| Jazz |
Another album that didn’t captivate me, even though the production is sumptuous. We are dealing here with a form of jazz that is far too classic and has been heard too many times to be awe-inspiring or surprising. Everything here is perfect and predictable from the first to the last note. You find yourself with an album that will be pleasant to listen to in the background when you are with friends, or you might be excited if you go see these musicians live, because they are excellent musicians.
*A Change of Pace* includes recordings of six original compositions by Amirault and three classic standards. The album features a refreshing mix of traditional swing, floating even rhythms, and two tracks influenced by the folk musical traditions of Nova Scotia, Amirault’s native region. The album showcases bassist Adrian Vedady, one of the most sought-after bassists in Montreal, and drummer André White, one of Canada’s best-known jazz musicians. Before entering the studio, the trio had already played together for hundreds of hours, having hosted a weekly jam session in Montreal for more than a year.
Putting aside the form that doesn’t excite me, the rest showcases very good musicians. It’s impossible to criticize the production, arrangements, or execution, all of which are perfectly mastered. We also appreciate the fact that these are original compositions, which give the album a unique dynamic, and the double bass parts are truly fascinating. “Ballade pour La Butte” is a folk song dedicated to Buttes Amirault, the small Acadian village where Amirault grew up. “Ancestral Roots,” inspired by his Acadian and Indigenous heritage, evokes the playing of another famous guitar trio, that of Sonny Greenwich, with whom drummer André White played for years.
Those who love a particularly classic form of jazz where nothing overflows will be charmed by this album. However, don’t expect an emotional shock; at most, slightly nostalgic or bucolic themes might tickle your poetic soul. This is the kind of music I much prefer to see and hear live than on an album, and it’s the stage, after all, that made this artist famous. For me, this musical style too much reminds me of my childhood, when TV transmitters would go down, and a pastoral image would appear on the screen with this kind of music. That’s probably why I struggle to connect with this album, but regardless, we give it 4 stars, as, of course, this is just my personal opinion, and this album deserves your attention.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, August 12th 2024
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