Ozaín, an ensemble featuring only non-harmonic instruments, was established in 2017 by double bassist Gaëtan Casteels. The group also includes saxophonist Bruno Grollet, trombonist Nathan Surquin, and drummer Pierre Hurty. In 2024, esteemed trumpeter Laurent Blondiau joined the ensemble.
"Playground" is the second album by the band, released by Mogno Music. It was recorded in June 2024 at Jet Studio in Brussels under the expertise of Rudy Coclet. This album marks a significant milestone for the group as it introduces an additional instrument: the trumpet. The inclusion of three wind instruments in a group that lacks harmonic instruments such as the piano or guitar allows for a variation in timbres, resulting in richer harmonies and more captivating accompaniments for the soloists.
The repertoire was composed by Gaëtan Casteels and arranged with the group between 2023 and 2024. It offers a return to basics with more swing pieces than in the first opus (“The missing one(s)”- Mogno 2021). It also explores new musical forms and structures and includes free, sometimes collective improvisations and open structures, thus providing various opportunities to experiment with musical codes and allowing musicians to fully express their creativity.
- Released : 07/02/2025
- Recorded : June 2024
- Reference : Mogno J063
- Support : CD
- Sound engineer : Rudy Coclet
- Label : Mognomusic
- Studio : Jet Studio
