Mysticism For Intellectuals
Bent River, 2026
9/10
Listen to Mysticism For Intellectuals
The Montreal tenor saxophonist John Sweenie captured these 7 tracks across 2 nights at Canada’s The Yardbird Suite, where Jean-Michel Pilc, Rémi-Jean Leblanc and Richard Irwin are in an attendance.
The frisky “In Memory Of Roy Batty” opens with Irwin’s crisp drums alongside Leblanc’s buzzing bass and Sweenie’s animated sax, and “Additive” follows with an initially bare presence, as the soulful sax enters amid the dynamic and loose climate.
“Through The Clouds” arrives halfway through and comes with a stylish demeanor that allows for Pilc’s strategic keys to shine, while “Darling, We’ve Grown Apart” blends the wind, bass, keys and drums into a rich and spontaneous setting of warmth. “The Heartford Line” exits, and it’s got grooves and melodies that carry an infectious spirit.
An adventurous set that blends indie-rock with modern jazz, the songs here are technical, harmonic and exciting from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Dave Mossing- Homesteaders; RJ Leblanc- Heyday