JAZZLAB ORCHESTRA

GLISSEMENT DU TEMPS

Effendi Records

Montreal, Canada’s “Jazzlab Orchestra” has been a driving force and musical inspiration for two decades in their home province of Quebec.  This recent project continues that legacy.

The French title, “Glissement du Temps” translates to “Slip of Time” and includes ten original compositions that exhibit the orchestra’s love of contemporary and modern jazz.  Drummer, Michel Lambert has written two pieces for this album, the opening song and the final composition.  Their opener, “Thanks Collier” is a piece inspired by a friend of Lambert’s he collaborated with during studies at Berklee College of Music.  The moods and tempos change during this arrangement tickle my interest with some unexpected, but beautiful dissonance, included in various horn harmonics and orchestral places.

The jazz piano solo by Marie-Fatima Rudolf, shines and glitters like polished gold. I found the ending of the composition stuck in a bit too much repetition, but obviously that’s what the arranger desired. Lambert’s drums put a punctuation mark on the tune at the ending.

“Amigos” was composed by one of two orchestra pianists, Francois Bourassa.  It’s quite dramatic and features sweeping horn lines and Bourassa’s piano input.  Mario Allard is featured on his alto saxophone.  I must mention the dynamics and rich drums of Lambert that support the entire production with creativity and excellence.

All of the titles of these songs are in French since that is the language of Quebec, but we don’t have to understand languages to relate to the music. Music transpires cultures and languages, touching our hearts and minds instead.  “Murs de Verre” is a beautiful tune that comes next, featuring a stunning trumpet solo by Jacques Kuba Sêquin and a lovely saxophone solo. The album title is Apropos.  Each song becomes a creative journey, with every melody capturing a moment in time as it slips away. This tune sounds fragile, like fine China, or a child’s precious feelings. It was composed by celebrated and renowned jazz composer, Gentiane MG.

I Enjoy these expansive soundscapes, that unfold like a musical ball of yarn rolling across my listening room. This music takes my breath away with its colorful beauty.

JAZZLAB ORCHESTRA: Michel Lambert, drums; Alain Bédard, bass; Marie-Fatima Rudolf & Francois Bourassa, piano; Michael Johancsik, tenor saxophone/flute; Erik Hove, alto sax/flute; Claire Devlin, soprano & tenor saxophones; Mario Allard, alto & baritone saxophones; Annie Dominique, alto, soprano & tenor saxes/bass clarinet; Jacques Kuba Séguin & Nicolas Riverin, trumpet; Thomas Morelli-Bernard, trombone.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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