Moncef Genou - Aqua
by George Harris (All About Jazz, L.A., April 2006)

Pianist Moncef Genoud lends his unique and abstract piano sound to a set of complex, yet swinging charts on Aqua (his tenth release) that display his remarkably original talent and a keen listening ear. Featured mostly in a trio format, Genoud opens most of his songs with ruminating and darkly contemplative solo work before supreme bassist Scott Colley and adroit drum­mer Bill Stewart blend in to create intriguing and thought-provoking musical interplay. John Coltrane's "Moment's Notice" and Genoud's own "Moncef's Mood" demonstrate sympathetic and genteel camaraderie between the three musicians. A completely rearranged "Summertime" is succeedingly hip, with Stewart's funky beat driving the band forward. Aqua's real treat, however, is the guest appearance of tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker, who draws the listener into each piece he is featured on. His full-bodied sound is audibly grieving over the free floating and pulsating rhythm on the title piece. Brecker is dark and mysterious on "Mix of Keys," and his duet with Genoud on "Lovely Vij'" is achingly beautiful. It is worth the price of admission alone. You can almost sense Brecker's struggle with mortality on these pieces. It is heartbreakingly captivating, as is much of Aqua. Listen, and learn.

Track Listing: Out of the Blue/ Aqua/ Sliding Shadows/ Times Square Circle/ Summertime/ Lovely Vij'/ Moment's Notice/ Mix 0f Keys/ Moncef's Mood/ Lush Life

Personnel: Moncef Genoud- piano; Scott Colley, Frederic Folmer- bass; Bill Stewart,

Thierry Hochstatter- drums; Michael Brecker- tenor sax; Dee Dee Bridgewater- vocals