Eight Fragments of Summer is my seventh album as a leader. The forth one within the quartet format, it is the fruit of a full summer spent in New York where I reconnected with some familiar musicians ; French tenor saxophonist Jérôme Sabbagh (who just released One Two Three) and californian drummer Damion Reid (Robert Glasper, Bob Hurst, Rudresh Mahanthappa). Along with them and bass player Brandon Owens, I recorded Like A Tree in the City in 2004 when I was still living in New York.
From Wisconsin, young Joe Sanders is now replacing Brandon Owens. After completing the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute program - under the supervision of masters of the likes of Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock - he has moved to New York where he is becoming one of its more in demand bass players. With these fine musicians, it was easy to get the inspiration and energy of Like A Tree in the City back, and the summer 2008 was naturally devoted at the writing of new music.
After ten years with French label Cristal Records, I have finally crossed the line of total independence and created my own label. Therefore, this album marks an important milestone in my journey as a musician for it is the first one to be released on 88TREES. Here are eight new compositions that I believe summarize years of inspiration, work and friendship with these amazing musicians. May this fragments put together make a warm and long-lasting season.
Laurent Coq
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