Impermanence marks the first foray of pianist Félix Dubé into the realm of jazz recording, showcasing the prowess of this young artist as he unveils a collection of compositions that serve as the basis for some striking musical dialogues with his trio. Drawing from a wide range of musical material, Felix’s musical journey navigates through the contemporary jazz soundscapes sculpted by luminaries like Brad Mehldau and Shai Maestro, while also delving into the enigmatic harmonies of Messiaen and the melodies of The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Rooted in his Quebecois/Acadian heritage, Felix incorporates threads of folk music into the tapestry of his sound and his distinct sense of ornamentation.
This eclectic blend lends a richness and depth to the trio’s sound, and the vast range of sources they draw from all point to the fact that this is a band that loves music and sound in equal measure. This album is full of moments where harmony and rhythm take a back seat, and textures and timbres take the foreground. Yet the technical virtuosity of Dubé and his romantic sensibility remains a constant, anchoring the ensemble’s sonic explorations.
However, perhaps the most salient aspect of Impermanence apart is the degree of freedom afforded to bassist Summer Kodama and drummer Daniel Verdecchia. Despite Félix’s role as the leader, this formidable trio operates as a cohesive unit, granting each member ample space to follow their musical intuitions and contribute to the collective vision of the band. The result is an intricate web of musical interplay that permeates the entire album, showcasing the trio’s impeccable rhythmic conception. Félix’s ability to foster such collaborative creativity is commendable, offering listeners a multifaceted journey that seamlessly weaves elements of free improvisation, fresh covers, and poignant originals into a well rounded and thoughtful musical narrative.
