CD Review: Théo Girard, La Rivière Coulera Sans Effort

French bassist and composer Théo Girard’s project Mobke represents a transatlantic quartet assembled with a clear artistic purpose: to create music rooted in the deep jazz tradition of New York City while reflecting bold contemporary approaches and cultural diversity. After spending formative time immersed in the New York jazz scene, Girard envisioned a group that could honor this legacy while forging new artistic paths. Based between Montreuil and Brooklyn—the symbolic poles behind the band’s name—these four musicians merge different backgrounds but share a single focus: collective creation that balances composed frameworks with improvisational freedom.

Joining Girard on double bass is pianist Sophia Domancich, drummer Lesley Mok, and alto saxophonist Nick Lyons. Each member brings a distinctive background and voice, ranging from Domancich’s extensive experience in both European and American free jazz scenes to Mok’s rising prominence in avant-garde and interdisciplinary sound art, and Lyons’ refined Brooklyn-based improvisational style. The quartet’s dynamic is one of deep listening and sensitive interaction, with Girard providing challenging compositions that act as launchpads for collective exploration.

“La Rivière Coulera Sans Effort” is MOBKE’s debut album, released digitally and in a limited collector’s edition vinyl format that should appeal to dedicated jazz listeners and audiophiles alike. The album title (“The River Will Flow Effortlessly”) immediately suggests both fluidity and ease, themes reflected throughout the music. The project’s approach is neither a nostalgic reproduction of traditional jazz nor a purely avant-garde statement but rather a balanced hybrid: adventurous and exploratory, yet accessible, melodic, and rooted in rhythmic clarity.

Girard’s experience as a composer and artistic director is evident in the album’s coherence. His prior work with projects such as “30YearsFrom” and “Pensées Rotatives” demonstrates his predilection for layered, nuanced compositions that require attentive listening, something that MOBKE carries forward with fresh perspectives. The album’s six tracks offer a range of moods and structures, from meditative minimalism to dynamic swinging grooves, allowing each musician space to contribute fully yet intimately.

The album opens with “La Chose,” a piece defined by its quiet and open atmosphere. Centered on a single bass ostinato, the track’s ethereal, meditative quality sets the tone for the album’s journey. Girard’s bass underpinning creates a subtle but steady heartbeat as the other instruments weave in and out around this foundation. In stark contrast, the second track “On se Lève, On se Casse” unfolds with a free improvisation that hints at a more energetic and rhythmic direction. This track progresses into an up-tempo swing feel, underpinned by a remarkable demonstration of interplay. Pianist Sophia Domancich’s comping is particularly noteworthy: her playing balances contrapuntal independence with responsive accompaniment, blurring traditional roles within the band. Her harmonic choices add dimension and tension, beautifully accompanied by Girard’s agile bass lines. Nick Lyons’ alto sax floats above with clarity and purpose, while Lesley Mok’s nuanced drumming provides both propulsion and subtle texture. This track stands out as a highlight for its effective combination of freedom and swing.

The third piece, “Un Chemin tortueux n’est pas Forcément Plus Long,” offers an inventive rhythmic approach. Opening with an unusual, slow swing that paradoxically feels like a double-time pulse, the track challenges conventional jazz rhythms while maintaining a groove that is accessible and engaging. Domancich’s piano solo is a highlight: full of lyricism and exploratory phrasing, it effectively charts new harmonic territory. The rhythm section’s precision here is crucial, balancing the rhythmic ambiguity with a steady yet flexible groove.

The album’s title track, “La Rivière Coulera Sans Effort,” takes a shift toward minimalism and sonic space. Opening with an extended solo piano section, Domancich sets a contemplative, sparse mood that permits the listener to focus on tonal subtlety. When Girard’s bass and Lyons’ saxophone enter—with the bass employing arco techniques—the atmosphere becomes more texturally complex and evocative. The bowed bass resonates with a call-in-the-dark ambiance, emphasizing sound for its emotional and spatial qualities rather than melodic content. This track embodies the theme of effortless flow, embracing silence and restraint.

“Plus qu’Une Influence,” the penultimate piece, continues to explore the quartet’s exceptional ability to engage in close listening and responsive interaction. All members contribute improvisational ideas that intertwine gracefully, blending composed motifs and spontaneous creation. The effect is a balanced fusion of structure and freedom that never feels forced.

The album closes with “Improvisation,” a true free improvisation that captures the quartet’s collective spirit. This track reveals the musicians at their most spontaneous and empathetic, freely exploring textures and phrases without preconception. It reinforces that, while the band respects form and composition, their ultimate focus is on authentic, live creation.

“La Rivière Coulera Sans Effort” demonstrates the creative potential of the jazz quartet tradition in the hands of musicians who both respect history and look forward. This album exemplifies a modern approach where compositions provide a framework but space is left for interplay and exploration. Mobke navigates the edge between free jazz experimentation and accessible melody and rhythm. The result is an album that invites attentive, repeated listening without alienating those less familiar with avant-garde idioms.

The recording quality is excellent, particularly highlighting Girard’s bass sound, which is warm and prominent without overpowering the ensemble balance. The performances throughout are inventive and well-balanced—never contrived or forced. Sophia Domancich’s piano contributes harmonic nuance and spontaneity while Lesley Mok’s nuanced drumming combines rhythmic subtlety with textural richness. Nick Lyons’ saxophone adds a distinct melodic voice marked by restraint and melodic inventiveness.

In conclusion, Théo Girard & Mobke’s “La Rivière Coulera Sans Effort” is a highly recommended release, a thoughtful and vibrant exploration of jazz’s evolving language through a transatlantic lens. It offers both adventurous moments and accessible musicality, promising a rewarding listening experience for jazz fans looking for fresh perspectives rooted in tradition but unafraid to branch out.

This album will appeal especially to listeners who appreciate modern acoustic jazz ensembles that fuse composition and improvisation seamlessly. It also marks an exciting new chapter for Théo Girard as a bandleader and composer, firmly establishing Mobke as a project to watch in the coming years.

Line-Up
Théo Girard – Double Bass | Sophia Domancich – Piano | Nick Lyons – Alto Saxophone | Lesley Mok – Drums

Release Details
Release Date: 19 September, 2025
Format: Digital Download | Collector’s Edition Vinyl LP
Label: Discobole