Quentin Dujardin returns with a simple landscape, a minimalist melody with captivating colors. He lays down his nylon strings to give way to the lyricism of Norwegian trumpeter Mathias Eick. The duo of Nicolas Fiszman and Manu Katché outline the contours with a groove they hold so dear. Didier Laloy and his melancholic touch refine the atmosphere.

Like a fresco with an impressionist leitmotif, Epiphytes leaves an indelible mark: universal colors and an emotion that go straight to the audience’s heart.

This track is also from the original soundtrack of the eponymous circus show by the Compagnie Les Chaussons Rouges. The show is currently touring throughout Europe.

~

«This is the third album in which I have been involved with the music of guitarist and composer Quentin Dujardin. A number of years ago, I had the pleasure of working on Distances and the following year with his multi-cultural band project Kalaban Koura. The music, in both cases, was fresh in its originality, ambitious in scope, but also just simply beautiful. In addition, it showed considerable promise for future development.

Fast forward thirteen years and this new opportunity came to me with Quentin’s latest music for his band 4tet, featuring the irrepressible rhythm section of Manu Katche (drums) and Nicolas Fiszman (bass), as well as accordionist and colorist extraordinaire Didier Laloy. Quentin’s compositions, realized by this wonderfully-cast group of collaborators, indeed have revealed the kind of fulfilled promise that could have only been dreamed of in the early 2010’s, a notable and exciting thing to witness. They have also presented ample opportunity to showcase Quentin’s own astonishing playing.

I have had the privilege of working with a good number of brilliant guitarist/composers over the years. Quentin’s work and his creative process have shown that he belongs in the creative company of such illustrious musicians. I feel fortunate to have been asked to collaborate with him in bringing this music out into the world. And I think it is more needed now than ever.»

Lee Townsend, Berkeley, California, March, 2025