The Magic Eye Romain Pilon Trio

• 1The Magic Eye08:01
• 2Blooming06:34
• 3Triptych (for Céleste)08:15
• 4Oxygen Choices06:56
• 5Until We Meet Again06:30
• 6Jumping at Shadows06:44
• 7Tumbleweeds05:09
• 8Fleurette Africaine03:58
• Total Runtime52:07

Info zu The Magic Eye

For his third album as a leader, French guitarist Romain Pilon features along with his trio the two upcoming American tenor saxophonists, Ben Wendel and Walter Smith III together for the first time on record in an amazing pairing. From grooves influenced by hip-hop to the elegant swing of the leading guitarists of the past like Jim Hall or Grant Green, from Brazilian accents to “cool” jazz tandems, Romain Pilon is creating a personal universe with numerous and intelligently-assimilated influences. Alternating between the urgency of the New York jazz scene and the introspection of contemplative ballads, he reveals a heartfelt sensitivity and profound inspiration that make The Magic Eye one of those albums one never tires of listening. Romain Pilon is the new talent of jazz guitar between Paris and New York City.

Romain Pilon, guitar
Yoni Zelnik, bass
Fred Pasqua, drums
Ben Wendel, tenor saxophone (on tracks: 1, 3, 4, 7)
Walter Smith III, tenor saxophone (on tracks: 1, 3, 4, 7)

Recorded December 18, 2014 (Trio), February 14, 2015 (Quintet) at Studio Des Egreffins
Produced by Romain Pilon

Romain Pilon
grew up in France and started to play the guitar at the age of 10 inspired by AC/DC's lead guitarist, Angus Young. Romain studied with various private teachers in his hometown before entering the Jazz Conservatory of Chambery in 1997. After auditionning for the famous Berklee College of Music, he was awarded a scholarship and moved to Boston for 4 years where he studied with world class musicians including Mick Goodrick, Hal Crook, Dave Santoro, Joe Lovano and Peter Bernstein. During his studies Romain was presented with 3 Berklee College music awards and in 2002 his quartet opened for Pat Metheny, representing the entire school guitar department of over 1000 students. Whilst in Boston Romain performed Christian Scott's debut CD featuring Walter Smith III.

After receiving his degree in Jazz Perfomance, Romain moved to New York where he played with musicians like Ferenc Nemeth, Lionel Loueke, Seamus Blake, Matt Brewer, Carlos Henriquez, Jerome Sabbagh, Albert Sanz, Rob Stillman... Now based in Paris, aside from performance and his own artistic projects, Romain teaches jazz improvisation, composition and guitar. He has played in many prestigious venues and festivals such as Malta Jazz Festival, Pizza Express (London), Jazz Bar (Edinburgh), Jazz in Marciac, Jazz à Couches, Crescent Jazz Club,Wally's (Boston), Duc des Lombards, Sunset/ Sunside (Paris),Centro Quatro(Belo Horyzonte),Recife... In 2004 he formed his band with tenor saxophonist David Prez, the David Prez/ Romain Pilon Group. To date, they have released two CDs to critical aclaim, "...probably one of the most sincere and enthousiasthic jazz groups to emerge in france" Jazz Magazine-Jazzman.

Since 2010 he is a member of the Paris Jazz Underground collective, reuniting six autonomous musicians who aim at exposing their music through their combined endeavor. Their last album received the highest rating in Jazz magazine (Choc).

His first trio record as a leader, recorded in Ny, with Colin Stranahan (dr) and Matt Brewer (bs) was released in April 2012. It was selected among the 7 "Chocs"(highest rating) of august in Jazz magazine, also among the 6 best releases in Jazz News August 2012.

In october 2013 he released his new album "Colorfield" feat. Walter Smith III on tenor, Jamire Williams on drums and Michael Janisch on bass. Colorfield was awarded 4 stars in Jazzwise and the FInancial Times, also listed as the top 6 albums on november ' Jazz News.

Booklet für The Magic Eye