Petite Promenade

Magali Souriau Trio

Listen: Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3

French pianist Magali Souriau was first noticed as the leader of a gorgeous big band, but her trio shows that she's an equally astounding pianist and small-group leader. She started playing classical piano at the age of 3, but switched to jazz and has received many awards in recognition of her outstanding achievement in Jazz composition.
Her trio consists of Magali Souriau (piano), Chris Cheek (sax) and Matt Pavolka (bass).

"One of the most original orchestral jazz composers of our time - astonishing music."
- Ben Ratliff, NY Times

"Souriau’s way with Monk is just the beginning of her powers.”
- K. Leander Williams, Time Out New York


Tracklisting:

1. When the Snow (3:12)
2. Ahmad Ravel / Au Clair de la Lune (6:41)
3. Speak Low (5:30)
4. Ask Me Now (2:59)
5. Hommage to Dollar Brand (4:48)
6. Petite Promenade (4:36)
7. Gnossienne (3:13)
8. Caravan (4:15)
9. Deep Slow (3:06)
10. Reflection (1:25)
11. Tease Me but Please Don't Squeeze Me, Even if I got it Bad (5:25)
12. Estate (5:30)
13. One For Daddy-O (1:33)
14. I'm Through with Love (4:23)

Tracks #1,2,5,6,9 composed by Magali Souriau.
Recorded at Avatar Studio, NYC, on November 2003.


Review:

"Soft set, with piano, bass, and tenor/soprano sax. Souriau is credited with vocals on four tracks, but she doesn't sing much -- the vocals are more like ad-libs, only slightly more coherent than Keith Jarrett's grunts. The originals seem tentative and underdone, but it doesn't hurt to listen closely. Interspersed are pieces by Monk, Ellington, Satie, and others, which are more overtly shaped -- although it is interesting that "Caravan" comes off sounding more like one of Monk's. Chris Cheek plays sax, and mostly keeps it in the background. The word of the day here is subtle. B+ "
- Tom Hull, Village Voice.