John Tchicai, Pierre Dorge, Lou Grassi - Hope Is Bright Green Up North (2003)

“Hope Is Bright Green Up North” is a compelling and adventurous free jazz recording that captures the spontaneous creativity and deep musical dialogue between three highly respected improvisers: John Tchicai, Pierre Dorge, and Lou Grassi. Released in 2003 on the renowned CIMP label, the album explores a broad emotional and sonic landscape, balancing abstract improvisation with thoughtful melodic development and dynamic interplay. Tchicai’s distinctive tenor saxophone and bass clarinet performances remain expressive and lyrical even within the most open-ended passages, while Pierre Dorge’s guitar work adds texture, harmonic color, and subtle rhythmic movement throughout the session.

Drummer Lou Grassi provides an inventive and highly responsive rhythmic foundation, shaping the music with sensitivity and controlled intensity. Tracks such as “Ballad of 9/11” and “Loop For Susan R” reveal the trio’s ability to blend emotional depth with exploratory freedom, creating music that feels both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant. The recording’s warm and intimate sound quality perfectly suits the organic interaction between the musicians, making this album an excellent example of modern creative jazz and free improvisation at a very high artistic level.

Tracklist:
01. Farewell Wilber
02. Biciclo
03. Loop For Susan R
04. 3+2
05. Ballad of 9/11
06. News From Lou
07. Sumolle
08. Time To Stretch
09. Claira To Claremont

Personnel
John Tchicai - Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
Pierre Dorge - Guitar
Lou Grassi - Drums