Aubades
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A Canadian pianist with a penchant for post-classical sounds, Jean-Michel Blais writes for an ensemble for the first time here, where songs penned during Covid and following a break up unfold with strong attention to tone and texture in their instrumental environment.
“murmures” opens the listen with the flowing and melodic keys making an instant impression as much beauty radiates a timeless approach, and “passepied” follows with jumpy strings and a vibrant energy that emits an unpredictable and exciting version of chamber sounds.
In the middle, “ouessant” brings an emotive quality to the careful string manipulation and rich textures, while “if you build it they will come” is an intimate and stirring display of sublime piano work.
Approaching the end, “absinthe”, the albums best, weaves in and out of gorgeous ideas of gentle, soothing song craft, and “doux” exits the listen calm, even meditative, where Blais’ piano is nothing short of stunning.
An excellent leap from being a pianist to also a composer, Blais is in fine company for the journey, and it makes for an uplifting, warm and touching effort.
Travels well with: Cameron Carpenter- Bach & Hanson; Daniil Trifonov- BACH: The Art Of Life