Greg Foat - Symphonie Pacifique

Greg Foat's latest opus, "Symphonie Pacifique," marks a bold departure from his jazz roots, showcasing his evolution as a pianist, keyboardist, and composer. Known for his eclectic style and narrative-driven compositions, Foat crafts an idiosyncratic, pastoral soundscape that transcends traditional jazz boundaries. This album is a testament to his commitment to place, partnership, and circumstance, resulting in a richly varied and immersive listening experience.

"Symphonie Pacifique" is a kaleidoscopic blend of textures, melodies, and narratives, drawing inspiration from a tradition-free mix of film scores, radiophonic library sounds, and space-age pop. The album features an impressive cast of collaborators, including saxophonist Art Themen, drummer Moses Boyd, and multi-instrumentalist Warren Hampshire. This ensemble of talent breathes life into Foat's compositions, creating a soul-jazz session interspersed with symphonic and studio-built asides.

Tracks like "Anticipation" and "Man Vs. Machine" highlight the album's eclectic nature. "Anticipation" fuses dubbed keyboard chords, sweeping strings, synths, and Boyd's rolling drums, reminiscent of a Mizell Brothers/Donald Byrd collaboration. "Man Vs. Machine" blends analog synths and percussion into a robo-funk groove, evoking Kraftwerkian commentary. The environmental new age majesty of "After the Storm," co-written with Hampshire, and the beatless free jazz of "Three Tenors" showcase Foat's versatility and innovative spirit.

"Symphonie Pacifique" is a symphonic exploration of sound, unencumbered by rules and definitions, guided by Foat's vision from behind the scenes. This album is a shining example of his ability to create lush, cinematic music that defies genre expectations.