Yves Robert

1994 release ** "This is the logical companion to Tout Court. The lineup has been hardly changed. The only newcomer is Alfred Spirli, who alternates percussion duties with Xavier Desandre. Yves Robert also sticks to the same formula with an emphasis on musical vignettes. The relationship with Tout Court is also underlined by the deliberate choice of opening with the composition that concluded its predecessor, "Epilogue" -- several other pieces are also revisited. It would be a mistake, however, to believe that Robert recorded the same album twice, for there are some significant differences. This time, the quartet relies on external sources to build its program. In particular, a minisuite is dedicated to then-French teenage pop star Vanessa Paradis, which is also an indication that the mood is fairly more upbeat and facetious. The nervy folk dance "Forestière" had already set that tone at the beginning of the set. Another major change can be found in the trombonist's playing, which more obviously reflects the debt that Robert owes to the great Albert Mangelsdorff. His otherworldly take on "Lush Life" and his remake of "Goupil" are cases in point. What could have been interpreted as creative rut attests in fact to Robert's extensive talent and imagination. Tout de Suite is another fine addition to the trombonist's consistent output."