Love and beauty defy time, genre and paradoxes. Sister of Nadia, one of the greatest teaching musicians of the 20th Century, “Lili” Boulanger wrote music of a fascinating inner power during her short time on earth (1893-1918). That Tom Bourgeois got to know her a century later isn’t surprising at all: in his “Murmures” album (2018), the saxophonist worked on Maurice Ravel’s work. Lili Boulanger learned to play piano with Gabriel Fauré. It’s the same impressionist musical universe, whose influence doesn’t diminish with time.
As evidence: all of the “Lili” project, album and concert, is dedicated to this tragically-fated musician. At the crossroads between jazz and impressionist contemporary music, “Lili” shines with freedom and intelligence. An adept of film scores, Tom Bourgeois reveals a fascinating universe, often mystical, burning of an inextinguishable inner fire. Bit by bit, even troubling… Is it chamber jazz? There’s room for everyone.
D.S
ALBUM ‘Lili’ (IGLOO Records, 04.2025)