The universe of jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Lara Humbert is often described as cinematic. It unfolds like a film, with each piece telling an unpredictable story that moves beyond pre-established patterns. Her strongest inspirations : classical music, jazz, free improvisation, pop, rock, as well as the influences of Tim Berne, Mary Halvorson, Bill Frisell, Knower, Debussy...
While on a retreat in the vast Canadian wilderness, Lara gained new perspectives on her writing process and composed the initial repertoire for her first large ensemble, the octet I'm Not Done Cooking. These eight musicians, meticulously chosen for their virtuosity, their musical personality, and their sense of togetherness, thus form the pianist's second project as a leader, following her quartet.
Experiencing I'm Not Done Cooking live is like diving into an immersive journey of total letting go. The compositions are a continuous delightful surprise, while the musicians' tenderness and honesty immediately win you over. The music's originality and rich nuances naturally sweep you away on an emotion-filled voyage, constantly sparking your curiosity.
"Music to broaden your horizons and encourage contemplation. We alternate between chaos and harmony, traveling from Gabriel Fauré to Freddy Mercury via Philip Glass and Paul McCartney, all while the music evokes pastoral images of clearings and streams..." – Fabrice Grosfilley (BX1)
"Sometimes it only takes a few notes to reveal the full extent of a composer's abilities, and that's what's happening with Lara Humbert on this project. The French pianist, who lives in Brussels, has gathered around her a team of sensitive musicians who are adept at reading and arranging. The result is beautiful, colourful, programmatic music that evokes cinematic images. A project to be heard more than once." – Matthieu Jouan (Citizenjazz.com) for the Europe Jazz Media Chart of February 2025.
While on a retreat in the vast Canadian wilderness, Lara gained new perspectives on her writing process and composed the initial repertoire for her first large ensemble, the octet I'm Not Done Cooking. These eight musicians, meticulously chosen for their virtuosity, their musical personality, and their sense of togetherness, thus form the pianist's second project as a leader, following her quartet.
Experiencing I'm Not Done Cooking live is like diving into an immersive journey of total letting go. The compositions are a continuous delightful surprise, while the musicians' tenderness and honesty immediately win you over. The music's originality and rich nuances naturally sweep you away on an emotion-filled voyage, constantly sparking your curiosity.
"Music to broaden your horizons and encourage contemplation. We alternate between chaos and harmony, traveling from Gabriel Fauré to Freddy Mercury via Philip Glass and Paul McCartney, all while the music evokes pastoral images of clearings and streams..." – Fabrice Grosfilley (BX1)
"Sometimes it only takes a few notes to reveal the full extent of a composer's abilities, and that's what's happening with Lara Humbert on this project. The French pianist, who lives in Brussels, has gathered around her a team of sensitive musicians who are adept at reading and arranging. The result is beautiful, colourful, programmatic music that evokes cinematic images. A project to be heard more than once." – Matthieu Jouan (Citizenjazz.com) for the Europe Jazz Media Chart of February 2025.