On Samares, Swiss pianist Colin Vallon unfolds a program that reflects inspirations from nature - especially plants - with organic grooves and a seemingly telepathic interplay between Vallon, bassist Patrice Moret and drummer Julian Sartorius. The lyricism and melancholy of Colin Vallon's compositions and the unobtrusive interplay of his trio remain a trademark of Samares. Yet the sound of the Swiss pianist's group has evolved greatly since their last recording for ECM, Danse (2017), as the band's chemistry has become even stronger and they delve deeper into dense sonic tapestries of the trio. Dynamic extremes are explored and melodic hooks - some melodic, some harmonic, some beat-based - are patiently pieced together and often completed in hypnotic fashion. While subtle rhythmic twists and harmonic progressions constructed around piano triads recall innovative inspirations from the world of art-rock, other expositions reveal a tight jazz trio developing a chamber sound focused on close listening and response. As a whole, the different impulses are linked by an underlying theme that permeates the music like a heartbeat. "The name 'Samares', like the seeds of the maple tree, has been with me throughout the process. And it seems so fitting when you imagine these seeds dancing in the wind. Danse, Le Vent are the titles of the two previous trio albums. And although there are undoubtedly many differences between this recording and the previous two, they are also closely linked and form a trilogy."