For those not in the know. Time is Color, Vol. 2 is the new body of work from the versatile polymath Cédric Hanriot. A key contributor to multiple GRAMMY-winning projects, collaborating with luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper and Terri Lyne Carrington to name just a few, Hanriot has developed a reputation as an in-demand pianist, sound designer, composer and arranger, drafted in to provide unique enhancements to a truly diverse range of successful musical projects.

Now with Time is Color Vol.2, he presents his artistry in its most sincere form: an evolution from his original Time Is Color project released in 2022, which received universal praise, even ending up on former US President Barack Obama’s infamous summer Spotify playlist that year.

The roots of Hanriot’s new work flourish within the modern jazz idiom. Tracks on the album such as “Comforting Glow” carry echoes of Bill Evans, while other songs embrace hip-hop, funk, soul and electronica. “A Luminous World Part 2” is a high-impact number featuring US vocalist Tony Moreau, while “Ego Chase” features head-nod verses from renowned UK saxophonist and rapper Soweto Kinch.

Further wordplay is contributed by American MC’s JSWISS and Charles X, while saxophonist and singer Braxton Cook adds some sweet soul vibes to proceedings. More magic is created on “La Source” and “La Barque Du Temps” via French narrations from Arthur H and Cyrielle Clair, while Swiss trumpeter Erik Truffaz (Blue Note), provides a great top line on “A Luminous World Part 1.”

With outstanding contributions from each special guest, not to mention excellent performances from Hanriot’s core trio of Bertrand Beruard on bass and Antonin Violot on drums, the album is woven together by Hanriot’s phenomenal ability on piano, Fender Rhodes and analog synths.

1. Impermanence
2. A Luminous World, Part 2 (feat. Tony Moreau)
3. A Creative Mind (feat. Braxton Cook, Tony Moreau)
4. Comforting Glow
5. Ego Chase (feat. Soweto Kinch)
6. Spirit In Motion (feat. JSWISS)
7. Whispers Of Absence (feat, Tony Moreau, Charles X)
8. LA Source (feat. Arthur H, Tony Moreau)
9. Universal Enemy
10. A Luminous World, Part 1 (feat. Erik Truffaz)
11. Echoes Of Creation
12. Awakened Steps
13. LA Baroque Du Temps (feat. Cyrielle Clair)

This thoroughly entertaining, jazz-pop-R&B, rock collection opens on the veritably shimmering, short but sweet Impermanence and the free-flowing, Howard Jones-esque A Luminous World, Part 2 and then we get the translucently free-flowing A Creative Mind (featuring American alto saxophonist and singer-songwriter Braxton Cook), the beautifully ambient Comforting Glow with the soothing, yet informational rap track Ego Chase (featuring British jazz saxophonist and rapper Soweto Kinch) and the lyrical poem feely interpreted within Spirit In Motion (featuring talented emcee, elite lyricist and hip hop artist, JSWISS) are brought forth.

Along next is the smoothly rapped Whispers Of Absence, which is in turn backed by the low slung, deeply French-versed LA Source (featuring French singer-songwriter and pianist Arthur H.), the percussional elegance of Universal Enemy, the floating A Luminous World, Part 1 (featuring Erik Truffaz, the famed French-Swiss jazz trumpeter), the set rounding out on the fervently sculpted Echoes Of Creation, the sheer refinement of the sweeping Awakened Steps, closing on the short, French spoken words that are LA Baroque Du Temps (featuring French actress Cyrielle Clair).

Time is Color Vol.2 traverses many different paths, venturing into to unexplored territory and undoubtedly placing Hanriot in position as one of the most exciting and talented musicians working around the world today. The proof is in the listening.

Ego Chase (feat. Soweto Kinch) [Official Music Video]

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