DUET

The album Aude Lhotelais DUET Carles GR is a celebration of music as an intimate and creative dialogue. Formed in 2010, this duo explores the rich tradition of bossa nova and jazz, following in the footsteps of legendary duos such as Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass or Tuck & Patti, but with a distinctive voice that allows them to carve out their own space within this tradition. With a repertoire spanning various eras of jazz history, the album is a demonstration of musical complicity and a shared quest for a unique sound.

Aude Lhotelais’ voice, soft and nuanced, blends perfectly with the delicately tart timbre of her soprano saxophone. Her ability to transition seamlessly between vocal interpretations and instrumental passages creates moments of great subtlety, where each phrase is carefully shaped. On the other hand, Carles GR brings his characteristic energetic and harmonically sophisticated style, his guitar weaving textures that support and elevate Aude’s melodies. Together, they achieve a connection that transcends mere musical collaboration, becoming a true exchange of emotions and creativity.

The album’s repertoire, carefully curated, mixes jazz standards with original arrangements that reflect the personality of both artists. The arrangements are designed to highlight the best of each, allowing Carles’ guitar and Aude’s voice and saxophone to find a common space where they can converse without competing. The inclusion of bassist Pierre Boussaguet in two tunes, a legend of French jazz, adds a rhythmic and harmonic dimension that further enriches the experience. His solid and elegant presence provides a foundation upon which the duo can build their musical narrative.

One of the album’s highlights is the meticulous attention to detail in the arrangements. Each piece has been tailored, with a focus on balance and interaction between the parts. This is particularly evident in the more intimate moments, where Carles’ guitar dialogues with Aude’s saxophone in a musical language that feels almost telepathic. The combination of Carles’ harmonic richness and interpretive energy with Aude’s vocal softness and instrumental lyricism creates an unmatched chemistry.

The album also reflects the duo’s respect for jazz tradition, yet always with a personal touch that avoids mere imitation. The influence of great names is evident, but what distinguishes Aude Lhotelais DUET Carles GR is the freshness of their approach and their ability to find their own sound within this legacy. Each track is a conversation, a shared moment that invites the listener to be part of this intimate musical exchange.

In summary, Aude Lhotelais DUET Carles GR is an album that captures the essence of what it means to make music as a duo: a meeting of artistic personalities that listen to, complement, and enrich each other. With the contribution of Pierre Boussaguet, the result is a work that breathes elegance, originality, and emotion—a tribute to the history of jazz while affirming its vitality in the present. A gem for jazz enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the magic of well-crafted music.