Mon Péi

After releasing their first physical album at the end of last year, the quintet from La Réunion have now gone digital. Led by composer, saxophonist and flautist Emy Potonié, the guitar/piano/bass/drums support lends heft and nuance to an engaging mix of modernity and tradition that recalls the Mozambican saxophonist Moreira Chonguiça’s music. The lilting opener ‘Dalonaz’ sets the tone for what follows: world jazz if you like, but more of a world jazz-funk rooted in electric bass and keyboards. As played mainly on the soprano sax, the melodies are mellifluous without being truly memorable and, despite very different eras, locales and music cultures, it’s not a world apart from prime-time Grover Washington Jr. The leader’s charming vocals feature on ‘Asaliah’, ‘La Pli’ and ‘Na Kom’, lending the latter in particular a palpable southern African feel, while ‘Océan’ has a bit more get-up-and-funk. So – much to like, but just a little to forget.