Francois
Bourassa (piano, voice), André Leroux (tenor & soprano saxophones, bass
clarinet, voice), Guy Boisvert (double bass, voice) & Philippe Melanson
(drums)
(Review by Russell).
Canadian pianist Francois
Bourassa recorded Idiosyncrasie in
2011. The participating musicians are
long time associates, firmly established on the jazz scene in Canada and beyond. The album
explores the links between contemporary jazz and twentieth century composers
such as Berg, Schoenberg and Webern. Isola,
the opening track, suggests off-centre Monk.
The band settles into a groove
with André Leroux’s tenor insistent, if not dominant. The album’s sound is one
of Satie-like stillness, introspection and space. Haiku-Darmstadt encapsulates these qualities. If there is a
conscious use of the Haiku form in Bourassa’s composition then that is one for
the musicologists.
There is determinedly bleak piano playing, resisting
the introduction of the other instruments until finally the group sound is
heard. Bourassa’s repeated motifs punctuate the recording with layer upon layer
of intricate lines and on occasion, perhaps too few, Leroux comes in with some
powerful tenor. Philippe Melanson’s inventive drumming is tight throughout and
bassist Guy Boisvert succeeds in combining delicacy and authority. Idiosyncrasie
is available on Effendi Records.
The Francois Bourassa Quartet can be heard in London
at the Vortex on Monday 30 September (in a double bill with Stories), then at
the Jazz Bar, Edinburgh (6 October), the Lit
& Phil, Newcastle (7 October), followed by
selected dates in Europe . It should be noted
that on this autumn tour Greg Ritchie deps for Philippe Melanson.
Russell.
No comments :
Post a Comment