TERRE

French producer / composer / musician Julian Julien debut album opens with beautiful Latin fusion scented "Terre". Don't be fooled though - this small orchestra's ( lot of strings, reeds, bandoneon, percussion, acoustic bass and occasion vocals with Julian on programming / samples and control) isn't your another world fusion band.

Step by step, song after song you will realize that album's music (with its obvious roots in French urban folklore tradition) is elegant mix of European chamber music, some Mediterranean tunes and a very few fusion touches. Released on label with strange name "Prikosnovénie" ( what means "the touch" on few Slavic languages) , this album's genre could be classified as RIO - but without dissonance, anger and angular sound. "Warm RIO" ?

Speaking about music without tags, this album contains well composed (not improvised - that's why this music is not jazz fusion) warm, friendly and has its own beauty almost on every composition. Possibly nearest work that comes in mind (even if both of them are stylistically quite different) is one of Al DiMeola's "World Sinfonia" albums. Remove from "World Sinfonia's" music Al's guitar, Latin passion and add European chamber tradition - you will have "Terre"!

Terre's pros and cons come from its concept - not enough dramatic for RIO fans this album at the same time contains more accessible and friendly music which can attract listener with wider interests.

Strong 3,5!