French Cuisine is an intriguing album drawing from many diverse influences, spanning Blues, Soul, Jazz, Hip Hop, House, and Ambient, all the while maintaining the same lush moodiness throughout. Although it is filed under Electronic, likely because of the production and compositional techniques employed, it is a difficult album to categorize as it is a mysterious and furtive album that slips in and out of genres like they are so many costumes. Suffice to say, French Cuisine drew me in during the opening strains only to have me reluctant to let go when the last notes faded away.
The last track “Mélismes Extatiques” is exemplary in demonstrating the breadth of the album as it is the one that diverges the furthest from the traditional structures yet manages to remain closely integrated to the prior songs. It is a delicate gamelan influenced piece that builds complex rhythms and melodies upon a series of bells. The sound imparts a hypnotic effect that is greatly enhanced by the quiet synth programming, approximating the main melody that bubbles below the surface. While the length of the track might be intimidating to some, finishing just shy of fifteen minutes, it passes by so gently that time feels less pressing than it often is.
“Rain River” finds a strong influence in the work of McCoy Tyner, Matthew Shipp, and even Erik Satie with its relaxed approach with regards to the interplay between rhythm and melody. The piano sketches out ideas, fragments of thoughts, occasionally having them picked up again or to see them drawn upon by members of the ensemble evolving them further. It is a sophisticated piece that draws strongly from Soul music but keeps a hand on the compositional techniques of the small Jazz ensemble but also serves as a bridge between the more Trip-Hop oriented work and the experimental Ambient numbers.
Rounding out the collection is “L’Amor Nunca Muere”, a simmering track that could be what a B-Side collaboration between Portishead and Gotan Project would sound like with its gummy beats, stiff and slightly ragged guitar line, and sensual vocals that weave throughout. The track furthers the feeling of Continental sophistication that infuses the album and while some might call it World music it is more that elements are combined carefully and reduced to their most meaningful textures.
French Cuisine is rich, dense, and cosmopolitan affair and is easily a contender for one of my favorite albums of this year. Not being satisfied with composing Alif Tree also is an accomplished cook and offers a sample menu in his site. While the menu looks enticing French Cuisine is very highly recommended.
[...] Aceyalone – Magnificent City On my first listen I had reservations; the production sounded unpolished, particularly for a RJD2 produced album with vocals too far forward and lacking depth and a backing track that at times sounded thin. However, after letting the album sink in the choices became more clear in that the work on the album showcases Aceyalone’s talent for rhymes and story telling and in the end it is a sublime work. Alif Tree – French Cuisine Rich, dense, and nuanced French Cuisine is a sophisticated affair that grips the back of the head of Jazz to give it a long deep kiss. It smolders. It flirts and plays. Alif Tree has released a compelling album that fans and non-fans of Jazz and DJ culture alike should take a long listen to as he spins about musical tradition and presents it new and fresh manner. Another contender for my top spot. [...]