Ensemble Pulse—a high-spirited septet formed during a creative residency in 2021—to perform five new original compositions. A devoted explorer of odd meters, animated rhythmic patterns, and kinetic grooves, Le Goas delivers exactly that on The Chaining Loops.
His compositional strengths become evident from the outset in the expansive, constantly shifting title track. Vibraphonist David Patrois introduces the piece with an enchanting prelude before an asymmetrical pulse emerges, opening space for trombonist Gueorgui Kornazov’s improvisation. Chamber-like guitar-sax passages soon give way to another sharply accented odd-meter section, this time supporting a nervy cornet solo from Médéric Collignon, followed by a more cerebral soprano saxophone statement from Frédéric Borey. The orchestration continuously evolves, and the ensemble remains tightly unified in both melody and rhythm before settling briefly into a slower 4/4 passage over which guitarist Michael Felberbaum stretches out. The piece ultimately circles back to its origins, once again centering the vibraphone.
Played with uncanny intensity, “Direction” rests initially on a stern bass pedal point and unfolds in septuple meter, at times recalling the warm, expansive feel of the Dave Holland Quintet. Each musician fits seamlessly within the framework, and the track offers especially compelling guitar and saxophone improvisations over a rich chain of harmonies.
The polyrhythmic “Friction” thrives on curious juxtapositions and shifting tonal centers, while “Fifteen Miles” maintains the album’s rhythm-driven spirit even if it initially appears more restrained. Gradually, the ensemble reignites the momentum through a sequence of nine-beat cycles and an accelerated section that highlights Collignon’s expressive scat singing.
“Light in the Sky” closes the album on an uplifting note. Jazz fusion allusions emerge through vigorous drumming and an excellent vibraphone solo, while a soulful, catchy melody bridges into the cornet improvisation before rock and jazz merge once again with infectious vitality. The piece reaches ecstatic heights during its final coda, only to dissolve through Le Goas’ playful decrescendo.
Le Goas is the kind of musician who is constantly shifting gears rhythmically and texturally. His hyperactive pulse not only supports the soloists but also fuels consistently engaging interplay. In perpetual transformation across layered rhythmic cells, The Chaining Loops may feel dense and flamboyant at times, yet it remains a stimulating album to explore.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - The Chaining Loops ► 02 - Direction ► 05 - Light in the Sky