Flautist and singer, Montrealer Ruth Saphir releases albums only occasionally. Accolades of Time is the fifth in her Bandcamp catalog, while her very first dates back to… 1996. In any case, we appreciate these parsimonious releases because of the undeniable quality of her voice and instrumental playing, the pleasant malleability of her harmonic developments and the fleshed-out level of her lyrics.
Saphir is surrounded by a Who’s Who of metropolitan jazz: Kate Wyatt on piano, Adrian Vedady on double bass and Mili Hong on drums. Discreet but heartfelt appearances by Geneviève Gauthier on viola, and Ayelet Rose Gottlieb and Ky Brooks on back vocals complete an already advantageous portrait.
Saphir’s jazz is easy-going and pleasant. There’s a cheerfulness tinged with gentle melancholy, like a relaxed stroll through the city, with an active but unhurried pace (a few ballads support the idea). Saphir always walks on the bright side of the street, occasionally letting herself be tempted by a blues-colored shop window. In this month of May, when the city finally emerges from the remnants of raw freshness that winter refuses to let go for too long, it’s a listen that feels great. We like it.
