L'antidote - L'Antidote (2025) [Hi-Res]

This is one of those albums that just makes perfect sense from the moment you hear it. Created by percussionist Bijan Chemirani, pianist Rami Khalifé, and cellist Redi Hasa, it's so good it's healing. L'Antidote—a project briefly shelved during the 2020 pandemic and revived four years later—was shaped through sessions that gave full rein to improvisation, without ever drifting into free jazz or showing off. Quite the opposite, in fact. Every note feels intentional, placed within a framework that’s as gentle as it is expansive—allowing each instrument space to breathe. Navigating between Persian traditions, contemporary piano tinged with electronic textures, and Balkan atmospheres, the repertoire grew gradually, shaped by a spirit of deep, mutual listening. The result is a sense of fulfillment that nourishes the soul and soothes the ears.

At times, it brings to mind the work of Avishai Cohen, or certain accents of GoGo Penguin ("Pomegranate"), as well as the softness and musicality of Brad Mehldau—yet without ever coming too close to them. L'antidote draws its essence from itself. Sometimes a bit more jazzy ("The Orchard"), sometimes more world music ("Rosée"), or more rhythmic when needed to get you dancing ("Na Na Na"), the album is characterised above all else by a gentle, caring warmth. L'antidote is removed from any unnecessary showmanship and after each track you are immediately filled with a sense of serenity. That’s the true power of sharing. © Guillaume Ley

Tracklist:
1-1 L'antidote - Pomegranate [4:45]
1-2 L'antidote - The Orchard [5:29]
1-3 L'antidote - Desert Plant [6:31]
1-4 L'antidote - Dates, Figs and Nuts [5:06]
1-5 L'antidote - Rosée [4:50]
1-6 L'antidote - The Wind Through the Cedar Tree [4:03]
1-7 L'antidote - Na Na Na [5:07]
1-8 L'antidote - Shadows Of Flowers on My Wall [9:11]
1-9 L'antidote - L'Ombre Qui Passe [3:05]