Brûlez les meubles

Proof that quiet improvising can be as compelling as faster, louder music comes from this Québecois quartet. Based around the harmonies and broken-chord narratives of guitarist Louis Beaudoin-de la Sablonnière and electric bassist Éric Normand, Jonathan Huard’s vibraphone pings further embellish the 12 tunes while drummer Tom Jacques’ whaps and slaps keep the pieces fluidly linear.

Reflective and relaxed are the adjectives applied to most tracks as guitar strings soar, echo and frail, matched in lockstep by bass strokes. Nonetheless calm shouldn’t be confused with casualness. Tunes like “sous les assauts du soleil” reveal the drama and emotion that goes into such systematic strategy. Ringing guitar/bass chords showcase and then relax the pressure that initially creates this mixture of light and dark tones. Regardless, it’s the brief “empattement” which fully defines the entire band’s sympathetic connection. While initial guitar twangs and thumping bass responses suggest the group is heading towards Metal, Jacques’ use of mid-range clips not backbeats confirms the quartet’s creative non rock music stance.

The concluding extended group improv “estompe” substantiates this. Atmospheric and expressive, Normand’s use of electronics for backing rustles and a looped pulse allows Beaudoin-de la Sablonnière to add a sitar-like echo and ratcheting frails to his tone variations, as the vibist and drummer speed up the backing with temperate textures that are decorative without being delicate.

The moderation expressed on Crayonnage may draw in and be a pleasant surprise for those who eschew improv.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. a certain beauty 2. sketch 3. trames 4.  le chagrin 5. sous les assauts du soleil 6. argentique 7. un autre jour va se lever 8. pointe grasse 9. empattement 10. les cendres11 la tentation du bien 12. estompe

Personnel: Louis Beaudoin-de la Sablonnière (guitar); Jonathan Huard (vibraphone); Éric Normand (electric bass) and Tom Jacques (drums)

–for The Whole Note September 2024