Xavier Belin & Baptiste Poulin

Contemporary Jazz — Formed by the alchemy between saxophonist Baptiste Poulin and pianist Xavier Belin, "Crossing" explores the creative intimacy of legendary duos.

Born from the encounter between saxophonist Baptiste Poulin and pianist Xavier Belin, "Crossing" is a French jazz duo. This formation has been influenced by numerous legendary duos such as Lee Konitz and Martial Solal, or Brad Mehldau and Joshua Redman. "Crossing" takes us on a musical journey where interaction, listening, and creativity are at the heart of their playing. Their music is an invitation to enter into the creative intimacy of two complicit musicians. "Crossing" can be translated as a crossroads, that of two roads or two ideas. The result of a crossing is always something new. "Crossing" is the meeting between Xavier's very syncopated, motivating, and stable playing and Baptiste's virtuosic, lyrical, and fluid style. The crossing between the warm timbre of the saxophone and the round, percussive sound of the piano. The blending of verdant memories from the Burgundy countryside and the flowery, luminous landscapes of Martinique. After releasing their first album last January (CHOC Jazz Magazine, Grand prix du Jury du tremplin Jazz à Oloron 2026, Finalist Jazz Migration 2025), the duo will present their repertoire on October 18th. As part of the Jazz sur Seine 2026 festival.

Line-up:

Xavier Belin: piano

Baptiste Poulin: alto saxophone

The 38Riv Jazz Club is an intimate venue in the heart of the Marais (38 rue de Rivoli, Paris 4e), dedicated to jazz and improvised music.