This is the third album in five years of existence for the Montreal quartet Solarium, proof that the creative energy of the young musicians is sparkling. Karl-André Rozankovic on keyboards, Vincent Dessureault on bass, Louis Plouffe on saxophones, and Léo Minville on drums create a jazz with panoramic accents, made of broad melodic surges of a lyrical nature, and supported by a driving rhythmic propulsion. The pieces written by Minville and Rozankovic unfold with a sense of sonic power that strikes and holds attention. But be careful, the power in question does not spill over into aggressiveness. On the contrary, what could become overwhelming is rather energizing, like a breath that lifts and transports. In some pieces, the choirs (Maude Cyr Deschênes, Félicia Turgeon Rivard and Annie Cotton) amplify this effect by offering an almost epic breath. Very, very effective.
We recognize the beautiful and good history of 1960s jazz in several solo flights (keyboard, sax, drums), proof that the boys have some education. But the atmospheres that envelop and serve as a link between all these elements have something uniquely contemporary about them. Solarium III is therefore an eminent product of this early 21st century and an excellent example of the excellence of new jazz “made in Quebec.”
The band will be on tour on the following dates:
September 25 Henri-Lemieux Cultural Center Montreal
October 16 Marie-Uguay House of Culture Montreal
October 26 Stewart Hall Pointe-Claire
January 23 Dollard-des-Ormeaux Community Center
March 12, 2026 Lachine House of Culture
