Belmondo Family Sextet - Mediterranean Sound (2013)

Mediterranean Sound marks brothers Lionel and Stéphane Belmondo s musical reunion as they pay a vibrant tribute to their father Yvan, who has succeeded in passing down his love and knowledge of jazz. Joining forces on an album for the first time, the three Belmondos have recorded as a sextet with the help of guitarist Jean-Philippe Sempere, double-bass player Sylvain Romano and drummer Jean-Pierre Arnaud. This record take them back to their main influences, especially the early ones: modern jazz, feverish East Coast hard bop as well as intricate West Coast arrangements. Lodged between Stéphane s trumpet and Lionel s tenor, the paternal baritone imposes its authority with its deep tone and sharp attacks, owing much to Gerry Mulligan when he was playing in that piano-less quartet with Chet Baker and Pepper Adams, when he and Donald Byrd formed the perfect pair. Connecting them is jazz, eternal and robust, full of joy and swing. From the Pacific coast of California to the wild shores of the Mediterranean, there is but a short step, which the Belmondo brothers take with swing, panache and delight.

Tracklist:

1. Alone Together (05:53)
2. Rue Serpente (05:21)
3. Flamingo (03:13)
4. Groovin' Higher (03:42)
5. Skylark (04:51)
6. Tricotism (03:22)
7. Méditation (04:46)
8. East of the Sun (and West of the Moon) (04:37)
9. Lovers of Their Time (05:52)
10. Tangerine (03:46)
11. Lyne for Lyons (04:03)