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The Moutin Reunion Quartet

Back in 1999 Louis and Francois Moutin decided to form THE MOUTIN REUNION QUARTET in order to perform their original compositions. They had a common desire: to create music expressing the energy of life; full of emotion and spontaneity - a music close to them, to what they intimately feel, inhabited by Jazz' spirit, swing and grooves, inviting listeners and musicians to celebrate beauty and imagination. They are sharing this desire with their two outstandingly skilled partners: the amazingly talented pianist Pierre de Bethmann and the immensely gifted saxophonist Rick Margitza. Not only Rick is a former partner of Mr. Miles Davis, but also both he and Pierre can pride themselves on their profoundly creative and extremely successful respective solo careers. Since four years, the band is touring through both America and Europe, performing for more and more big and enthousiastic audiences. In 2005 they released their third album (in September), on Lightyear/WEA. Francois Moutin was born in Paris. His early interest in music was encouraged by his parents. At age 5, Francois began studying guitar, then piano by age 11. The acoustic bass became his most lasting passion as a teenager. Also studying mathematics and physics, Francois received a college degree in engineering and earned a doctorate in physics at the age of 24. Then he elected to become a professional musician. Three years later, as a member of the legendarey Martial Solal’s Trio, Francois was recognized as one of the finest young bass players in Europe. At 29, he began co-leading the Quintet Moutin with his twin brother Louis, a top echelon Jazz drummer. This project has evolved into the Moutin Reunion Quartet. When he was still living in Paris, Francois worked non-stop with the greatest musicians of this age : Martial Solal, Michel Portal, Antoine Herve, Daniel Humair, André Ceccarelli, Eric Lelann, Jean-Michel Pilc, Christian Escoude. He has also performed with Peter Erskine, Randy Brecker, Niels Lan Doky, Mino Cinelu, Dave Liebman, John Abercrombie, Toots Thielemans, Didier Lockwood, Larry Schneider, Aldo Romano, James Moody, Terry Lyne Carrington, Richard Galliano, Bernard Lubat, Aaron Scott, George Brown, Sunny Murray, Michel Legrand, Archie Shepp, Claude Nougaro, Trilok Gurtu, Bob Berg, Birelli Lagrene, Wladimir Kosma, Marius Constant, Markus Stockhausen, L'ensemble Inter Contemporain. François has performed in every important European Jazz Festival, and he has toured in over 30 countries around the world. In November 1997, he moved his base to New York where he has found steady work in live performance and studio sessions with the premier artists on the New York Jazz Scene.

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311
Album Review

Moutin Reunion Quartet: Soul Dancers

Read "Soul Dancers" reviewed by John Kelman


Despite the reunion now nearly a decade old, there's nothing out of place or out of time about the vibrant Moutin Reunion Quartet. The group--co-led by twin brothers François (bass) and Louis (drums) Moutin--has delivered fiery album after fiery album since its 2002 debut, Power Tree (Dreyfus), but it's only been since its third release, Something Like Now (Nocturne, 2005), that the group has settled on the winning line-up of keyboardist Pierre de Bethmann and saxophonist Rick Margitza. ...

137
Album Review

Moutin Reunion Quartet: Sharp Turns

Read "Sharp Turns" reviewed by Laurel Gross


Must it be pointed out that François and Louis Moutin are twins? Admittedly, it is a novelty to see these two handsome Gallic faces mirror-image each other in live performance, and on a special DVD side of Sharp Turns, by their Moutin Reunion Quartet. But live with them a little and it will become apparent that these multi-talented gentlemen are also singular individuals linked by a common passion, not unlike other committed jazz musicians who have played together for a ...

529
Album Review

Moutin Reunion Quartet: Sharp Turns

Read "Sharp Turns" reviewed by John Kelman


Plenty has already been written about François and Louis Moutin, co-leaders of the Moutin Reunion Quartet, and the special simpatico they share as twin brothers. Over the course of three albums, including Something Like Now (Nocturne, 2005), the bassist and drummer have evolved a contemporary approach that, despite being largely acoustic, borrows as much--philosophically if not sonically--from fusion groups like Weather Report as it does classic influences like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. MRQ is also a powerhouse live group, ...

137
Album Review

Moutin Reunion Quartet: Something Like Now

Read "Something Like Now" reviewed by Ken Franckling


France's twin brother jazz combination, bassist François and drummer Louis Moutin, have just released their third Moutin Reunion Quartet recording in six years since the unit was formed as a showcase for their swinging, original compositions. It's another bop-rooted contemporary odyssey that is delightful in its scope and focus. The band is rounded out by pianist Pierre de Bethmann and the immensely gifted saxophonist Rick Margitza. Part 2 of the “Something Like Now title track provides a ...

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Album Review

Moutin Reunion Quartet: Something Like Now

Read "Something Like Now" reviewed by Mark F. Turner


Those twins are at it again: producing some fine jazz.

Paris-born bassist François and drummer Louis Moutin continue their brand of in your face (more correctly in your ear) jazz that sharply illustrates of contemporary bop sensibilities. Previous recordings and extensive gigs in Europe and the US have earned them respect among critics and fans as musicians dedicated to fresh compositions and vigorous performance. Since their musical reunion in 1999, the brothers have led various quartets with ...

170
Album Review

Moutin Reunion Quartet: Something Like Now

Read "Something Like Now" reviewed by John Kelman


When twin brothers François and Louis Moutin brought their Moutin Reunion Quartet to this year's Ottawa International Jazz Festival, it was one of those surprise performances that created an immediate buzz amongst festival-goers. The intensely powerful quartet played with the kind of total engagement that grabbed the audience from the first note. While most people didn't know who the Moutin Reunion Quartet was walking into the show, it's a sure bet that they'll be remembering them for a long time ...

156
Album Review

Moutin Reunion Quartet: Something Like Now

Read "Something Like Now" reviewed by Chris May


Louis and François Moutin are French-born twin brothers who play drums and bass. Since '97, when François relocated from Paris to New York, they've been separated by a few thousand miles, but have managed periodically to get together to tour and record as the Moutin Reunion Quartet. Saxophonist Rick Margitza joined the lineup in '04 for the group's second album, Red Moon, and pianist Pierre de Bethmann comes on board with Something Like Now.

Most of the time, ...

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179

Performance / Tour

Moutin Reunion Quartet with saxophonist, Rick Margitza Chris' Jazz Cafe on May 7, 2011

Moutin Reunion Quartet with saxophonist, Rick Margitza Chris' Jazz Cafe on May 7, 2011

Source: All About Jazz

On May 7 2011, Chris' Jazz Cafe presents the Moutin Reunion Quartet, touring in support of their recent CD Soul Dancers. The Moutin Reunion, headed by Francois Moutin on bass and Louis Moutin on drums was forged by their common desire to create music expressing the energy of life; full of emotion and spontaneity. Music close to what they intimately feel, inhabited by the jazz spirit, swing and grooves, inviting listeners and musicians to celebrate beauty and imagination. Joining them ...

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Performance / Tour

Moutin Reunion Quartet Ends Tour in NY at Dizzy's at Lincoln Center

Moutin Reunion Quartet Ends Tour in NY at Dizzy's at Lincoln Center

Source: Lampkin Publicity Service

Critically acclaimed France based jazz group and Blujazz/Nocturne recording artists “Moutin Reunion Quartet” return to NY for their final USA appearance. Featuring gifted twins, Louis and Francois, with Rick Margitza on saxophone and Pierre de Bathmann on piano.October 6th - Dizzy's Coca Cola Club – Jazz @ Lincoln Center – NY, NY.- 1-212-258-9877

2008 brought the highly energetic critically acclaimed group to the states, with appearances in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan; Syracuse, NY; Chicago, Ill and a ...

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Performance / Tour

Moutin Reunion Quartet Celebrate New CD "Sharp Turns" Friday, November 30th & Saturday, December 1st at Cacha a Jazz 'N' Samba Club

Moutin Reunion Quartet Celebrate New CD "Sharp Turns" Friday, November 30th & Saturday, December 1st at Cacha a Jazz 'N' Samba Club

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Moutin Reunion Quartet Friday, November 30th & Saturday, December 1st Appearing At Cachaa Jazz 'n' Samba Club 35 West 8th Street New York, NY 10011-9029 Phone: 212/388-9099 Ticket price: $20.00 featuring Louis Moutin - drums Franois Moutin - bass Pierre De Bethmann - piano Rick Margitza - saxophone Performing music from their new CD Recorded in March 2007, ...

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Performance / Tour

Moutin Reunion Quartet at Sweet Rhythm Thursday, January 11th

Moutin Reunion Quartet at Sweet Rhythm Thursday, January 11th

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

The internationally acclaimed Moutin Reunion Quartet will make its New York City appearance during The International Association for Jazz Education conference at

SWEET RHYTHM 88 Seventh Ave. South (bet. Grove & Bleecker) 212-255-3626 #1 to Christopher St/Sheridan Sq. http://www.sweetrhythmny.com/

Shows are at 8:00, 10:00, and midnight. Admission is $20.00 but if you print this notice out and present it at the door the admission will be $18.00

Thursday, January 11th ...

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Performance / Tour

The Moutin Reunion Quartet at Sweet Rhythm Thursday, September 7th

The Moutin Reunion Quartet at Sweet Rhythm Thursday, September 7th

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

THE MOUTIN REUNION QUARTET will be appearing once again in New York on Thursday, September 7th. They will be performing at:

SWEET RHYTHM 2006 88 7th Ave. South (between Grove & Bleecker Streets) New York, NY 10014 Tel: 212/255-3626 http://www.sweetrhythmny.com

SHOWS AT 8 & 10 PM with $15 Music Charge

The Moutin Reunion Quartet is one of the most important new voices in jazz today. Co-led by identical twin brothers, drummer Louis ...

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Performance / Tour

Moutin Reunion Quartet at The Jazz Standard Tuesday, October 4th 7:30 PM, 9:30 PM

Moutin Reunion Quartet at The Jazz Standard Tuesday, October 4th 7:30 PM, 9:30 PM

Source: All About Jazz

MOUTIN REUNION QUARTET On Tour In Support of Their New CD The Moutin Reunion Quartet “Something Like Now" Nocturne/Lightyear (distributed by WEA) 54701-2 Street Date: August 30, 2005 Tuesday, October 4, 2005 The Jazz Standard 116 East 27th St. New York, NY 10016 Tel: 212/576-2232 http://www.jazzstandard.net Cover: $ 20.00 Showtimes: 7:30 PM, 9:30 PM Lithe, lean and muscular, Something Like Now is a lock on my list of the year's ten best. – Ed Trefzger-JazzWeek.com The Moutin Reunion Quartet is ...

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Performance / Tour

Moutin Reunion Quartet at the Bohemian Caverns Sunday, October 2 10.00 PM

Moutin Reunion Quartet at the Bohemian Caverns Sunday, October 2 10.00 PM

Source: All About Jazz

Moutin Reunion Quartet On Tour In Support of Their Now CD The Moutin Reunion Quartet “Something Like Now" Nocturne/Lightyear (distributed by WEA) 54701-2 Street Date: August 30, 2005 Sunday, October 2, 2005 The Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, Washington, DC Bohemian Caverns 2001 11th Street Washington, DC 20001 Tel: 202/299-0801 http://www.dejazzfest.org http://www.bohemiancaverns.com Cover: $15.00 Showtimes: 8:00 PM, 10.00 PM The Moutin Reunion Quartet ...

65

Performance / Tour

Moutin Reunion Quartet On Tour In Support of Their New CD "Something Like Now" Nocturne/Lightyear

Moutin Reunion Quartet On Tour In Support of Their New CD "Something Like Now" Nocturne/Lightyear

Source: All About Jazz

September 20, 2005 To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected] MOUTIN REUNION QUARTET On Tour In Support of Their New CD The Moutin Reunion Quartet “Something Like Now" Nocturne/Lightyear (distributed by WEA) 54701-2 Street Date: August 30, 2005 Tuesday, September 27, 2005 The Blue Wisp 318 East Eighth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Tel: 513/241-WISP; (513/241-9477) http://www.bluewispjazzclub.com/ Cover: $ 12.00, $ 10.00 Students Showtime: 9:00 PM Wednesday, September 28, 2005 The Rudyard Kipling 422 West Oak Street ...

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Performance / Tour

Moutin Reunion Quartet Wednesday September 28, 2005 at The Rudyard Kipling

Moutin Reunion Quartet Wednesday September 28, 2005 at The Rudyard Kipling

Source: All About Jazz

September 15, 2005 To: Listings/Critics/Features From: Jazz Promo Services Press Contact: Jim Eigo, [email protected] Jazz Promo Services September 15, 2005 Wednesday September 28, 2005 Moutin Reunion Quartet Appearing at the The Rudyard Kipling - Louisville 422 West Oak Street in Louisville, Kentucky 40203 Call 502-636-1311(after 6:30 pm) or call 812-949-1895 (daytime) http://www.therudyardkipling.com The Moutin Reunion Quartet “Something Like Now” Nocturne/Lightyear (distributed by WEA) 54701-2 Street Date: August 30, 2005 Lithe, lean and muscular, Something Like Now is a lock on ...

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Recording

Moutin Reunion Quartet's Latest 'Red Moon' on Sunnyside Records

Moutin Reunion Quartet's Latest 'Red Moon' on Sunnyside Records

Source: All About Jazz

Moutin Reunion Quartet Red Moon Sunnyside 2003

AAJ Review

The Moutin Reunion Quartet is the most interesting Jazz group that I have heard in a very long time. It's not just the individual talents of its members - though they are prodigious. Nor is it the quality of their compositions - though they are more than well crafted. It's because the group speaks in a harmonious and unified way.

The collective expression harnesses all ...

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Soul Dancers

Plus Loin Music
2010

buy

Sharp Turns

Blujazz
2008

buy

Sharp Turns

Blujazz
2007

buy

Red Moon

Sunnyside Records
2004

buy

Power Tree

Dreyfus Records
2002

buy

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