Guitarist Nicolas Torracinta and saxophonist Gilles Barikosky have unveiled Lento, a new instrumental album born from a long-standing musical connection. Released on February 6, 2026, the project offers a sonic escape blending jazz, Latin influences, and atmospheric soundscapes.
The album emerged organically, fueled by a shared passion for collaboration. “Lento is really a duo project to start,” Torracinta explained. “Gilles is a musician I’ve been playing with for about twelve years. We used to play a lot of jazz standards, alongside other folk and chanson styles I was exploring.”
The desire to create something uniquely their own gradually took shape. “At one point, we just started putting some compositions on the table, for fun, without any pressure. The project developed naturally,” Torracinta added. This release marks a significant moment for both artists, showcasing their ability to craft evocative and immersive musical experiences.
From Duo to Quartet
Initially conceived as a minimalist duo, Lento has since expanded. The musicians are currently preparing to perform as a quartet, as evidenced by a recent live studio session, “Vinti Balli,” captured in late 2024. The album, available on CD, is described as a blend of improvised music, jazz, and Latin rhythms, creating “landscapes and melodies with urban accents that blend with the colors of a season celebrating slowness.”
The duo celebrated the album’s release with a showcase at the Fnac in Ajaccio, and a quartet concert at L’Aghja, according to Corse-Matin. The project represents a patient and deliberate artistic evolution for Torracinta and Barikosky, whose musical relationship spans over a decade.
