EMIE R ROUSSEL TRIO

TERR

UNI Musiqc

Emie R Roussel, piano/keyboards/claviers/composer; Nicolas Bedard, electric bass; Dominic Cloutier, drums.

Pianist and composer, Emie R Roussel believes humankind are born of the same soil and carry a common memory. That memory reflects both power and vulnerability.  Rooted in our shared world and collective history, this album explores what unites us.

The title of this trio’s album is “Terr.”  In French, which is the native language of this artist who was born in Montreal (Quebec, Canada) and raised in Rimouski, the word Terra translates to earth.  The planet Earth is referred to as a female word in French, so it would be presented as la Terre with an “E” on the end of the word.  It can also relate to soil, land and homeland. This is the sixth album release from this unique trio, rooted in contemporary jazz, a smudge of rock, and a pinch of classical spiciness. They open with the title tune.

At the age of five, little Emie began her piano lessons, continuing until age thirteen. Her father, Martin Roussel, is one of her inspirations. He is a jazz pianist. In 2008, Emie enrolled at the Universite de Montreal in Jazz Piano Performance and graduated in 2011. This is her trio’s sixth album release.

The trio has been touring worldwide and bringing their contemporary jazz package to stages and concerts all over Canada, Australia and beyond. Their song “Trois Lunes” is dedicated to Colette Schryburt (commonly known as Coco Jazz), a radio host and passionate advocate for jazz and the musicians who make the music. Also, this song celebrates the support of Lynette Irwin, an absolute pillar on the Australian jazz scene. The passing of both those ladies has left an immense void for this trio.

One of my favorites on this album is “John Rêve en Noir et Blanc” which I think could get a lot of airplay.  It really showcases the awesome talents of these three musicians, with a wonderful bass line lacing through the arrangement, and the funk drums of Dominic Cloutier propelling the tune forward. His percussive solo brightly spotlights his dynamic drum talents. Roussel uses creative keyboards to change the mood and electronically fuse the piece. Nicolas Bédard’s electric bass tone is rich and royal.

The Emie R Roussel Trio closes this musical adventure with a tune titled “Klara Fardiga Ga” that was first performed in Sweden, before it even had a name. Actually, Roussel was inspired by the audience members chanting “Ready, set, go!” (in Swedish) at her concert.

“That countdown symbolized the precise moment we became one, united in a single instant before taking flight,” Emie Roussel wrote in her press package.

Unity remains the symbolism of this album and the motivation for Emie R Roussel’s compositions and arrangements.  I walked away from this trio production feeling warm and satisfied inside.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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