When a local culture reaches out to the universal through creation, it’s mission accomplished. This is absolutely the case for Stéphane Lafleur, filmmaker, author, composer and singer of the group Avec pas d’Casque, who begins a new creative cycle with the release of his 7th album, Cardinal, on the Bravo Musique label. The album’s entire content was played two nights in a row in Rouyn-Noranda as part of the FME, shortly before the official release of this 9-song opus, scheduled for Friday, September 13 and followed by what promises to be a long and successful tour. For the first time at PAN M 360, Stéphane Lafleur talks to Alain Brunet, on the eve of this brand-new chapter.
Interviews
His destiny could have taken him to France, but in the end he decided to settle in Montreal. Manoel Vieira, a university professor, top-level pianist and occasional producer, will be launching the first edition of the Journées brésiliennes. He spoke to our journalist Michel Labrecque about his performance on Saturday September 7 at 11 a.m., as well as his inspiring career.
FOR MORE INFORMATION : Les Journées Brésiliennes | Facebook
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A dream come true. Viktória had long dreamed of these Brazilian days, but kept the idea in the back of her mind. Until the day an opportunity she couldn’t pass up presented itself. And so began an adventure that lasted almost a year, but which will come to fruition this Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8, in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal. On the menu: Brazilian dance, music and gastronomy, all free of charge! What more could you ask for this Fall?
FOR MORE INFORMATION:Les Journées Brésiliennes | Facebook
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Massachusetts native Chris Ross has established himself as a versatile and in-demand bassist since relocating to Montréal for his studies. Now he is stepping into the spotlight with his first solo EP, Overdrive, set for release on September 18th. Chris opens up about his creative process, the inspiration behind his new music, and his transition from a sideman to a solo artist.
PAN M 360 : Thanks for being here Chris, and congratulations on the latest single. Out of the three you’ve released so far, this one feels the most like a fully-fledged song. Would you say that’s a fair assessment?
Chris Ross: Thank you! Yeah, I think that’s fair to say. “Overdrive” is the title track of the EP, and I believe it gives a good sense of the project as a whole.
PAN M 360 : The EP has a lot of songs, despite what the single rollout may have indicated.
Chris Ross: Exactly. I wanted the release to be varied. There are some unconventional tracks on there, but when they are all played together, they make sense as a cohesive unit. Even though it’s a short, seven-song EP, I’m happy with how it all flows. At first, I thought the diversity in the tracks might be too much, but now that I hear them together, it feels right.
PAN M 360 : And when is the EP coming out?
Chris Ross : September 18th.
PAN M 360 : How are you feeling about the release?
Chris Ross: I’m excited! It’s challenging to be an independent artist, and I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to make music and engage with my community. This project feels like a springboard for more creative work. I’m happy with the music and eager to create more.
PAN M 360 : Is this your first solo effort then? I know you’ve been involved in a lot of different projects as a sideman.
Chris Ross: Yes, it’s my first solo project. These songs are actually a second wave of material I wrote; there’s another set that’s still in the vault. But with these tracks, I felt they belonged together and represented where I’ve been creatively for the past two years.
PAN M 360 : Has this been a long time coming, or is this a recent transition for you, moving more into songwriting and production?
Chris Ross : For a long time I thought I’d be a jazz upright bass player, whatever that means in today’s world. But writing music has always been a part of me, even since I was a kid writing little songs. After years of honing my craft and learning from so many talented musicians, I finally felt ready to release something of my own. Even though nothing is ever perfect, this is a good representation of where I am now.
PAN M 360 : It sounds like this project allowed you to explore the studio space quite a bit. Can you talk more about that?
Chris Ross : Definitely. One thing that ties all the tracks together is the use of analog sounds. For instance, we did a lot with unconventional recording techniques, like using headphones as microphones and recording over phone calls to create a kind of compressed effect. We experimented a lot with things like that, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
PAN M 360 : It sounds great, and what I love is how very personal and intimate it all feels. Is this music really a vehicle for self-reflection then?
Chris Ross : Yeah definitely, especially with songs like the ones about my mom. A lot of the project reflects different kinds of love—love for partners, friends, a parent, nature. I wanted to capture those feelings in the music.
PAN M 360 : And love for the listener for sure. Some of the songs feel like a hug you know?
Chris Ross : Absolutely. I wanted the music to feel warm and welcoming, something people could connect with.
PAN M 360 : Would you say that this album is a step towards more experimental work in the future, or is this the sound you plan to continue with?
Chris Ross : I have many ideas, and I think I could go in several directions. I love all kinds of music, from free jazz to more experimental sounds. But for now, I wanted to create something that people would enjoy listening to—something that felt like an expression of love.
PAN M 360 : Do you think your future projects will still fall under the name Chris Ross, or could you see yourself using a different name for different styles?
Chris Ross : I think Chris Ross is flexible enough to cover a range of styles. I might release some piano sketches under this name or explore other avenues, but I think it can all fit under one umbrella.
PAN M 360 : So what’s next for you? Do you see this solo project as your main focus now?
Chris Ross: I have so many ideas, and this project has given me energy to keep creating, whether under my own name or with others. I love playing other people’s music and collaborating; it always sparks new ideas for my own work. I’m already working on new music, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop creating.
PAN M 360 : That sounds like a fulfilling journey ahead. We wish you all the best, Chris.
Chris Ross : Thanks Varun.
PAN M 360 : Over and out.
Bassist and composer Corey Thomas sits down with Vitta Morales to discuss his musical mission, his professional experiences, and his vision for future musical endeavors including his most significant project to date, Backwater Township. Corey Thomas is Mi’gmaq from the First Nations community of Gesgapegiag. Great jazz and great involvement !
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Sahad means harvest in Serer and resurrection in Wolof. Sahad describes himself as a “taxi-brousse”, scouring the planet in search of the jewels created by our cultural and societal differences. Afro-pop, jazz, blues, folk, funk and more, these African and Afro-descendant influences generate kaleidoscopic music and songs. Sandra Gasana met Sahad for PAN M 360.
Photo Credit: Richard Powles-Brown
Érika Zarya has been rapping and singing since her childhood in Quebec City’s Lower Town. She takes things seriously, betting heavily on the quality of her beatmaking, and seems to aim for a balance between soulful pop and more direct hip-hop. She writes in both official languages, interweaving them in her flow, like the vast majority of the rap and R&B scene. In short, she’s aiming to make her mark in the same way as Vincent des Louanges, Rose and Félix de Rau Ze. Visiting the FME as part of the huge rap keb evening on Friday, she granted PAN M 360 an interview in the hubbub of the dressing rooms.
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A Gypsy of Kalderash origin, Marcela Cisarova trained in dance and song at the Romathan school in Slovakia, the only public theater founded by Europe’s Roma community. In France, she collaborated with choreographer Petia Iourtchenko, later joining her troupe, Romano Atmo. She then co-founded the Terne Roma company, dedicated to promoting Gypsy dance. In 2014, her meeting with guitarist Benny was the trigger for her solo career, MARCELA. She will be at Balattou this Saturday, August 31, to plunge us into the world of the Gypsies, whose Indian origins have gradually hybridized with other cultures encountered over centuries of transhumance. Sandra Gasana interviewed Marcela for PAN M 360.
On stage Thursday night in the opening program, she was one of the big draws of the FME 2024 according to her management and also according to many opinions: Orchestra Gold is a perfect blend of psychedelic rock, desert blues, bamabara music, Mandinka melodies and Afrobeat. The frontwoman has all the attributes of an excellent Malian singer. The acid guitars, the saturation streaks over hellish beats. That’s why we had to get to know the members of this unique band, based in Oakland in the Bay Area, on Thursday.
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“Dedicated to creating contemporary classical art for modern audiences, Duo Étrange is defining vocal chamber music for the 21st century.” Soprano Vanessa Croome and celloist Sahara von Hattenberger have set up a very special duo combining voice and cello, exploring a modern and contemporary repertoire, from André Previn to Nicole Lizée. Since the beginnig of their association in 2023, they had succeeded assembling great music pieces that fit perfectly with their singular expression. We know actually that they’ve got a record deal with ATMA Classique and have been booked for a recital at Salle Bourgie in fall 2025, after which the album will be out in early 2026. Until then, there will be additional upcoming engagements in North America and Europe. PAN M 360 is at the first row of their eclosion, Alain Brunet had a nourishing chat with the 2 promising artists.
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The interview is conducted in French
After almost a decade of playing all Bach cantatas, it was only natural for Bourgie Hall to take a short year (23-24) to breathe. But above all, to prepare for the next cycle, which promises to be just as memorable and will start in 24-25. The musical institution based at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is preparing to kick off its next complete cycle, which will take at least six years to complete, perhaps more : all of Schubert’s lieder. Many with piano, of course, but also, we are promised, some with orchestra or ensemble, several arranged by other composers, a few lieder by lesser-known colleagues, and even new compositions in homage to the great Franz. I discussed this exciting project with Salle Bourgie’s artistic director, Olivier Godin.
The interview is conducted in French
In 2024, Tremblant’s Fête de la musique will celebrate its 24th edition. Apart from the number, which is easy to remember, we’ll be keeping the same eclecticism as in the past (with classical music, of course, but also jazz and world music) and the presence of well-known, talented artists, as well as a section reserved for discoveries (like the space given for young musicians from the Conservatoire, which is essential when your name is Angèle Dubeau). I caught up with the event’s artistic director, Angèle Dubeau, to talk about the 2024 programme, which runs from 30 September to 2 August.