La Pieuvre - 1999-2005 (2021)

This is La Pieuvre's first release and, although it does not actually go back to 1999, it does offer a retrospective of sorts, with studio and live recordings from 2001 through 2005. This tentacular creative orchestra was formed in 1999 (hence the album's title) and has been conducted by Olivier Benoit ever since. The ensemble, whose membership can inflate up to 30 musicians and vocalists, has adopted conducted improvisation as its modus operandi. Through various gestures and mimics, Benoit leads the behemoth in large-scale improvised pieces. Judging from this two-CD set, La Pieuvre would be closer to the London Improvisers Orchestra than to Butch Morris' ensemble. Contrasts and textures are the two main driving forces of the music. "Split" and "Epiploon" marvelously illustrate the contrast approach. The former pitches random invectives and sudden outbursts from the percussion and brass sections; "Epiploon" features a quiet drone that is constantly upset by extremely loud ensemble cues. Beside the aforementioned pieces, "Drop Attack" is the set's highlight. Clocking in at 20 minutes, it features the orchestra navigating through a wide range of textural assemblages and subtle phases of scatterings and regroupings. While the LIO can occasionally come across as overtly serious and cerebral, 1999-2005 often includes a strong humorous side verging on childishness -- a refreshing take on the not too often tried creative orchestra idea. The lineup includes a nice cross section of lesser-known French jazz, contemporary classical, and free improv musicians, although individual contributions are largely subsumed to the benefit of the collective's own identity. Recommended, although difficult to locate.~AllMusic Review by François Couture