Succeeder
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The Canadian singer, composer and producer Michael Cloud Duguay is never one to follow convention, and that theme continues across these 11 diverse tracks that welcome an army of musicians.
The pretty and dreamy “Introduction” starts the listen with wordless, soaring vocals amid waves of drums and keys, and Andrew Frost’s hazy pedal steel via “A Very Fine Start” follows with expressive vocals from Duguay and soulful sax thanks to Teilhard Frost.
Further along, “Emancipation!” makes great use of Jonas Bonnetta’s flowing voice and Erika Nininger’s mature piano, while the title track brings field recordings and spoken word courtesy of Lumina Beaucage-Frost for a very abstract album highlight.
Close to the end, “Crabtree” possesses much intimacy and poeticism for the stunning beauty, and “He/Hymn” recruits brass, Bertokia’s well timed organ and vivid storytelling for the heartfelt finish.
An effort that pulls from folk, roots, experimental and jazz, to name a few, fans of legends like Cowboy Junkies or Godspeed You! Black Emperor will appreciate Duguay’s iconoclastic vision.
Travels well with: Tim Brady- Imagine Many Guitars; Stefan Smulovitz- Bow & Brush