ORIGINS

A Long Musical Conversation

The story of HÆLICS began long before the project itself.

Its roots reach back to the artistic encounters that first brought together saxophonist and composer Jacques Helmus and pianist-composer Brian Bennett through the ensemble Touch. Recording with John Taylor and Steve Swallow and performing in France and the United States, the group established a musical dialogue grounded in listening, openness and creative exploration.

Their collaboration continued through AIMRA, one of France's pioneering jazz schools, founded by Jacques Helmus and François Lubrano. As musicians, educators and artistic partners, they shared a vision in which composition, improvisation and transmission were inseparable parts of the same creative process.

Over the years, each followed his own artistic path, developing projects, recordings and collaborations while continuing to explore new musical territories.

Decades later, HÆLICS brings these experiences together once again.

More than a reunion, the project represents a continuation — a renewed conversation shaped by time, friendship, artistic maturity and a shared desire to create music that remains open, lyrical and alive.

Drawing on a rich history while looking firmly toward the future, HÆLICS is not a reflection on what has been accomplished, but an invitation to discover what still remains to be explored.