Emile Parisien – Floating (2026)

In 2026, French soprano saxophonist Emile Parisien released his album 'Floating,' showcasing his ability to traverse diverse musical landscapes with a quartet of seasoned collaborators. The ensemble features pianist Yaron Herman, bassist Linda May Han Oh, and tabla player and vocalist Prabhu Edouard, whose combined talents create a rich fusion of jazz and world music textures.

Parisien, renowned for his eclectic approach and technical mastery, anchors the album with compositions drawn from his own creative well, alongside contributions from Herman and Oh. This collaborative spirit extends to the inclusion of two thoughtfully chosen covers, each reflecting the quartet's global sonic palette.

The project originated from a shared performance in Paris, which catalyzed the formation of this group. The album opens with a contemplative rendition of "Asian Songs & Rhythms, No. 40," originally composed by Georges Ivanovitch Gurdjieff and Thomas de Hartmann. This piece fuses Eastern modal elements with Western classical frameworks, setting a serene and meditative tone that underscores Parisien’s nuanced intervallic phrasing and Herman’s evocative piano landscapes.

Another highlight is the interpretation of Anouar Brahem’s "Badhra," a piece known for its blend of Middle Eastern mystique and jazz sophistication. In this track, the interplay between Parisien’s lyrical soprano saxophone and Herman’s precise, articulate piano work stands out, creating a dialogue that is both intricate and accessible.

Original compositions further define the album’s character. Parisien’s track "Bonbon" is imbued with rhythmic and melodic influences that resonate with Middle Eastern traditions, delivered with energetic flair. Herman’s compositions provide a spectrum of moods and textures, from the waltzing ballads "Olive Branch" and "Ruth"—the latter evolving into a more rhythmically driven passage reminiscent of Keith Jarrett’s style—to the playful blues nuances in "Nusrat." "El Toro" spotlights Oh’s rhythmic precision, demonstrating the bassist’s command over complex time signatures.

Linda May Han Oh also contributes "As It Comes And As It Goes," a reflective solo piece that offers a moment of introspection within the album’s dynamic flow.

Percussionist Prabhu Edouard enriches the ensemble with his tabla rhythms and vocalizations, adding depth to the group's world-fusion aesthetic. His presence is particularly prominent in "Portal," a co-composed track by Parisien and Herman that maintains rhythmic momentum and showcases Herman’s delightful piano solo.

According to exystence.net, 'Floating' is a musical exploration centered on themes of peace, poetry, and love. The album’s diversity and forward-thinking approach allow the group to communicate across various musical languages, blending jazz improvisation with global influences in a contemporary context.

The quartet’s seamless integration of different traditions indicates a shared commitment to innovation within jazz, positioning 'Floating' as a notable contribution to the genre’s evolving landscape. While the album is rooted in jazz, its embrace of global sounds and modal structures offers listeners a richly textured and emotionally resonant experience.

Though detailed commercial reception and tour information remain limited, 'Floating' cements Emile Parisien’s status as a versatile and adventurous artist. His ongoing collaboration with Herman, Oh, and Edouard demonstrates a collective synergy that pushes the boundaries of modern jazz, inviting audiences into a sound world that is both exploratory and deeply expressive.