| Jazz |
Sometimes, I have the pleasure of receiving a magnificent album without knowing exactly where it comes from. A few days ago, I opened the envelope containing this CD, and two names immediately caught my attention: Allison Au, whom I had already written about in 2023 (Migration review), and Rachel Therrien, whom I recently mentioned (Mi Hogar II review). Naturally, one might say—it is, after all, a collective of some of Canada’s most renowned female musicians, who, with undeniable merit, draw us into this album, Roots, like an invitation to one of the most astonishing journeys through today’s jazzosphere, shimmering with vibrant colors.
There is an exotic, urban complexity to it, something fleeting yet synthetic and visionary, as Cyrano de Bergerac might have described it in his works. And clearly, the collective nature of this ensemble invigorates each of its members. A journey always leaves behind a thousand images in one’s mind, and this album is no exception—each listener will find a piece of their own imagination within it. Rachel Therrien, ever surprising in her artistic propositions, here surrenders to another facet of herself. This collective is at times romantic, at times wild and elusive, which is precisely what makes it both so original and so utterly captivating.
The artists of Ostara are all musicians, composers, and conductors of the highest caliber, embodying the geographical, cultural, and creative diversity of Canada’s musical landscape. Led by award-winning jazz musicians Jodi Proznick and Amanda Tosoff, The Ostara Project brings together Rachel Therrien, Allison Au, and Valérie Lacombe, along with guest artists featured in each project. Individually, they are exceptional artists; together, they form an unstoppable force.
Their debut, self-titled album (Ostara, Cellar Live, 2022), was nominated for a JUNO Award in 2023. Their upcoming two albums—Roots (instrumental) and Wings (vocal)—feature original compositions celebrating the cultural, ethnic, and familial origins of Ostara’s musicians. These works also showcase an impressive array of guest artists, including Shruti Ramani, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Laila Biali, Dawn Pemberton, and Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson.
I have always made a point of judging artistic projects by their creative essence and emotional depth rather than by the gender of their creators. Here, we are witnessing one of the most exciting endeavors in contemporary jazz. Both the compositions and arrangements are meticulously crafted for maximum impact in the narrative that these works carry. Non-French speakers may not fully grasp the poetic beauty of the spoken-word piece Voyage « Sans Retour », but it hardly matters—you will hear the intention behind it. In art, what truly matters is daring to create and standing by one’s choices. The years of experience behind this album are evident in the sheer quality of the work.
And yes, I promise—you will hear this album, which joins the ranks of our Indispensables on Bayou Blue Radio. It may not be the most accessible record and certainly requires an audience with a cultivated ear, but those who make the effort to listen will be richly rewarded with its profound cultural wealth.
As I delved into this album, I could almost anticipate the artistic choices of each musician involved—a sensation that arises when an ensemble achieves perfect symbiosis. So, just a little more patience, and soon, you too will be able to experience this remarkable album!
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, March 5th 2025
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To buy this album, get information about this collective of musicians or book concert tickets: HERE