The latest album by Jacques Bailhé, “SHIVA IN FLAGRANTE,” is a captivating journey through experimental progressive jazz that draws influences from post-modern, Latin, and waltz music. Clocking in at 39 minutes with 10 strategically ordered songs, this album showcases Bailhé’s remarkable ability to create shifting moods and a free-flowing musical experience.

From the very first notes, it becomes apparent that “SHIVA IN FLAGRANTE” breaks the mould of traditional jazz albums. Bailhé’s innovative mix employs various filters and hard panning techniques, adding an extra layer of experimentation to the music. The result is a rich sonic landscape that demands attention and rewards the listener with a plethora of sonic surprises.

Furthermore, the album’s strength lies in its strategic ordering of songs. Each track is meticulously placed to ensure maximum impact, with a deliberate progression of moods and emotions. As the album unfolds, listeners are taken on a sonic journey that explores the spectrum of human experience. From the dark and contemplative to the lively and peppy, Bailhé’s careful curation of the transients in the tracklist enhances the overall impact of the album.

Also, Bailhé’s nu-jazz approach to songwriting is evident throughout the album. His compositions blend the progressive nature of the music with post-modern jazz sensibilities, resulting in a unique and refreshing sound. The tonal detailing is top notch. Additionally, Bailhé meticulously crafts the harmonic layers, creating a mesmerizing interplay of melodies and rhythms that engage the senses and demand repeated listening.

Jacques Bailhé and instrumental ecstasy

Notable tracks on the album include the experimental “Backside,” which pushes the boundaries of nu-jazz with its unconventional structure and daring sonic explorations. “Gimme That” stands out with its funky and bold energy, featuring impressive horn arrangements and a standout bass solo at the 1-minute 15-second mark. “Shiva Steps Out” is a dark and adventurous number that showcases Bailhé’s ability to create contrasting musical atmospheres, making it a standout moment on the album.

“7th Sense,” further demonstrates Bailhé’s prowess in combining progressive rock elements with his jazz foundation. These tracks offer intricate instrumental performances and dynamic shifts that highlight the album’s versatility and musical depth. Surprisingly enough, the title track ventures into experimental territory with the usage of off-beat instruments like the Tabla. Other must-listen numbers are, “The Facts of Creation,” “Smoke,” and “All Lanes Merge Here.”

An exploratory approach to music

With his diverse background as a multi-instrumentalist and his exploratory approach to music, Jacques Bailhé brings a unique perspective to “SHIVA IN FLAGRANTE.” The album’s free-flowing nature is a direct result of Bailhé’s free-tempo songwriting, allowing the music to breathe and evolve naturally. Furthermore, this approach lends an organic quality to the album, creating a captivating listening experience that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

In conclusion, “SHIVA IN FLAGRANTE” is a remarkable achievement for Jacques Bailhé. His ability to blend experimental jazz with post-modern influences and the essence of the prog showcases his exceptional talent as a musician and composer. It is an album that would find a perfect fit in a noir movie like “Midnight in the Shadows” or as a captivating addition to the soundtrack of an ’80s popular mystery detective TV show, such as “Murder on the Boulevard.” Jacques Bailhé’s artistic evolution continues to push the boundaries of nu-jazz.

Just like the deity the name “SHIVA IN FLAGRANTE” is coined after, the record stands as a manifestation of chaos.