Short Reviews [Jean Pierre Louveton - 2024 - "1994-2024"]

This collection from JPL is a triple CD set of 31 tracks, with a total playing time of just under 200 minutes, all of which have either been re-recorded, remixed, or are previously unreleased. He has always had an incredible work rate, and since 2002 has released 11 studio albums with Nemo and 11 as JPL, and this set shows just how diverse he can be, yet always staying firmly within the melodic and symphonic commercial sound we have come to know and appreciate so well. This set has him revisiting old songs to enhance or amend, as well as providing one brand new one, all to provide the listener with a broad understanding of the artist across his solo and band projects. I don’t have a list of the musicians involved, so don’t know how much of this has been replaced or if JPL has kept the same core tracks and we have updated band recordings, or if he has replaced music originally recorded by others. What I can say with some authority is that if Nemo, Wolfspring or JPL are new to you then this is a wonderful way to discover some great music, and if one already knows Jean Pierre and his history then this is a superb way to revisit material from the past which is here presented in a brand-new light. There seems to be a wonderful synergy with this release in that it also includes a re-recording of the very first song on his debut solo album from 2002, “Entrons”. Although JPL is a multi-instrumentalist and singer, he has always understood the need for live drums where possible, so I am guessing that long-time colleague Jean Baptiste Itier has been brought in to fill that role where necessary. Given this is a compilation of songs over a 30-year period, originally from different sources, times and bands, there is a continuity throughout which in many ways is somewhat surprising until one realises that a great deal of work has been undertaken on the originals. He moves between providing vocals in English and French, while there are also long instrumental passages which allow him to provide rock guitar or build layers of keyboards. Vocals can be clear and individual, or he builds layers of harmonies, but at no point does this feel like the work of a multi-instrumentalist and guests, but a full band with everything that has to offer. Currently available for just ˆ22 EUR this a great introduction to the man and his music.