L’abîme II is, unsurprisingly, the second album of the group that bears the same name. The quintet, consisting of Alex Dodier on flute and various saxophones, Gabriel Genest on tenor sax and bass clarinet, Jean-Philippe Godbout on drums, Jonathan Turgeon on Rhodes, and Hugo Blouin on double bass, creates music that is either introspective (Pied de vent; Bestiaire) or powerfully groovy, with rock accents (Corvus, Trickster). The interplay of colours between the brass, the flute, and the Rhodes piano greatly contributes to immersing us in a compelling Herbie Hancock-like atmosphere.
Irresistable energy
The shifts in moods and atmospheres capture the listener’s attention quite effectively. Sometimes, sudden bursts, built up gradually, transport us into free jazz, while elsewhere, fractured harmonies resonate more with contemporary classical music. Despite all these elements that may seem demanding for novice ears, what binds the entire program together, in addition to being the detail that will attract a larger audience, is the sustained energy that emanates from the seven pieces on the program, with the exception of a few relaxing pauses.
Not so many long and easy melodic lines here, but an undeniable charm of the sound colours evoked and a communicative strength of the tonic momentum of the compositions. As a result, you don’t need to be a specialist to appreciate it. You just need to have a good musical curiosity.
The guys will be in a launch concert on
- February 12 at the Bandeen Hall of Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke, and
- February 15 at the Sotterenea, Montreal
They will then be on tour at the Sainte-Angèle bar in Quebec City on March 7 and at Café-Bar Zénob in Trois-Rivières (date to be confirmed).
The album will be released on Friday, February 13.
