The repertoire of Daniel John Martin’s “Pardon my French!” consists largely of early compositions. This ambitious project brings together an electric quintet and a string quartet. The melody takes centre stage, and the string quartet’s accompaniment provides a warm counterpoint to the rockier sound of Robben Ford’s guitar and the band, which also features Olivier Hutman, Henri Dorina and Francis Arnaud.

Daniel John Martin about this project

These are a series of compositions I wrote over the years, most dating back to my youth. The oldest piece here is Sonia, which I composed in my twenties. One or two tracks are more recent – Pardon My French, for instance, was written specifically for Robben when he agreed to join this project.

My connection with the maestro goes back a few years while playing at a café in Paris when he walked in with a few fellow musicians and what followed was an unforgettable jam session featuring some of the world’s finest guitarists!

I’ve always been a fan of Robben’s music – it was the soundtrack to many of my road trips across France during my early years as a touring musician.

I reached out to Robben just before the Covid pandemic hit, and this collaboration has been waiting in the wings ever since.

Thanks to Flavien Pierson and Continuo Jazz, this long-held dream has finally come to life. Flavien, a producer who truly understands musicians and their world, has been a constant source of support throughout the making of these recordings.

He gave me the opportunity to record under the best possible conditions, working alongside the brilliant music producer Fred Magnier, who brought this mastery to every step of the process.

It was also Flavien who had the inspired idea to bring in Line Kruse to lead the string quartet, alongside the exceptional Nadine Collon, Camille Bertault and Isabelle Sabot.

Olivier Hutman, Henri Dorina and Francis Arnaud are musicians I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with over the years. They are among the finest jazz players in France, and I’m deeply honoured that they accepted to be part of this project.

ALEX IN THE SKY While working on the post-production for this album, I learned of the passing of Alex, the very first guitarist I ever played with. He was a lifelong friend, and his absence leaves a noticeable void in the “Footprints Quintet family”.

PARDON MY FRENCH is a phrase Robben uses – rarely, but memorably – and it seemed especially fitting for this track.

JO’BURG: is a nostalgic reflection on my childhood in South Africa

THE SORCERER is a tribute to Paganini, my greatest inspiration when it comes to mastering my instrument

LADY OCTOPUS honours my South African friend and hero, Craig Foster. He is a truly inspirational figure, and every moment spent with him and his wonderful wife, Swati Thiyagarajan, leaves me feeling uplifted.

IRENE: is dedicated to my mother, who had a deep connection to West Africa.

SONIA was the second piece I ever composed.

LIVING TOGETHER speaks for itself.

CAMELEONNE was the name of a female Calypratus given to me. She now rests somewhere in Paris.

Have you ever watched a chameleon walk?

Daniel John Martin