Jean-Michel Pilc专辑介绍：by Ken DrydenSince his arrival on the jazz scene, pianist Jean-Michel Pilc has shown a remarkable intensity, yet his music requires repeated hearings to appreciate its nuances. The opening tracks of Cardinal Points have an African flavor, but add some very unusual twists. Fred's Walk is a bit of a loping introduction, giving way to South, a brisk variation that adds soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome and features Pilc whistling and playing melodica as well. West is a much more ominous work, while North suggests a brooding nightmare. The final segment, East, provides a tense conclusion to this mini-suite. Ari's Mode is initially a playful post-bop duet with drummer Ari Hoenig, before Newsome and bassist James Genus make a late entrance. The one standard of the session is a haunting interpretation of Duke Ellington's Mood Indigo, which suggests a gathering storm yet proves to be captivating. The CD concludes with Pilc's intriguing four-movement Trio Sonata, in which François Moutin takes over on bass.