Louis Sclavis got involved with the Lyon musicians’ collective Arfi early on. He played in bands led by Henri Texier and Chris McGregor, and started his own band in 1982. With his incredible technique, clarity and precision, he is one of the best clarinettists in free jazz and avant-garde music. He has been performing with Vincent Courtois for some ten years now. Cellist Courtois is an excellent duo partner, who starts his own song, seemingly imperturbable. In 2018 he was also featured in the ZJFT Prologue, also in Simplon. By coincidence or not?

Photo: Phile Deprez

It’s hard to find a more mercilessly hard hitting big band than the Flat Earth Society (FES). Even the molecules in the air make a run for it as soon as they see the golden colours of the horn section emerging from the instrument cases. This orchestra dives in and out of music history with the greatest of ease. Bandleader Peter Vermeersch (previously known for his work with the art rock band X-Legged Sally) can translate original ideas into a tight group sound. The fireworks ban seems to have been lifted for the FES.