The Belgian, Brussels-based trio Easy Pieces has a unique instrumentation – French-born guitarist, composer, and bandleader Benjamin Sauzereau (who is also a pianist and eductor) with keyboard player Hendrik Lasure (of the electronic-sounding SCHNTZL duo), and French-born pianist Dorian Dumont (of the band ECHT!, who is also a guitarist). The trio explores three-way, refined, and melodic dialogues with an improvised dimension that suggests real-life stories. Notice is the sophomore album of the trio, following 16 (Self-Released, 2022), which was recorded at BMC Studio in Budapest in May 2024.
Sauzereau’s concise fourteen pieces address discursive, profound essence. He perfects the art of miniature, and his pieces correspond with Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev’s cycle of piano miniatures Visions Fugitives op. 22 or with Catalan guitarist Nico Roig (of Carate Urio Orchestra) Os Meus Shorts, with very few elements. Nothing is missing in these tight, economic pieces, and they sound as if they have all that is needed
These pieces were tailored for the chamber electroacoustic palette of Easy Pieces. All pieces radiate an elegant, colorful, playful, but unhurried vibe, flow organically, and cement the camaraderie of the three gifted musicians. Easy pieces suggest an openly emotional, intimate atmosphere that never shies away from expressing its dark and painful sides. It touches Bill Evans’ jazz pianism, abstract chamber music, surreal cinematic images reminiscent of David Lynch films, and clever pop songs. True to its title, Easy Pieces’ music always reaches relief, in its serene, deep emotional manner.
Eyal Hareuveni
Benjamin Sauzereau (guitar), Hendrik Lasure (keyboard), Dorian Dumont (piano)
