The prospect of Luma from French guitarist Tom Ibarra certainly relieves post-Christmas ennui. On Ibarra's Goatzic label, release date is 29 January 2021. Only 21, Ibarra, born near St Tropez, has picked up a trunk load of awards so far. His playing résumé has included performing with the likes of French violin great Didier Lockwood and guesting with Miles Davis bass guitar legend Marcus Miller just a few years ago at festivals in Germany and the Ukraine. Ibarra released his first album aged 15, with follow-up Sparkling arriving in 2018, an album that featured a guest appearance from Snarky Puppy leader Michael League. Ibarra's style is an accessible funky amalgam. Think Cory Wong or Tom Misch to jump off from. On 'Left Behind' the feel from drummer Tao Ehrlich and bass undertow is like something steering back to the bustle of Estelle's 2008 hit featuring Kanye West, 'American Boy'. Joining Ibarra on 'Left Behind' are: Jeff Mercadié (sax); Lilian Mille (trumpet); Auxane Cartigny (keys); Noé Berne (bass guitar); Tao Ehrlich (drums). Not an artist for the hardcore improv fan at all but certainly an entertaining player of style, ideas, and character: The guy knows how to stretch out.
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