The brilliantly inventive Francesco Tristano Schlimé is having fun with these Tokyo Stories. The Luxembourgish pianist’s numerous references shine through with primed balance, as if rejuvenated by the artist’s mastery of multi-style collages. While very contrasting, each title flows naturally to the next. Although a minimalist, almost repetitive style is used to full effect, it never hampers the very clear desire to constantly renew rhythms, like in Insomnia, or Electric Mirror that becomes a beautiful tribute to Johann Sebastian Bach, one of Francesco Tristano Schlimé’s idols. The more fragmented style of Pakuchi, with its overlapping layers and light jazz rhythms, appears to veer towards territories of contemporary creation rarely explored by “electro” artists. Tokyo Stories rarely explores – to our great delight – the spacey and meditative atmospheres so popular to the overwhelming neo-classic-pop piano scene. Only momentum and impetus matter here. A stellar album that truly highlights Francesco Tristano Schlimé’s multifaceted musicality at the highest level. © Pierre-Yves Lascar/Qobuz