Sylvain Leroux
Qromatica
Sylvain Leroux is an artist with a passion for blending a wide range of styles and influences. From the ancestral depth of world music to the colorful nuances of fusion, the artist’s music showcases a one-of-a-kind ability to allow different influences to exist and stand out. Leroux, a leading advocate of the traditional West African woodwind instrument known as the “fula flute,” possesses profound expertise as both a musician and a flute maker.
Leroux’s intimate knowledge of the instrument extends beyond its sound to encompass its mechanics. The album’s title, Qromatica, originates from a patented innovation Sylvain introduced in his flute-making process, which enables fully functional chromatic operation of the instrument. This new approach aims to expand the range and capabilities of the fula flute, a technique he also imparts through his teaching.
The music on Qromatica combines traditional West African influences with contemporary elements and classical Western influences, resulting in a unique fusion of sounds unfolding over the span of seven tracks. Leroux’s phrasing showcases a deep understanding of the musical nuances and the subtleties of the instrument and the many musical styles that he set out to explore in this particular studio work.
Sylvain Leroux effortlessly weaves melodic lines, utilizing a wide range of techniques that showcases the impressive possibilities of his Qromatica flute. As a result, the flute stands out for its crisp and clear voice, which soars through the mixes and dominates the arrangements without being overpowering. This talented musician and flute maker is also very skilled when it comes to controlling the dynamics and timbre of his instruments, revealing the beautiful tonal qualities of the fula flute.
This record shows that this beautiful woodwind isn’t just great for West African music. It’s a very versatile flute which works in so many different situations and musical contexts.
