La Tregua is the second album from French contemporary jazz artists, Duo Réflections, following their self-titled 2020 debut. The duo consists of pianist Sylvain Rey and guitarist Leandro López-Nussa, and while their first album was built around reimagined standards, La Tregua (which loosely translates as “truce” or “rest”) is a collection of nine original compositions that were recorded in one day on analog tape using one stereo microphone. Raw and immediate, there are no edits or overdubs in the recordings. Something of a musical conversation between friends, the music was developed around themes of pause, reflection and renewal. Some of the tracks are smooth and quite beautiful while others are more energetic and experimental, taking us on a fascinating musical journey. Don’t expect to fall asleep to this one!

La Tregua begins with “Aube,” a piece for prepared piano and guitar. The piano sounds like it is partially muted - perhaps with Sylvain Rey’s hand on the strings. More rhythmic than melodic, the piece effectively describes the world awakening at dawn - a very interesting start! The title track begins with a quiet, mostly electric guitar lead-in. As the piano enters, the tempo brightens and the piece feels quite playful - even celebratory - before becoming chaotic near the end. Apparently the “truce” takes place in the final minute or so, as the music calms and becomes joyful - an amazing piece of music! “Juan & John” tells a light-hearted story with acoustic guitar and piano, and it sounds like both artists are having a lot of fun telling it! “Zythum” is apparently a tribute to the beer of Ancient Egypt, and brings back the electric guitar as well as the piano. Bits of a melody weave in and out of this mostly free-form piece. “Fo’ Blue” has a lively rhythm on the piano while the electric guitar takes the lead. Good humored with a touch of the blues, it’s a really fun piece and I can imagine the artists grinning broadly as they play parts of it! Percussive effects are performed inside the piano, adding to the fun - definitely a favorite! “En las nubes” (“In the Clouds”) begins with a gentle, ethereal guitar backed with various quiet sounds from inside the piano. After a couple of minutes, the piano enters with a simple, heart-felt melody while the guitar accompanies. At about the half-way point, the drama builds a bit as the artists share the spotlight - also a favorite. “For Karl” returns to acoustic guitar and piano, and is an easy-going piece that gives both artists plenty of room for improvisation. “Bobado” is apparently a variation on the Spanish word for “stupid” or “foolish,” and both musicians are kind of “all over the place” in this one! The album closes with “L’ami de Rasputin” (“Rasputin’s Friend”) for electric guitar and a partially-muted piano (mostly in the lower bass). Rhythmic and a bit on the mysterious side, it’s a dramatic close to a fascinating album!

La Tregua available to stream and/or download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on many streaming services including Spotify and Pandora. Recommended for more adventurous listening!