Murmures / Rumeurs, a quasi-anagram announcing a project in which the compositions themselves participate in this mirror game to which a double formation is dedicated: the already well-known quintet of Mumures consisting of Loïs Le Van on vocals, Tom Bourgeois on sax and clarinet, Thibault Dille on accordion, Florent Jeuneaux on guitar and, on one track, Veronika Harcsa who can also be found on the integral second album, while Loïs Le Van also returns for the overture.

Then there is Rumors, a large formation. In addition to the aforementioned musicians, a horn section is added: Thomas Mayade on trumpet, Ruben Verbruggen on alto and baritone saxophone, Quinten De Craecker on trombone and Esinam Dogbatse on flute and percussion, plus a rhythm section consisting of Dorian Dumont on piano, Jelle Van Giel on drums and Victor Foulon on double bass. This is the set, because that's what it is: Tom Bourgeois writes for cinema and documentaries and this penchant for direction also dominates this project which exudes an incredible originality.

It is difficult to describe it accurately because everything is a fusion of several references. On the first disc without a rhythm section, chamber music is the first thing that comes to mind. Impressionism with "Sonatine II" by Maurice Ravel, both versions of which excel in the search for sound colours. John Dowland - a composer who lived in the transition between the 16th and 17th centuries, and whose music came back into fashion with its nostalgic colours through Sting's album "Songs from the Labyrinth" - whose "Tell me, true love" is arranged by Tom Bourgeois with a finesse sublimated by the beautiful voice of Veronika Harcsa. Then colours are added on "Love tell me the truth" performed with the large formation.

"Soir (29)" is the only piece where we clearly find the theme in both versions, but the rest of the album plays with colours and timbres, harmonies and instrumental setting, without the traditional idea of solo or general effects that we find in big traditional groups. And if we absolutely want to find a reference to jazz (in itself unnecessary because of the pure beauty of the music), it is perhaps with Ravel that we find it in the rippling and swaying side of both versions. Let us also not forget to quote the beautiful texts by François Vaiana - a luxury that they are included in the booklet - which emphasise the clear and refined voice of Loïs Le Van.

Unlike many current productions, the music of "Murmures/Rumeurs" requires attentive, even repeated, listening to understand all its subtleties, but it makes you feel both peaceful and happy.

Texte: © Jean-Pierre Goffin

Listen here.

Tom Bourgeois: saxophones, clarinette basse & compositions

 Loïs Le Van: vocals

 Thibault Dille: accordion

 Florent Jeunieaux: guitar