David Chenu Quintet
TWO
© 2006 David Chenu (750532967424)
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All original instrumental jazz compositions which draw from a diverse range of styles from classically infused harmonies to the blues, while staying remarkably melodic and listenable for a jazz record.
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ABOUT "TWO":
“TWO” features all original instrumental jazz compositions which draw from a diverse range of styles from classically infused harmonies to the blues, while staying remarkably melodic and listenable for a jazz record. "TWO" is mature, introspective and original. Recorded live in pianist Evan Jacobs’ living room onto analog tape with absolutely no edits, splices or overdubs, “TWO” captures an organic and unadulterated performance rarely heard on modern recordings.
David Chenu, saxophones
Jacob Wise, guitar
Evan Jacobs, piano
Beau Sample, acoustic bass
Jason Friedrich, drums
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ABOUT DAVID:
David Chenu, saxophonist and clarinetist, is widely sought after as a performer, educator, and arranger with over two hundred performances a year.
The David Chenu Quartet, performs in many popular jazz venues and festivals, as well as numerous concerts, clinics, and private events. Their first CD, simply titled “ONE”, was released in 2003, and features all original compositions. Their second CD, "TWO", also of all original music, is due out in 2006. David and his group have been voted as one of the top ten horn players and jazz bands respectively in the Austin Chronicle’s 2002-3, 2003-4, 2004-5, and 2005-6 Austin Music Awards.
In addition to his own band, you can also hear David performing with many other groups of all styles including Olivier Giraud's Django Reinhardt influenced project, Paris 49, jazz singer Seela and her band Torch, and with nationally touring polka band Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express.
Notable performances include a stint at Disneyland Paris, performing for Jessica Simpson’s Instyle wedding, opening for saxophone legend David “Fathead” Newman, opening and performing with Jimmie Vaughan, performing with Texas Playboy Johnny Gimble, and performing with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
After two Texas All-State appearances in high school, David was the recipient of a full scholarship to the prestigious University of North Texas School of Music and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in jazz performance in 2000.
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- author: Austin Music Magazine
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.
Sounds like being there in the living room with the band.
author: tom throopThe 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!
Hearing David Chenu’s album Two is like listening to someone finally telling the
author: Gerald H. Beulah, Jr.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. TO READ THE COMPLETE REVIEW, go to the website listed...
Perfect for the night in with a bottle of wine...
author: Adi AnandDavid 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.
Dare I say a 'masterpiece'?
author: Sunshone StillUsing craftily-written songs and well-balanced arrangements, Two moves the listener through subtily eclectic tunes...from smokey, speakeasy jazz to Polka-done-hip stylings. An album that will surely stand the test of time.