Samy Thiébault's original score for L'air De La Mer Rend Libre is released via Plaza Mayor Company. The film is set in modern day French Brittany. Still living at home, Saïd is carrying on a secret affair with Vincent. Unable to confront his family, he accepts an arranged marriage with Hadjira. She too has given in to her mother’s demands, following a romantic disappointment and trouble with the law. Trapped by their families, Saïd and Hadjira join forces to follow their own path to freedom...

L'air De La Mer Rend Libre (You Promised Me the Sea) is a jazz-based score that consists of 17 tracks (17 mins).

Talking about the project, composer Samy Thiébault said: "For me, jazz has always been a music of the in-between, deeply popular, yet at the same time demanding and profound. This movement of sublimating differences into a radical reinvention of oneself, this 'sea air' that makes us so free and that Nadir Moknèche depicts, is indeed the itinerary of the characters we see walking before our eyes. We therefore felt that 'The Air' of the Sea should also be a musical 'Air', a hymn that accompanies our heroes and heroines to their joyous liberation. That's why we concentrated on a main theme, both minor and major, which can be a slow waltz or an energetic dance. The opening credits melody accompanies us throughout the film until the end credits, when it gives way to an arrangement of 'I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me' performed by Hugh Coltman, already briefly heard before in the film, before he swims with his whole body in this hermeneutic sea, so full of meaning, courage and hope, that Nadir's film is.

It's an intricate and rewarding score. However, it might not be one for you if you're not a fan of jazz. Thematically I loved how there are a number of memorable pieces that are interwoven throughout the album. It gives the listener something to latch on to.

Overall, this is beautifully realised and performed. It's certainly one that fans of the movie will cherish.

7

Darren Rea