Colin Vallon - Samares (ECM)

It’s been seven years since Danse, Colin Vallon’s last album for ECM. Now the Swiss pianist returns with Samares, his most diverse, enigmatic, and moody record to date. Supported by bassist Patrice Moret and drummer Julian Sartorius, Vallon leans into his melodic side here, but without losing the mystery inherent in his playing and arranging. “Etincelle” features a brooding melodic line that sticks to the brain, but Vallon’s tendency to deliberately wander off track and Sartorius’ shapeshifting rhythms make it more than just a good cry. Named after one of Vallon’s children, “Timo” features a prepared piano and a clattering percussion track that adds off-putting elements to what is ultimately a lovely tune. (Lovely and off-putting – children in a nutshell.) The lushly tuneful “Mars” contrasts with the unsettling stop-start melody of the title track, laying out the yin and yang of Vallon’s vision of lyrical beauty and heady improvisation. Exquisitely produced by ECM head Manfred Eicher, Samares consolidates Vallon’s strengths and adds new wrinkles to his tasteful suit.