FRANK BALESTRACCI existences invisibles
		Format CD Country France Recorded 2001 Issued 2002 Label private Cat no. CCDFB02 Playing time 61:38 Reviewer Trond Sætre

Almost entirely on his own, the French keyboardist Franck Balestracci composed, recorded, produced and distributed Existences Invisibles. Each and all tracks are recorded exclusively with keyboards (including a very good guitar sound), drums and percussion. A sort of third instrument is the sampling of voices, which easily could have been dull, but fortunately, Balestracci makes an effort not to over-use this effect.

The atmospheric sound immediately brings the thoughts to ECM inspired jazz, but that is only on the surface. Existences Invisibles is more exciting than that. Balestracci moves elegantly between prog, electronica and modern jazz. The variations appear often enough not to bore us, but not so often as to confuse us. The CD consists of 15 tracks (all instrumental, of course) each with 3-5 minute playing time, something that works well. Balestracci does not linger long with each composition, thereby keeping the listener's interest throughout. Not everything is equally good, of course, and it may be something in my mind only, but Balestracci appears to have gathered the least exciting pieced in the middle of the record.

Altogether, this is a wonderful record for fans of progressive jazz-rock and chill-out. Had I not been superstitious I would have wished Balestracci good luck in achieving a recording contract. Instead I say: "Break a leg!"

© 2002 Tarkus Magazine

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