Untitled Document
La Campagnie des Musiques à Ouïr
France
Denis Charolles – dr, hrn, trb, perc, voc, g
Fred Gastard – b, sax, effects, synth, voc, mélodica
Julien Eil – bar sax, b cl, traverse flute
Have you ever heard a group that consists of three musicians, but when you close your eyes it sounds like there are 25 of them? This is how these guests of the European Jazz project presented by Vilnius-European Capital of Culture, La Campagnie des Musiques à Ouïr, could be described, a group considered “special” even in France, a country of great musical talent.
Jazz, with many excursions into other musical styles, inspired by poetry, dance, and even architecture—these are the guidelines the group, that first came into focus back in 1995, set for itself. Today they are a musical phenomenon that has produced several albums and has inspired ensembles of various hues. The name of the group perfectly captures the mission of the group—a campaign for music that is worth listening to, though the listeners soon changed it to music that is easy to enjoy.
The group’s concerts are very visual and unusual; they make one believe that jazz can be played on, besides other unusual instruments, a vessel filled with sand or a watering can. Their repertoire is as varied as their kaleidoscopic influences, from popular folklore to pop music and original jazz compositions. Each of the group’s projects is an interesting challenge; from collaboration with a bunch of famous Hungarian jazzmen to special events like poetry readings accompanied by jazz. “It reminds one of a small group of madmen, each appearance of which is full of challenges," this is how the French group is described by the Western European press.
Denis Charolle is a long standing member of the group who plays percussion, wind instruments and guitar. Yet it is said he could do without any instrument as long as he had something in his hand that could produce a sound by being beaten. The artiste is a member of several groups and has played with many musicians, including guitarist Marco Ducret and Brian May, member of the legendary group Queen. Every musician who has worked with Denis has been impressed with his skill.
Frederic Gastard studied in several music schools in France, and graduated from the Paris National Conservatoire as one of the most capable students on the course. This saxophonist, composer, and arranger is responsible for the electronic sound effects during performances. This year, Charolle and Gastard were joined by Julien Eil, who plays saxophone and bass clarinet.
“To hell with recordings, concerts are the most important to us. They convey everything we want to say,” musicians of La Campagnie des Musiques à Ouïr once said. This says it all.
