CANTO

Matthieu Chazarenc : Drums and composition

Sylvain Gontard : Bugle

Christophe Wallemme : Contrebasse

Laurent Derache : Accordéon

But why did Matthieu Chazarenc — a refined drummer, a devoted sideman dedicated to other people’s music — decide at the age of 40 to step into the spotlight by releasing his first album under his own name? A need for recognition? A late surge of ego? Certainly not. Simply the irresistible urge, in the fullness of maturity, to turn his emotions into music on the page.

Matthieu Chazarenc finally dares to affirm, through his three compelling albums, his desire to embark on a personal quest that faithfully reflects his emotions of the moment. For this journey, he chose a unique ensemble featuring Christophe Wallemme,  a great master of fundamental elegance on the double bass; Sylvain Gontard, a refined stylist on the flugelhorn; and the young Laurent Derache on accordion, who brings — freely and lyrically — a new breath of life to the “shiver box.”

 While leaving his three fellow adventurers completely free to join the interplay as they see fit, the Gascon drummer crafts captivating melodies, fully embracing his role as the leader of the proceedings. With sticks, cymbals, and drums, he clearly takes pleasure in sharing a collective sound — a true band sound. With elegance and sincerity, Matthieu and his companions offer both a present and a future to this music in three time, which waltzes gracefully past the constraints of labels. 

We love the way, throughout the tracks of these albums, a cloud of gentle melancholy lingers — that subtle nostalgia stirred by the tender ache caused by the closeness of distant memories. All those more or less blurred impressions that this music awakens within us have a name: charm. 

Credits photo : Jean-Baptiste Millot