Personnel:
David Sauzay (ts), Fabien Mary (tp), David Hazeltine (p), Fabien Marcoz, Paolo Benedettini, Gabriel Sauzay (b), Xaver Hellmeier (d)
Reference: FSRCD 5143
Bar code: 8427328651431
Official release date: February 20th, 2026
At the end of the 1990s, I discovered pianist David Hazeltine and the group One for All with Eric Alexander, Jim Rotondi, and Joe Farnsworth. From that moment on, I felt completely connected to this musical family, which for me embodies a spirit of jazz that I deeply admire.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of playing and recording several times with these exceptional musicians—artists of unique talent and immense generosity. Last March, I had the joy of inviting David Hazeltine for a project that was particularly close to my heart: the recording of a new quintet album, alongside Fabien Mary, Xaver Hellmeier, Paolo Benedettini, Fabien Marcoz, and Gabriel Sauzay (with no fewer than three
bass players who took turns!). We recorded three of his compositions:We All Love Eddie Harris, Bossa For All, and Pearls.
The quintet format with trumpet and tenor saxophone has always been emblematic for me. It was only natural that I thought of Fabien Mary on trumpet and Fabien Marcoz on bass—two “swing brothers” with whom I’ve been playing for more than 25 years.
The real trigger for the project was my meeting with Xaver Hellmeier, a drummer I had heard the previous year at Sunside in Paris, playing alongside David Hazeltine. At that moment, I told myself I had to make this dream come true as soon as possible, without waiting indefinitely. So I organized a tour in France and in Paris.As always, it was necessary to juggle with the musicians’ schedules! I began with Fabien Marcoz on bass, then the great Paolo Benedettini (David Hazeltine’s longtime companion) joined us.
The sessions took place at Studio Bop City, recorded by sound engineer Max Jésion,who for me is like a family member, since I practice in his studio almost every day. On the first day, we recorded three of my own compositions, some rearranged for the occasion (The Spirit of Alice, Samba del Camino), and one written especially for this project (Following the Fox). I also asked Fabien Mary to compose a piece: Short Stack, a magnificent work that appears as the second track on the album.
On the second day, we changed bass players, with Paolo and Gabriel. It was a particularly moving moment, since Gabriel’s birthday coincided with the recording session. I have two sons, Gabriel and Gaspard, of whom I am very proud: Gabriel is already an accomplished professional musician at only 24, while Gaspard is pursuing an outstanding path of excellence at the Sorbonne. What greater gift for Gabriel than to find himself in the studio with David Hazeltine? You can hear him on the last track of the album: Ease It, a blues by Paul Chambers.
After that, we recorded David Hazeltine’s compositions. With Xaver and Paolo,who know them perfectly, everything flowed with disarming ease. I had dreamed of playing this repertoire, and this time, the dream became reality.
These sessions took place in a warm and relaxed atmosphere, with the simple joy of sharing music. After each recording, a few photos, then off to the restaurant to celebrate together those unforgettable moments!
Between the creativity of the compositions, the richness of the arrangements, and the mastery of the improvisations, I remain fascinated by the freshness that jazz musicians bring to thiswonderfulmusic.Amusic that celebrates love, positive energy, and sharing—and that always uplifts us by inviting us to become better.
—David Sauzay
