Name: Playground
Brand: Camille Bertault and David Helbock

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

ACT9951-2

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

6 Page Digipack.

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Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2022-05-27

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0614427995124

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

ACTLP9951-1

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Black

Download code: Yes

180 Gram Vinyl.

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0614427995117

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1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

 Camille Bertault and David Helbock

Genre GB

Jazz

Label GB

Act Music

ACT Music is a German jazz label that was founded in 1992 as "ACT Music + Vision" by [a288876]. With its own catalogue numbering scheme, ACT Music quickly established itself as an independent label in the music industry. However, the label's history dates back even further, with releases bearing the logo and label code LC 7644 appearing as early as 1988 when they were part of their predecessor company [l218926]. These early releases showcase the legacy of a second major label that played a significant role in shaping ACT Music's journey.

Today, ACT Music continues to be at the forefront of jazz music, representing talented artists and performers from around the world. The label's commitment to showcasing exceptional musical talent has earned it a reputation for delivering high-quality recordings across various genres within jazz. From traditional jazz to contemporary fusion and everything in between, ACT Music remains dedicated to bringing listeners an unparalleled listening experience.

With its rich history and unwavering dedication to artistic excellence, ACT Music stands as a prominent figure in the music e-commerce industry. Whether you are a seasoned jazz enthusiast or just beginning your exploration of this captivating genre, you can trust ACT Music to provide you with remarkable albums that will captivate your senses and leave you wanting more.

Camille Bertault and David Helbock are two of the most jaw- droppingly talented members of the cohort of European jazz musicians currently in their mid-Thirties. Their journeys in improvised music are always adventurous, playful and exciting.

She is the rising star of French vocal jazz. He, Austrian-born, is one of the most fascinating pianists on the scene. Their personalities appear to be polar opposites, yet Bertault’s livewire humour and Helbock’s calm self-assuredness only appear different on the surface. When it comes to the musical choices they make, they are emphatically on the same page. Each is astonishingly versatile, with an innate sense of dramaturgy. This voice / piano duo reaches unbelievable levels of inventiveness here on ‘Playground’.

“We both love Egberto Gismonti and Hermeto Pascoal, Björk and Monk,” Helbock explains. “We also wanted a classical piece.” The duo found the initial repertoire to explore and to spread their musical wings with relative ease. Bertault’s vocal artistry is hers and hers alone. Her voice is a magnificent instrument to carry a melody, whether at breakneck speed and with devastating precision or at pindrop volume. Helbock’s creativity, as he exploits all the sound possibilities of the grand piano, is completely ‘sui generis’ as well. He dampens the piano strings, he plays directly on them, he uses the piano case as a percussion instrument, he makes use of electronics. And ‘Playground’ is the first time he has worked with loops.

His accompaniment therefore has an almost orchestral scale and depth, a jewel case for this scintillating and very special voice. The pair have written seven new numbers for the album: we hear the whimsical blues of ‘Lonely Supamen’, the mysterious ‘Fabelwesen’, the chanson-esque ‘Aide-moi’ and the ethereal-melancholic ‘Bizarre’.

Playground is a kaleidoscope of sounds and emotions which invigorates, excites - and will always surprise. The craft and technique may be breath taking, but neither musician ever forgets the essential: “It’s not about showing strength or virtuosity, but about expressing the truth of the moment,” says Camille Bertault. And that is what she and David Helbock have delivered with each and every track.