Review: Gilles Torrent - World Jazz Sound (Jazzman Records)

Jazzman Records, the home of countless compilations in the 'Spiritual Jazz' series have gone one bettter with the most amazing tribule to the spirits of Coltrane / Sanders with an incrediblly powerful modal jazz album that touches spirits.

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Torrent's 'Buleria' was a revelation last year (see review HERE), "combining original compositions with Coltrane standards" has now been excelled by this amazing album of 'World Jazz Sound' with amazing versions of 'Afro Blue' and 'Scarborough Fair'.

A testament to Torrent's dedication, the opening theme, 'La Longue Traversée Du Désert', where Torrent directs an impressive ensemble of musicians – known collectively as World Jazz Sound - on a global trip from the plains of Africa to the pastures of England and even the mountains of his homeland, Switzerland. 

Tracks like “Osso Varourn Ta Sidhera”, which pairs Buena Vista-style Cuban rhythms with Grappelli-esque violin, or the transcendental calm of “Fridhia Mou”, complete with dainty harp and Indian vocal part, see the ensemble immersing themselves in the traditions and atmospheres of a panorama of different cultures, joining the dots between them all and gathering them up into one cohesive whole.

From the ancient and traditional – their effortless take on 'Scarborough Fair' for example – to the inspired but unconventional use of yodelling on “Chant des Alpes”, eventually giving way to a sensational modal workout, this is an album full of widescreen freshness, surprises and, above all, the joy of discovery and experimentation. 

Did I say this album is amazing?

Originally released on CD in 2010, 'World Jazz Sound' now arrives on audiophile-standard 180g viny

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Gilles Torrent World Jazz Sound | Gilles Torrent

Artist: Gilles Torrent

Title: World Jazz Sound

Release date: 6th November, 2026
Label : Jazzman Records

Catalog Number : JMAN TBC

Format:  2 x 180g LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp