Échanges Synaptiques (Disques BG)
Montreal Jazz Series Vol. 1 / André Leroux
Released October 24, 2024
Juno Awards 2025 Jazz Album of the Year: Solo
DownBeat Four-and-a-Half-Star Review
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lvXQarKuDGJyfWRPs2tPXEp8ywKvWgSUE
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/4neLuS3PcrSDgVP1cx7otD?si=pMw_DSHDQO6h7HeD0fFu6Q
About:
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of André Leroux with Montreal Jazz Series Vol. 1, the exhilarating first installment of an innovative series that redefines the Montreal jazz scene. Led by the renowned André Leroux, this album offers a deep immersion that blends the rich heritage of jazz with the bold sounds of today.
On this album, André Leroux brings together two distinct ensembles, providing listeners with a varied and captivating experience. The first group features Leroux on tenor and soprano saxophones, alongside the dynamic André White on drums, Frédéric Alarie on double bass, and Fred Henke on piano, delivering a powerful tribute to jazz giants such as John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter. Their performance goes beyond a mere homage; it revitalizes the classics, infusing legendary works with new life and renewed passion, appealing to both purists and new jazz enthusiasts.
The second ensemble explores new frontiers of the genre, embodying the spirit of innovation that characterizes contemporary jazz. With François Bourassa on piano, Rémi-Jean Leblanc on double bass, and John Hollenbeck on drums, this group delves into original compositions, imbued with the energy and creativity of modern New York jazz. Their bold and innovative sound offers a striking contrast to the first part of the album.
Montreal Jazz Series Vol. 1 is not just an album; it’s an artistic statement. It captures the essence of Montreal’s vibrant jazz culture while projecting towards the future of the genre. It’s a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates musical excellence and innovation. Don’t just listen: experience the evolution of jazz with some of the most exceptional musicians of our time.
Track Listing:
1. Night Has a Thousand Eyes (Buddy Bernier/Jerry Brainer) 05:30
2. Échanges Synaptiques (Frédéric Alarie) 06:58
3. Take the D Train / Katonah (Steve Grossman) 08:43
4. E.M. (François Bourassa) 06:21
5. Forced Empathy (John Hollenbeck) 04:48
6. Last Minute (François Bourassa) 03:06
7. Up and Up (Rémi-Jean Leblanc) 06:31
8. Iris (Wayne Shorter) 06:41
9. Central Park Ouest (Steve Grossman) 05:04
10. Virgo (Wayne Shorter) 05:01
11. Persuasion (John Hollenbeck) 07:38
Personnel:
André Leroux: sax ténor et soprano
with
Fred Henke: piano (1-3, 8-10)
Frédéric Alarie: double bass (1-3, 8-10)
André White: drums (1-3, 8-10)
François Bourassa: pian (4-7, 11)
Rémi-Jean Leblanc: double bass (4-7, 11)
John Hollenbeck: drums (4-7, 11)
Production: Disques BG
Réalisation: Benoit Gagné
Assistant à la réalisation: André Leroux
Prise de son: Guy Hébert
Techniciens son: Jean-Francois Vésina et Vincent F. Bilodeau
Mastering: Guy Hébert
Illustrateurs: Yamato Brault-Hori et Jérémi Gagné
Graphiste: Jérémi Gagné
Photos: Stéphane Veeraragoo et Clément Courtois
Review:
Saxophonist André Leroux is a prime example of a world-class musician who has developed a singular voice and maintained a busy career without becoming as well-known as American peers like Greg Osby. The 11 pieces on Montreal Jazz Series Vol. 1: Échanges Synaptiques present Leroux with two distinct quartets — one with pianist Fred Henke, bassist Frédéric Alarie and drummer André White; the other with François Bourassa, Rémi-Jean Leblanc, and John Hollenbeck in the same positions — ably showcasing some of the best players in Quebec. Fluent in the language of Coltrane, Rollins and Shorter, 62-year-old Leroux leads both bands through a program that slides easily between the surging aggression of Steve Grossman’s “Take The D Train” and Leblanc’s “Up And Up,” which is reminiscent of early Weather Report. The two quartets match up well, although the expressive work of Alarie gives an edge of electric urgency to the batch of performances he’s on.
James Hale (DownBeat)
