I went to see the free show by the Quebec quartet Solarium last Saturday at the Molson Pub during the Montreal International Jazz Festival. I had never seen and heard them live before, and I guarantee it won’t be the last time I do.
They are four young guys, intertwined during their time at the CEGEP of Saint-Laurent (a good brewing pool of up-and-coming-talent, the “St-Lo”): Karl-André Rozankovic (Compositions, Pianos, Keyboards), Léo Minville (Compositions, Drums, Guitar), Louis Plouffe (Saxophones), and Vincent Dessureault (Double Bass, Bass). Their mark is that of a vigorous post-bop, enhanced with modern rock touches and, occasionally, traditional references. It lifts, it grooves, it rips a bit, sometimes, and we like what we hear from one track to the next. The guys are having fun, obviously, and they allow us to envision a bright future for both them and us, attentive music lovers.
While waiting to have the immense pleasure of seeing them on stage somewhere, I will dive back into their discography (available on Bandcamp). Their most recent album (released just a few weeks ago) is called Live à Montréal. Put that in your ears, you’ll get the vibe.
