JULIEN TASSIN QUARTET
Sometimes we hold high hopes and great expectations, only to be caught off guard by life’s unforeseen twists and turns. Those moments serve as a reminder of the crucial role that resilience and (self-)belief play in all our lives. That is precisely what Julien Tassin’s latest album, “Great Expectations”, aims to explore: his own experiences with hope, joy and disillusions.
Last year, trumpet player Ron Miles was slated to be Julien’s special guest for a performance at Bozar, Brussels, where he would have completed the trio alongside Dré Pallemaerts and Nicolas Thys. Sadly, Miles passed away unexpectedly. Despite this tremendous loss, Tassin continued writing music for the project. He then invited American trumpet player Jason Palmer (Roy Hanes, Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Smith, Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ravi Coltrane, Mark Turner) to join the trio. This eventually led to the recording of the new album.
Much like in classical music, most of the pieces are composed in several movements, each reflecting a distinct mood and atmosphere. The surprising twists and turns in the music align with the overarching theme, where each song tells a tale that effortlessly transitions between various grooves, while maintaining a cinematic undertone. However, there is ample space for improvisation and interaction, which has always been the band’s strength in the studio and live. Tassin’s fascination with blues is apparent throughout the album. The outcome is an exhilarating combination of blues, jazz and rock.
The album was released November 10 2023 by W.E.R.F. Records & IGLOO Records. Live, “Great Expectations” will be performed by Julien Tassin on guitar, Nicolas Thys on bass, Dré Pallemaerts on drums and the American-Eritrean Hermon Mehari on trumpet. Expect a fresh and vibrant sound that showcases the quartet’s endless creativity.
“Around seven minutes in, the bluesy balladeering was ditched in no uncertain terms, with Mehari soloing freely over heavy riffing guitar, thundering bass and blistering drums that conjured Red-era King Crimson. (…) Ron Miles, you feel, would have approved.”
– All About Jazz
“The guitar player from Charleroi builds his compositions like little suites, with many tempo changes. The quartet packs a punch!”
– De Standaard Magazine
“The psychedelic side of Tassin tempers the jazz tendencies of Palmer and vice versa. And with the addition of the exceptional rhythm section of Dré Pallemaerts and Nicolas Thys, this album is amazing.”
– Le Soir
Julien Tassin (BE) – Guitar
Nicolas Thys (BE) – Double bass
Dré Pallemaerts (BE) – Drums
Hermon Mehari (US/ER) – Trumpet
INSIDE JAZZ MANAGEMENT
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Jens Tytgat
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Charlotte Jestaedt
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IGLOO RECORDS
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Pierre Villeret
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W.E.R.F. RECORDS
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Belgium
Benny Claeysier
benny.claeysier@kaap.be
DER PROMOTOR
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Germany / Switzerland / Austria
Daniela Siemon
daniela.siemon@der-promotor.de
