Jazz Finland Live

The Impérial Quartet celebrates with almost the whole range of the saxophone family and a groovy rhythm section. For their concert in Kerava they invite the Senegalese percussionist Doudou Sarr.

The members of the quartet have been accomplices for many years. Damien Sabatier and Gérald Chevillon have even been soul brothers since their teenage years. Together they share the family of saxophones from sopranino to bass, developing an original and unexpected sound palate. This uncommon variety of pitches supported by a generous and solid rhythmic pair allows the exploration of new musical territory through the compositions of all the four members of the band. The quartet’s search for organic material, is also inspired by traditional music, trance music and that somewhat “dirty” rock energy. It serves as a rhythmic pool to their spacious melodies, fiery improvisations and other theatrics.

Both saxophonists and Antonin Leymarie have played in Tous Dehors, the large band of clarinetist Laurent Dehors which successfully performed at Pori Jazz 2011. The Finnish audience has also had the chance to appreciate the skills of Chevillon on bass saxophone as part of the Laurent Dehors Trio in March 2014. Joachim Florent too has been heard before in Finland, touring with two outstanding trios, Jean Louis (2010) and Metalophone (2012). The Belgian bassist was praised for his energetic and precise playing, and has also performed previously together with Aki Rissanen in the quartet White Light (2008). Leymarie is a new-comer in Finland. The drummer has been involved in many groups and has recently created his own Magnetic Ensemble, whose hypnotic trance has gone wild on the French alternative music scene.