The title of this very first album led by the Montreal drummer Valérie Lacombe is no coincidence. State of Garden and Shadow is primarily a quote from a novel by Clarice Lispector, Agua viva. The quote evokes a symbolic and emotional world. And beyond that, the garden evokes for Valérie a place of life, growth, transformation, and flourishing. A set of values that align with the personal evolution of the young artist from the beginning of her studies at McGill to her arrival on the professional stage.
Seven compositions (and one cover, Out of the Past from Benny Golson) support the conceptual organisation of this allegorical and very intimate garden, in a well-integrated hard/post bop style, with coloristic references to Coltrane’s quartet, and especially to the refined art of Elvin Jones’s drumming, one of Valérie’s acknowledged models. And then, let’s also note the format of this quartet constructed by the Montrealer: two saxophones, a double bass, and a drums. No piano, then. The kind of chord-less colours explored by Gerry Mulligan, Ornette (Coleman), and Don Cherry. A bit of Dave Holland too.
In short, a high standard of quality, a barrier set very, very high. But that doesn’t seem to scare the artist, who navigates this universe with an instinct that I would describe as confident and assured.
On her instrument, she draws delicate lines, rarely thunderous. Lacombe proves to be rather a benevolent support, certainly inspired and capable of finely traced ornaments that serve as colouring and an arachnid weaving of the compositional framework. The young lady is not in the loud propulsion. We really like this refinement.
It must be said that she knows how to surround herself. Camille Thurman (“Downbeat Rising Star” and member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra) on tenor, then two Montrealers, Caoilainn Power on alto and the legend Ira Coleman on double bass. All these people know perfectly well where to go, individually, collectively, and musically. The level of sophistication in the expression, then in the balance between control and freedom, is remarkable.
For a debut album, Valérie Lacombe, although very classically elegant in her approach, makes a very strong first impression.
Valérie Lacombe will launch State of Garden and Shadow on April 29, 2026, at the Lion d’Or in Montreal, on the occasion of International Jazz Day. She will then go on tour with this project all over Canada.
The album will be released everywhere on April 17, 2026.
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