Let’s talk about a return to basics for master saxophonist Yannick Rieu, who for this excellent album formed a multigenerational quartet with Gentiane Michaud-Gagnon on piano, Louis-Vincent Hamel on drums and Guy Boisvert on bass, veteran of the quartet of Francois Bourassa. These eight compositions by Rieu are all fresh, the approach is however classic, the pretty melodies of the saxophonist serving as a matrix for the impulses of the musicians. Gentiane MG shines on the opening title track, first responding to Rieu’s cheerful phrases to launch further into one of the album’s best solos. Rieu himself flies away on right riffe, another of the most rhythmic of this album which, in return, offers some jewels of romantic jazz (elegant Song Sisters) or spiritual (Philosopher). Throughout this disc without stylistic effects, the quartet shows an admirable cohesion; the forces present will be different during the launch on Saturday at the Diese Onze (Alex Le Blanc on bass, Jonathan Cayer on piano).
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