Pierre Van Dormael / Hervé Samb : "Solos/Duos"

Pierre himself recorded and put together, organized and remixed the 12 pieces on this cd. He carefully alternates between duo pieces with Hervé Samb and solo pieces.
His resolutely delicate playing and his refined sound find a way of exploring the guitar in an almost pianistic manner, mixing single lines and chords in a very original and harmonious contrapuntal way. The beautiful composition 'Ocean' illustrates this aspect. The music always flows naturally.
Let's not be mistaken : the accessible side to the music which Pierre wanted for this cd does not prevent him from using his original phrasing throughout his improvisations.
The result is explicit yet very "Van Dormaelian".

The Senegalese guitarist Hervé Samb was only 14 when he met Pierre who at that time was teaching in the Dakar Conservatory. Since then the bond between the two guitarists has remained and strengthened as one can hear on their recordings.
From time to time Pierre and I spent an afternoon playing music together. Beautiful moments in time which I always came away from with some new inspiration and energy. It was Pierre who opened my eyes and ears to such ideas as not to leave a note unresolved in a piece - melody or improvisation....
A very beautiful album.
Philip Catherine
Orval, Sept. 2008