Fanou Torracinta trio

Fanou Torracinta did not enter the music scene to play a background role. From his early appearances leading the Corsican Trio, alongside the master Tchavolo Schmitt, and at numerous festivals and concert halls, to his first two albums – the two volumes of Gipsy Guitar from Corsica released in 2021 and 2023 – the native of Haute-Corse has demonstrated a playing style and sensitivity matched only by the remarkable conviction he has shown in the means and goals he has employed to elevate himself into the upper echelons of significant musicians. This conviction pays off, as evidenced by his third album, titled La Belle vie.

Firstly, Fanou Torracinta is a musician loyal to his collaborators. William Brunart, Benji Winterstein, and Bastien Brison are always present, and their deep connection is evident in this quartet, where melodies flourish in fertile call-and-response exchanges that never tire. The rhythm, both understated and radiant, also embraces the responsibility of carrying the ensemble with a smooth, vibrant swing. Everything is shared, offered to one another in a light but never trivial momentum. This grace also defines the guitarist's own style. One day, Django Reinhardt appeared to him as a revelation. However, unlike many who see their idol as a source of potentially replicable technical inspiration, the guitarist, who clearly enjoys the divine manouche of the first Hot Club de France as well as that of the Roman interlude, always leans towards crystalline lyricism, impressionistic light, and that gentle languor that allows him to excel in waltzes and boleros. Tender flonflons that are also a distinguished tradition in his island.

In Corsica, Fanou Torracinta has immersed himself in a land of guitar and strong voices that resonate far and long, in an echo full of contrasts, often leaning towards chiaroscuro rather than full sunlight. From this allegiance, he has crafted a character trait rather than a determinism, evident in the slightest articulations of phrases that never confuse speed with haste. He may not yet be thirty, but Fanou Torracinta possesses the art of saying what needs to be said at the right moment. Mastery of timing, as they say in rhetoric. This concern for meaning is also expressed in his choice of repertoire. La Belle vie features five covers, all thoughtfully selected with a certain originality. Sacha Distel, whose theme gives the album its title. Django, subtly woven through the dark eyes with clear ideas, as well as "Please Be Kind," which he was one of the first to interpret in 1939 with Stéphane Grappelli, not to mention "Duke and Dukie" as a cascading tribute.

Then there’s the finesse of "The Best Things in Life Are Free," a musical theater theme from the roaring twenties, which expresses his attachment to swing, both as an aesthetic movement and as a way of playing. Eight original compositions further highlight the guitarist's personality. Of course, there are waltzes, such as "Jowaltz," in an authentic style reminiscent of the Ferret brothers, and the "Petite valse" as a somewhat dark, slow coda. Fanou Torracinta masterfully handles introspection and emotion, as seen in "Confidences," "Pour Dorado" (a tribute to the great stylist Dorado Schmitt), and "Claire," which offers a sensitive portrait along with all the nuances of a quartet in tune with the sentiment. "Luna" is no less vibrant, echoing tones particularly cherished by Tom Jobim in his final sequence.

With "The Barber," composed on rue Auguste Barbier in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, and "Your Little Swing," a light that is no less gentle but more radiant shines on the repertoire of this decidedly contrasting album. Almost subtly, one might also notice the delicate presence of a small string quartet on certain tracks, highlighting the writing and emotions dictated by the songs without ostentation or affected prettiness. Could this be in response to Enfants de Django, a project by Édouard Pennes, which already includes Fanou Torracinta as a soloist, a similar ensemble in support, and Sébastien Vidal at the helm as director? Perhaps, and no one would complain, as this delicately chamber-like touch is delightful. It is yet another sign of the quiet strength that drives Fanou

Fanou Torracinta : guitar
François Lenne : guitar
William Brunard : double bass