For the follow-up of his ECM-leader-debut La traversee, French saxophonist Matthieu Bordenave expands his trio of German pianist Florian Weber and French bassist Patrice Moret with the unique sensibilities of drummer James Maddren, whose unrelenting pulse adds deft counterpoint to the group’s already idiosyncratic sound. Beyond the soulfully angular rendering of John Coltrane’s “Compassion”, the quartet tackles eight Bordenave-originals that bridge the gap between chamber-jazz dynamics and post-swing designs. Weber and Bordenave’s oblique approach to their instruments – Bordenave can be heard on both tenor and soprano sax – coalesce seamlessly, spinning unanticipated lines over a highly interactive rhythm section. The Blue Land was recorded in Pernes-Les-Fontaines in 2022, and produced by Manfred Eicher.

Matthieu Bordenave: tenor saxophone

Florian Weber: piano

Patrice Moret: double bass

James Maddren: drums

“A delicate tightrope is trodden between tonal and abstract during the ominous title track, while Weber shifts from Jarrett-like piano on Coltrane’s ‘Compassion’ to a gently meditative hum on a Bordenave original ‘Cyrus’. It makes for an intriguing, collectively expressive set of chamber ensemble pieces.” – **** Jazzwise

“For this gently challenging, quietly evocative and engrossing follow-up of his ECM-leader-debut “La traversée”, Bordenave expands his trio with the unique sensibilities of drummer James Maddren, whose deft touch and unrelenting pulse adds a perfect counterpoint to the group’s already idiosyncratic sound.” – **** UK Vibe

“Sumptuously recorded at Studios La Buissonne in Pernes-Les-Fontaines, the same trio of Bordenave, Weber and Moret is this time augmented by London-based James Maddren, who brings both a sense of steel and his characteristic rhythmic guile.” – LondonJazz News

“A wonderful album, and it will be fascinating to hear where the saxophonist takes is music going forward.” – Jazz Views