Le buffet
Ambiances Magnétiques, 2025
8/10
This 4th album has the multi-instrumentalist Hugo Blouin brings along some friends for the songs that surrounds his friend’s favourite recipes and childhood memories, which makes for a buffet of sounds and ideas.
The lively mood of “Soupe pragmatique” starts with Aurélien Tomasi’s bright sax that suits Eugénie Jobin Tremblay’s animated voice which guides the energy, and “La patate au sucre” follows with John Hollenbeck’s colorful drumming in both busy and calm moments.
In the middle spot, “Un art du temps” benefits from Marianne Trudel’s expressive keys amid the unpredictable textures, while “La sauce” allows for Blouin’s clever bass to complement the pretty vocals.
Arriving near the end, “Du jazz sérieux” enlists Émilie Fortin’s well timed trumpet that helps make this the album’s best via the creative jazz climate, and “Un camion pizza” exits with Marion Rampal’s elegant voice and clarinette basse’s soothing clarinet helping cultivate a mature and cozy finish.
An eclectic effort that pulls from soul, jazz and avant-garde nods, Blouin’s vision is humorous, intimate, rich and memorable from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Géraldine Eguiluz/Michel F Côté- hORs TempS; Dory Hayley- i love evil