Le sourire
Ambiances Magnétiques, 2026
8/10
The Ambiances Magnétiques' founder and one of Québec's most revered musicians, Jean Derome, is surrounded by the Somebody Special outfit for these songs by Steve Lacy that are unpredictable and exciting.
“Jack’s Blues” opens with Karen Young’s animated voice amid Derome’s colorful sax and atypical melodies, and “The Smile” follows with Alexandre Grogg’s firm keys that suit Pierre Tanguay’s crisp drumming.
In the middle, “Sands” unfolds across 3 segments, where elegant moments, lively bouts with wild vocals and a distinct softness reside, while “Love And Politics” alternates between calm and busy moments via a rare elegance.
“As Usual” and “Heaven” exit the listen. The former benefits from Normand Guilbeauit’s frisky bass playing in the playful duet, and the latter finishes with the quintet interacting with a rich and textured jazz appeal.
The authors included here are Anna Akhmatova, Samuel Beckett, Robert Creeley, Bob Kaufman, and Judith Malina, and their words are illuminated by the eclectic jazz presence that sure does justice to Lacy’s legacy.
Travels well with: Aerie Trio- Water, Rock, Tree, Sky; Nick Storring- Mirante