Erik Truffaz

French trumpeter Erik Truffaz is another European artist that I first heard when a flurry of concert recordings surfaced on Dime a couple of years ago.  Mixing an ethereal trumpet sound with modern beats and world music rhythms, Truffaz creates soundscapes that are often mesmerizing.

Over the weekend I listened to "Mantis", released in 2002.  There's a nice variety of music on here, with the expected high levels of musicianship exhibited all around.  In addition to to Truffaz's understated trumpet playing, guitarist Manu Codjia makes a particularly strong impression with some very nice guitar work.

1. The Point  [5:35]
2. La Memoire Du Silence  [7:49]
3. Saisir  [6:33]
4. No Fear  [2:14]
5. Nina Valeria  [4:49]
6. Parlophone  [3:57]
7. Magrouni  [3:50]
8. Mantis  [7:46]
9. Yasmina  [4:10]
10. Mare Mosso  [2:43]
11. Tahun Bahu  [10:29]