Canadian jazz? Something besides the Maple Leaf Rag? Sorry, couldn’t resist that one. Here’s some intriguing music from French Canadians besides the theme of Paul Bunyon…
Pianist Vincent Gagnon leads a two sax quintet with Alain Boies/as-ss, Michel Cote/ts, Guillaume Bouchard/b and Michel Lambert/dr through a collection of originals. He demonstrates a wondrous touch on his solo take of “Le Temps D’Une Chanson” and his dark and dramatic touch on the dynamic trio pieces “Asuncion.” The whole team works well, with some ride cymbal wonders on the quicksilver “Asuncion II” and the “Nu Au Parloir” that goes from ¾ time to a funky march without breaking into a sweat. Moods shift like a night stalker on “Baltique Karma” while Cote’s tenor gets fluffy on the ballad “Ce Qu’il Reste De La Nuit.” Creative and never coasting.
Yves Leveille is also a pianist/composer/leader, but emphasizes woodwinds here with Roberto Murray/as-ss, Francois Richard/fl, Marjorie tremblay/ob-Eh and Simon Aldrich/cl-bcl along with the gentle rhythm team of Adrian Vedady/b and Alain bastien/dr. Dainty reeds float along with the trickling piano on pieces such as “perceptible” and the flowing “Sur La Passerelle” while Murray’s alto prances over the graceful groove and velvety reed harmonies on “ Monarque.” Some lively bass work blossoms between the pedals of the reeds on “Jonglerie” and intriguing angles glisten on the cheerful “Ascendant.” Music as rich as madrigals singing out in a Gothic church are evoked on this charming piece of music.
Effendi Records