Le Jazziste by Mary is back with a new discovery in women’s jazz from her latest journey: poetic jazz from the vibrant heart of the Ville Lumière.
Let me introduce you to Sophie Alour: saxophonist, composer, and a central figure in contemporary French jazz. Born in Quimper, Brittany, Sophie has made Paris her artistic home, becoming one of the most recognizable presences in the capital’s clubs and festivals.
Her music blends swing, lyricism, and improvisational freedom, with a personal language rooted both in tradition and modern, profound sensitivity.
Two major projects by the artist are “Shaker” (Plus Loin Music, 2007) and “Joy” (Jazz Village, 2020).
These albums showcase two sides of her musical voice: the rhythmic drive and contagious energy of “Shaker”, and the collective breath of the quartet in “Joy”.
Le Jazziste by Mary celebrates the artist with the track “Shaker”, from the album of the same name: a pulsing piece, with irresistible groove and vibrant phrasing, where Sophie’s saxophone dances freely and incisively
Also from the “Joy” project, I recommend the title track: vibrant, luminous, and charged with emotion:
When I launched the project Le Jazziste by Mary in October 2024, one of my dreams and goals was to discover women jazz artists from the inside – in their places of origin or adoption. To feel enveloped by their artistic presence, physical or mystical, and to share it in turn. ✈️🎶
I’d love to share with you a few photos from my trip to Paris, through the streets of the Marais and Montmartre, along the Seine, and into the musical nights at one of my favorite jazz clubs: Duc des Lombards, to convey the connection between elegant, living Parisian jazz and this city – which steals my heart every time.
The next musical journey will come straight from my homeland… Don’t miss it!
Happy listening and happy Jazz! 💜
À bientôt,
Mary 🌹
*Photos by Mary Blengino
