PAN M 360 asked its partners to provide a list of the top 3 albums of 2023. Several artistic directors graciously agreed!
Guitarist Patrice Servant, a.k.a. Servantes, is an award-winning composer, performer and producer who collaborates with artists of all styles; his unorthodox use of technology and effects has made him a guitarist renowned for his uniquely expressive style, described as “a funky, hot and spicy instrumental fusion infused with classical, swing, Latin, electro and flamenco!” His Sinfonico show was named Work of the Year in the Outaouais region (Prix du CALQ). His albums, including Bluesy Andalucy (produced by Trille Or) and his arrangement of La Campanella (Servant/Liszt/Paganini), are heard around the world. Coordinator of the Off Festival de jazz de Montréal since 2022, Patrice Servant has worked at the Canada Council for the Arts, the École de musique de l’Outaouais and the Strum School of Music (adapted from Canada’s National Arts Centre bio).
“Wow! Thank you for inviting me to answer this question!
First, I’d like to invite readers to discover music as a universal language that responds to their need for listening, harmony and vibration; whether it’s the sound of a city, a stream or in the evening, when the city fades and the buzz of the street lamp gives way to silence and the appearance of music in the distance hidden beneath the diurnal frequencies. Listening makes sense at a time when it’s becoming easier to listen without the eyes. At least for me, it’s a special time of day when I love to practice my music!
I’d also like to say that I’m expressing a personal opinion here, detached from my jobs when I produce concerts for organizations such as Off Jazz. I always like albums whose music is made with integrity. So my actual list is long and extends outside jazz, but for this exercise, I’ll stick to that niche.”
François Bourassa / Swirl / Effendi (jazz contemporain)
“Whether as a listener or as a sound engineer, following François Bourassa’s music is a most enjoyable experience. The music he creates corresponds to wisdom and maturity. The Swirl team demonstrates a superb complicity. Listening to this music in concert is like treating yourself to the best food in town!”
Jacques Schwarz-Bart / The Harlem Suite / Ropeadope (jazz contemporain)
“This album wears its sound well! It’s definitely foot-stomping music that satisfies ambient dressing as much as active listening.”
Hugo Blouin / Sport national/ Multiple Chord (jazz contemporain)
“Almost an opera, this album is of the highest interest for its audacity, its humor, its groove and also for the meaning found by its harmony that tells the words. A good example of universal language; music says it all!”
Little extras…
“For his story, for the person he has become or, of course, for his music, I was touched when I discovered Chuck Copenace and his album Oshki Manitou. This album makes native song melodies accessible to jazz. Simple and uncluttered, the music embodies Baker’s nostalgia and carries an undeniable sadness but also a form of comfort and resilience.”
Chet Doxas, live at La Chapelle
“Quite frankly, a concert highlight in 2023. This concert was totally satisfying for the eardrums! The compositions and performance were top-notch.”
Joe Chambers and Andrés Vial
“They were invited to L’Off Jazz in 2022 to present this repertoire they launched on Blue Note. Their live performance at the Plaza Theatre in 2022 was legendary!”
Francesca Remigi, The Human Web
In 2022, I enjoyed discovering this album and I’m still listening to it in 2023! It’s refreshing and captivating; ideal for recovering from a pop hit that catches your ear as you pass a spicy float!
