Confluence
Odd Sound, 2023
8/10
The multi-reedist Philippe Côté and pianist François Bourassa come together for these jazz and classical inspired tracks that don’t shy away from improvisation, mystery and emotion.
The mesmerizing keys of “Tour 1” opens the listen with soulful and cozy sax bouts that complement the low register of the piano, and “1190 Chemin De La Montagne” follows with the melodic keys amid Côté’s flowing brass.
The title track arrives in the middle, and unfolds across 5 chapters of bare ideas, swirling haze and cinematic bursts of moody key progressions, while “Truc” is quite playful, where the dancing keys and bright sax intersect with a charming unpredictability.
“Hushed Song” and “Tour 2” exit the listen, as the former radiates a stirring intimacy via the pensive keys and rich sax, and the latter rumbles with wandering sax that shifts into an animated and nearly sci-fi finish.
A piano-sax duo of the highest caliber, the textures, rhythm and sometimes dramatic moments keep the listener engaged from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Philippe Côté- Bell Tolls Variations; Montréal Jazz Trio- Montréal Jazz Trio