Philippe Chrétien — A Love Story

Familiar melodies, a soulful saxophone and a late-night mood.

Some albums invite you to slow down. Philippe Chrétien’s A Love Story belongs to that world: an intimate meeting of familiar melodies, expressive saxophone and the relaxed atmosphere of jazz-informed lounge music.

Released in 2006, the album contains six extended interpretations, running approximately 43 minutes. Its programme moves from “Summertime” and “This Masquerade” to the romantic theme from Love Story, “Bésame Mucho”, “Harlem Nocturne” and “Ain’t No Sunshine”. 

The repertoire offers an appealing emotional journey. These songs carry associations with longing, romance, mystery and melancholy; presenting them together gives the album a clear identity. The extended playing times also suggest an unhurried approach, allowing each melody room beyond the confines of a short instrumental cover.

Chrétien’s appeal centres on the expressive character of his tenor saxophone. His artist biography quotes Jack Kreisberg of Blue Note, New York, offering a memorable endorsement: “He’s got a killer sound!” It is a concise introduction to a musician whose work brings together jazz phrasing, soulful expression and contemporary lounge settings. 

Born in Basel in 1958, Chrétien studied piano, trumpet and composition with Chester Gill before discovering his preferred instrument, the tenor saxophone, in 1979. His background includes international performances with musicians and DJs, alongside television, radio and studio work. That breadth helps place his music at the intersection of instrumental jazz and atmospheric contemporary production. 

The supplied CD credits identify Michael Dolmetsch on piano, arrangements, engineering and co-production, Jeannot Steck on mixing, and Dan Suter on mastering, with Chrétien credited as saxophonist and producer.

For listeners drawn to melodic saxophone, downtempo grooves and a reflective evening atmosphere, A Love Story is an inviting album to explore. Its attraction lies in the combination of recognisable songs and a personal instrumental voice—music suited to an evening when there is time to let a melody unfold.

The CD programme:

1. Summertime — 10:01
2. This Masquerade — 6:32
3. Love Story — 6:44
4. Bésame Mucho — 8:11
5. Harlem Nocturne — 6:35
6. Ain’t No Sunshine — 5:23

Release: Helvetic Production · Switzerland · 2006

Format: CD, Digipak · Playing time: 43:26. 

Which of these melodies would you choose for a late-night listening session?

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