Pierrick MENUAU is a brilliant saxophonist trained in the USA, in charge of the jazz part of the Angers Conservatory.

His project, inspired in large part by the great trumpeter/cornetist Don CHERRY, initially planned with American musicians, could not be completed due to Covid. To our delight, Pierrick MENUAU has finalized it with 4 musicians very appreciated on the French jazz scene: 2 of his long-time friends: the double bassist Sébastien BOISSEAU and the drummer Christophe LAVERGNE to which were added, thanks to the chance of festival meetings, 2 friends who are used to collaborating: the trumpeter Yoann LOUSTALOT and pianist Julien TOUERY.

The title of the album, also the name of the group "Together Ensemble" comes from a record by Don CHERRY: "Togetherness" from 1965. Of the 11 tracks, 6 are compositions by Pierrick MENUAU, 2 by Yoann LOUSTALOT, 2 by Julien TOUERY and of course a cover by Don CHERRY: "Fourth Movement". And the "Together" you can feel it very quickly with this beautiful unity of play and this balance between influences and free, live creation ("free" and "live" !!).

Pierrick MENUAU's first opus "5-6 PM" immerses us in this structured profusion from which brass springs. Opus 2: "Don Song" by Pierrick could be called "Free Don", with the tutelary figures behind each musician and at the same time their personal imprint: Yoann LOUSTALOT as Don Cherry, Pierrick MENUAU as Gato BARBIERI, Julien TOUERY as Karl BERGER and on the rhythm Sébastien BOISSEAU alias Jean-François JENNYCLARK and Christophe LAVERGNE alias Aldo ROMANO....Where can we be inspired by mythical concerts and go further!!!!

Opus 3: "El Gato" and 5: "MOCA" by Pierrick MENUAU, are also a treat: Rhythmic seat, impetuous "touched/struck" by Julien TOUERY's piano very free, brass in high flying "free, free, free" (LOUSTALOT/MENUAU – duo to remember!). Opus 4 "Chris's Mood" excels with its rhythm changes where we will remember the inventive and fine drumming of Christophe LAVERGNE. Opus 6: The cover of Don CHERRY's beautiful composition "Fourth Movement" takes us to our seventies jazz concerts for the lucky ones who have seen and heard this mythical figure on stage.

Yoann LOUSTALOT's 2 compositions: opus 7: "Hirsute" and 11: "Cherry's switch" offer us a magnificent groove and wild or lyrical flights on the trumpet. Julien TOUERY's 2 creations: opus 8: "Parietal Art" and 10: "Can I take my hand back" offer one a joyful piece where the brass compete in bravery and a sweet melody where the saxophone and the piano charm us.

Cast: Pierrick Menuau (Tenor Saxophone),Yoann Loustalot (Trumpet), Julien Touery (Piano), Santi Debriano (Double Bass), Barry Altschul (Drums)