SHIJIN is both a new high-energy jazz project and an ensemble consisting of Guadeloupe born saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Brazil-born Swiss piano player and keyboardist Malcolm Braff, French bassist Laurent David, and drummer Stéphane Galland from Belgium.

While each of the musicians have had impressive solo careers or participated as side men in various projects around the world, SHIJIN has been formed just recently with the original repertoire being created during a stay at the Tourcoing Jazz Club in February this year. The material has since made it onto a CD which was recorded asynchronously by bass and drums coming out of Paris, keyboards being added in Chamonix, and the saxophone parts recorded in Boston.

The result is a hugely creative reflection and melting pot of the diversity and vast experience of its four members. The sound is excitingly different and new, seems influenced by fusion, funk, with some avant-garde and minimalist elements and a few sparkles of classical music. Blending all of this together in a coherent and aesthetic way is jazz at the highest level.

Expanded versions of their original work recently became the soundscape of a superb and intriguing concert at the Bird’s Eye. It was not only a joy to listen to them but also a joy to watch these masters of their craft and art at play. Hopefully there is more to come from them in the future.