The press release mentions a “1970s ECM aesthetic” to describe this Tanagra by Simon Bergeron (drums), Jonathan-Guillaume Boudreau (double bass), Eric Harding (piano), and Richard Savoie (saxophone). Indeed, the remark is appropriate, and one could even remove the reference to the 1970s and keep the nod to the German label after that, and to great jazz in general.
A calm dynamic, without rhythmic showiness, and a hard-bop tonal coherence blessed with beautiful expressive sophistication.
For example, Ched’s Waltz filters the essence of the waltz as Bill Evans did in the one he wrote for Debby (Waltz for Debby). A structural abstraction that nevertheless offers a warm and seductive listening experience. Sabbia e Clessidra offers a bit more momentum, with delicate, catchy, and subtly ornamented melodic lines in the style of Fred Hersch at his finest trio inspirations. Massawippi Mud draws smooth and subtly groovy contours to what we can guess is an evocation of the Eastern Townships countryside (near Montreal), perhaps during a flirtatious rendezvous or a stay among friends with a couple of beers to heighten everybody’s mood? Anyway, here’s a perfect piece for an afterhours glass of Red wine.
A successful album for all ears in love with refined yet accessible jazz.
The album will be released on June 16, 2026, and the official launch will take place on June 18 at Dièse Onze in Montreal.
Upcoming concerts:
May 10, Octave, Magog
May 12, Boquébière, Sherbrooke
June 16, Boquébière, Sherbrooke, digital album release date
June 18, Dièze Onze, Montreal
June 19 and 20, Bar Saint-Angèle, Festival Québec Jazz en Juin, Quebec
