David Chenu might be best known around town for his work with gypsy jazz stylists, Paris 49.  But Chenu the composer and bandleader steers dramatically clear from the Django sphere.  Rather than filling every nanosecond with notes, Chenu evokes instrumental passages that are far more expressive in nature.  On his aptly titled second disc, TWO, the melodies take their time developing and linger in the air like wisps of smoke, dissipating but never disappearing.  

If Chenu is so fortunate to have future jazz collectors dissecting his career, they will indentify “Chorale Number One” as a masterpiece of this, his early phase.  The minute-plus prelude is itself a three-act play (methinks it’s a tragedy) resolving into the smoothest of bass lines before Chenu introduces the thematic melody, a less bawdy Hank Crawford insight to the misgivings of a nighthake.

In all, TWO consists of twelve original compositions.  Most are more readily identified by mood or aura than a hummable refrain.  The entire disc was recorded live to analog reel over two winter days, ending (literally) when the tape ran out.  If there’s a metaphor here, it is that Chenu’s album titles will reach well into the double digits.
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The liner notes state this was recorded in one of the band members' living room.  When I played it in mine, it sounded as if they were right there in front of me. Cool.  Suave.  Just enough tension to keep things interesting.  A very good, perhaps not great, effort from this band of young jazzers.  I look forward to Three!
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Hearing David Chenu’s album Two is like listening to someone finally telling the truth. It’s dark, stark and magnetic. This is not what you would label “happy” music. It’s melancholy and contemplative, leaving you wanting to reject its candor at first, but you can’t deny the reality. The music draws you in without the need to persuade you, it simply presents the facts and that alone is completely refreshing. It’s healthy to note that the entire album was recorded in pianist Evan Jacob’s living room direct to analog tape without overdubs or editing. You’re allowed to feel each musician’s vulnerability and the raw technical inadequacies only heighten the experience.

 
TWO is an absolute delight. The compositions, chordal arrangements, instrumentation, excellent musicianship and ‘sound’ of the record is much more than pressing play on a tape recorder in an overcrowded living room. The intensity and emotion is in direct contrast to the fact that each song is laid back –near ballads, devoid of any fast tempos or pulse, yet every cut moves you. Nothing But Cool. Highly Recommended. By the way, David Chenuambiance Quintet also has ONE available. It’ll soon be in my collection as well.

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David Chenu’s versatile musicianship has been on offer in the state of Texas for many years now. Although born in France, Chenu has been cultivating his artistic ability in the Lone Star State, performing regularly with the jazz outfit, the David Chenu Quintet (as well as dabbling with his pals from Paris 49 constantly). The Quintet recently wrapped up their 2nd album, the aptly titled Two. Recorded in pianist Evan Jacobs’ living room, the band avoided edits while using analog tape to conjure up a peaceful, unadulterated series of soothing jazz tracks. Chenu’s saxophone skills are highlighted in tracks such as “The Waltz” and “Improvisation” while Jacob Wise on guitar, Beau Sample on bass and Jason Friedrich on drums ably assist Jacobs, and Chenu’s talent. Perfect for the night in with a bottle of wine, or the camping trip on a serene Texas fall evening, Two will charm and appease fans and critics alike. 

The David Chenu Quintet celebrates the release of Two at the Preece Recital Hall (of the Austin Lyric Opera) on December 16th. Besides the jazz jam, attendees can also expect a photo exhibit by Jazz photographer Brenda Ladd.
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