First of all, I don't think I could fairly review this album. I enjoy Vander's jazz productions a lot but I'm not a great jazz fan. Therefore I won't try to bamboozle you with snappy comparisons between the renditions on this album and the originals, which the trio are clearly paying homage to. Over the last three years I have heard from many aficionados of Vander's music, who are principally Magma fans that respect whatever musical style Christian chooses to follow, yet deep down a major part of what they really want to hear is that fantastic drumming. Another popular facet of Vander's music is the strong emphasis on voice - reflected in Magma, Offering and obviously Les Voix de Magma. Thirdly there is the complex structural, organisational quality and use of harmony that makes all his output so unique and figures in everything he does (including ALIEN and FUSION). Everyone seems to admire his music at least partially for one of these reasons. And then there are the pure jazz freaks too. I'm sure many of those cherish the same aspects of Christian's various formations, but they will also be aware of many qualities, which would remain undetectable to me.
This particular album is really not intended for the same market as a Magma album (but then I don't presume for one moment that Christian cares to consider his music in such simplistic commercial terms). In concert, a minority element of the audience is there to witness that drum-work, and the trio format gives Christian the ideal opportunity to embellish almost every piece with a solo. On record however, the material is sometimes presented in a more concise form with less room for drum solos. As with the 'Jour Après Jour' album, there are some spectacular tracks on '65!', in particular I am deeply attached to 'Lonnie's Lament' and 'Tensions'. But in essence there is only one composition by Vander, two cuts of the title track '65!'. The album is most definitely a team effort with Emmanuel Borghi and Philippe Dardelle taking joint responsibility.
Overall then it certainly should interest a wide cross-section of the jazz buying public, but die-hard Magma fans may prefer to witness the trio in concert first... and then get '65!' as a memento.
Christian Vander Trio04-11-93 Au duc des Lombards, Paris 05-11-93 Au duc des Lombards, Paris 06-11-93 Au duc des Lombards, Paris 01-12-93 Sunset, Paris 02-12-93 Sunset, Paris 03-12-93 Sunset, Paris 04-12-93 Sunset, ParisVisit - Seventh Records