Despite being linked with the Postcard scene, The French Impressionists didn’t necessarily fit in with label signings Orange Juice, Aztec Camera and Josef K. However, their “new jazz” recordings have aged well, as proved by the recent ‘A Selection Of Songs’ compilation. Revolving around the skills of pianist Malcolm Fisher, their time was sadly shortlived. Thankfully Fisher has now produced a new album with an assortment of new singers and it’s as if the French Impressionists have gone straight back to the studio after their last time together.
Fisher’s solo piano compositions are always a delight. The title track and ‘Dress’ all feature lovely rolling melodies; their wordless elegance conveying heady romance and intrigue. Of the vocal tracks, ‘Indiscretion’ emulates the dolefulness of Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’ and ‘My Guardian Angel’ certainly has echoes of ‘Try A Little Tenderness’. Meanwhile, on ‘Se Nella Luce’ and ‘L’Infelice Luna’, Sara Cicenia sings with immense passion in her native tongue. ‘Just Take A Moment’ is the only track credited with guitars and percussion. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful, warm understated number and one of the highlights of a fine album. There’s also a showcase for the near-operatic vocals of Japan’s Masako Kodera.
There is an argument to say that there has been no real music development since The French Impressionists first started out but that’s the beauty of that music; much of it could have been made fifty rather than twenty-five years ago. ‘Fête’ doesn’t rely on gimmicks to display its charms, rather it’s a triumph for old-fashioned musical values such as melody and minimalism.
Web Sites:
The French Impressionists MySpace
LTM Record Label Site
Further Listening:
Erik Satie, Dislocation Dance
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