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Jérémie Ternoy Trio — Survol a Basse Altitude
(Circum-Disc microcidi048, 2025, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2026-03-08

Survol a Basse Altitude Cover art

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this trio led by Jérémie Ternoy, one of the founding members of TOC, a group that mostly dwells in the realms of improvisation. Surprisingly, most of the six tracks herein seem fully composed, with a loose enough feel to make them appropriate for the jazz idiom. Ternoy plays piano  throughout and composed the pieces, and is joined by the animated rhythm section of double-bassist Nicolas Mahieux and drummer Charles Duytschaever. In fact this is the trio’s third release, following Bloc from 2008 and Bill from 2012, the latter also on the Circum-Disc label. Translated, Survol à Basse Altitude means Low-Altitude Flight, but most of what’s here flies pretty high, even the title track which is a little different than all the others, starting very slow and calculated while it picks up energy and speed in a measured pace across its eight-plus minute trajectory — in its final minute it’s risen to a burning frenzy. Opener “Au Seuil” (“At the Threshold”) has a cyclical vibe that seems to be pushing ever forward, though elegantly, as the drums enter the picture, then a powerful bass solo, the composition seems to be informed by some classical themes as it picks up more energy on the way to its near-eight minute conclusion. With “Rotation” the percussion lays the foundation using world rhythms that the piano dances gracefully around, reminiscent of the Paul Winter Consort or Oregon, following a number of diversions along the way; it is by far my favorite cut on the album. There are no vocals anywhere on the album, but “Chanson” has a lyrical melody worthy of imagining what could be. Starting in high gear right out of the gate, “Périlleux” drifts through an array of rhythm and mood changes as it develops over its duration. With Survol à Basse Altitude there’s never a dull moment. Anywhere.

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Jérémie Ternoy

More info
http://circum-disc.bandcamp.com/album/survol-basse-altitude

 

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