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With the tension of his muted trumpet and the release of his open horn, Erik Truffaz walks
on the back of a giant turtle representing planet Earth. His hip creations traverse continents as well
as
history. While jazz and electric fusion have remained faithful soul mates for over 30 years, the
popular mix has always represented a thorn in the side of loyal, straightahead devotees. Most of the
recordings issued by Miles Davis after 1969, after all, still pose questions in the minds of die-hard
fans.
Trumpeter Truffaz has created a powerful follow-up to last year’s Mantis, on which he
sketched out drawings that connected the dots between cool jazz, world beat affairs, and tradition.
This time out, Truffaz’s session sizzles with hot rock defiance, techno-dance energy and creative, in-
your-face gestures.
”Seven Skies” heralds the approach of a passionate rock opera. “Flamingos” moves gracefully
along dream-filled pathways. “King B” and “Next Door” strut to the heavy backbeat of a crowded
dance floor. “Turiddu” and “Belle de Nuit” lay low with the sweet dreams of tomorrow. “Wilfried,” a
personal favorite, offers intricate counterpoint behind the delicately woven and fresh open voice of
Truffaz’s trumpet. To close the program, “The Walk of the Giant Turtle” stirs creative fires that all too
often get left out in today’s business world where dollars carry more weight than artistic
achievement. Kudos to Truffaz for his courage in seeing things his own way, with this recommended
album as the fortuitous result.
~ Jim Santella
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Track Listing: Scody Part 1; Scody Part 2; King B; Flamingos; Turiddu; Next Door; Belle de Nuit; Wilfried; Seven
Skies; The Walk of the Giant Turtle.
Personnel: Erik Truffaz- trumpet; Patrick Muller- keyboards; Marcello Giuliani- electric bass; Marc Erbetta-
drums.
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