by Blair Bordelon

Created on: October 10, 2008

Moutin Reunion Quartet, a massive name in French jazz, and a rising name throughout Europe and America, began the fall tour of their album "Sharp Turns" with a bang in Angelle Hall Sept. 30.

The concert hall was more than half filled with many students and locals who caught wind of the show from either their professors or The Daily Advertiser. Several music students attended to critique and take notes for thesis papers, and some people simply came to enjoy a bit of contemporary jazz.

The band's founders, twin brothers Louis Moutin, the drummer, and Francios Moutin, the bassist, have been playing jazz since they were 5. It is easy to see in every smile, every gesture and every time they appear to get lost in the music that the brothers truly love what they do.

"The band has so much energy," said Eric Rohner, freshman. "Especially the bassist."

According to freshman Jonathan Kim, "Compared to Francois and Louis, Rick and Pierre appeared lifeless as they were performing, although the saxophone did have its moments."

James Marshall, however, disagrees. He believes Rick Margitza, the saxophonist, and Pierre de Bethmann, pianist, help to add some structure to the brothers' enthusiasm.

"The band was great, and the overall experience lwas incredible, but the drums were a little over-the-top," said Marshall.

This "over-the-top" style was exemplified by the fifth song of the concert, The Twin's Duet, a cover of a Coltrain song with added improv. The song consisted of only the drums and the bass and the seemingly limitless energy of both brothers.

In addition to their love for music, Louis and Francois also divulged a great love for Louisiana.

"This is a dream come true," Louis said to the audience after the first song.

"We grew up listening to music played in Louisiana," Francois added. But this was first time they had actually had the chance to see it.

After the seven-song set that ended with an enthusiastic crescendo and a loud final bang of the symbols, the Moutin Reunion Quartet bowed to a standing ovation and exited the stage looking quite proud.

Backstage, Louis, still out of breath from the speed at which he had been drumming, shouted happily they had "exploded on stage" to a chorus of agreement from the adrenaline high crew.

Excited and happy with the outcome of the show, the band quickly left to celebrate at Prejean's Restaraunt, feeling "more than ready" to take on their next stop - New Orleans.

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