The jazz trio of an acoustic guitar virtuoso playing fingerstyle and flatpicking

Rich harmonies, colorful improvisations mixed together with a rhythm section as good in swing than in binary groove www.citizenjazz.com, 2007 A elegant and raced easy listening work www.conseildelamusique.be, 2007 Without any displaced virtuosity, Fabien Degryse shows a precise touch and a huge expressivity in the building of his improvisations. He is not satisfied with revealing his guitar's heart, he makes her soul speak... www.dragonjazz.com, 2007 This music is hot and sensual. http://jazzques.skynetblogs.be, 2007 Best jazz guitarist on the international scene. Guitarist Acoustic #15, 11/2007 Every single note is at its right place, and with the right dynamic. It's amazing to discover how such a simple steelstring guitar may have such a big potential and may be played with such a great virtuosity Jazzmozaïek, 6/2007 Surrounded by Bart De Nolf on the upright bass and Bruno Castellucci on the drums, this CD is a true jewel. There are loads of feelings in this belgian guy. To be heard without moderation. LaGuitare.com, Fred Kakon, 24/2/2008 The trio take passengers on an engaging ride of upswept riffs, warm-tempered hues and bluesy guitar wobbles. The music shows a Bohemian freedom in the guitar bars, moving from jostling chord rotations in “Dreams and Goals” to a series of calm slinks coursing through “Fatima.” The Spanish flavoring in the notes of “Time For Some Sun” have a sassy samba swing while the jolly fiesta lighting of “Alea” induces a party mood. Many tunes are a model of classic jazz with a hint of blues and stylish harmonies. The songs have an upper-crust air about them without showing any elitism in the entangling lines and twirling solo batons. The album is equal in quality as it is in quantity with most of the tracks over five-minutes long and the melodic trimmings perfectly groomed. Degryse portrays the lowlights and highlights of the acoustic guitar with a maestro’s sensibilities. The quiet contemplative mood of “Waltz for Life” offers a moment to reflect over life while the island tusks of “The Odd Party” demands the audience’s full attention. Degryse’s tonics are made either shaken like “The Odd Party” or tenderly stirred like in “Da Ann Blues,” though the trio’s showers are always plated in warm tones. The track “Back to the Roots” has a tinge of Americana country, which may seem strange since Degryse is from Belgium. Regardless, the track is traditional sounding and inventive in its chord movements. The final number “Suite” comes in three parts which each show a different facet of the acoustic guitar. The lowlights of “Part I: Away From Your Love” portrays a desert landscape as “Part II: It’s A Long, Long Journey” drags deeper into the barrenness with the heavy weights in the modulations of the upright bass, and “Part III: Back Home” has a celebratory feel, which pulls the listener from the abyss. The Fabien Degryse Trio is a classic jazz outfit that knows their jazz. They keep their temperatures warm and their structures feeling free while looking stylish. Their harmonies are challenging, but seem effortless in the trio’s hands. All of the tracks on The Heart of the Acoustic Guitar are written by Degryse and show the three decades that he has been playing the guitar on a professional scale. He is certainly not a novice, nor does his music intimidate novice musicians, which makes this album quite attractive and one that musicians and fans will talk about for years to come. Reviewed by: Susan Frances, 2008 JazzReview.com
The Reviews The Story The Partitions The Concerts The Press Room Home Sound samples The Instruments The Musicians click to order
If you like jazz acoustic guitar, you'll love it ! The compositions are nice and the sound is great. This is the best autoproduction I've heard... Valery Tarondeau
The He art of the Acoustic Guitar - chapter 2 (2009)
The He art of the Acoustic Guitar (2007)
click to order
Such a composer (thank you, ... music!) such a guitarist (thank you, Belgium!), such an instrument (thank you "Martin & C°"!)... I can't believe he's not known all over the world. Please, wake up, ...world! Thierry Hodiamont
Order Fabien Degryse Fingerswingin'
Fabien Degryse trio The He art of the Acoustic Guitar
Booking: JPR production - 2 chemin des Meules F-08600 Rancennes +33 (0)6 75 46 65 95 (France) / +32 (0)479 72 64 01 (Belgique) Licenses: 2-144906 (Lt2) / 3-144907 (Lt3) - http://www.jpr-production.org - rolotjpr@wanadoo.fr