Tchat

“A good conversation can be described in terms of flow, reciprocity and collaboration. To the kind of conversation we call ‘chat’, we can add elements of intimacy and whimsy; with no specific point to debate, necessarily, the goal is pleasure in the act of exchange.” Alto saxophonist Rémi Bolduc and pianist Kenny Werner bring all these elements to their recent album. Werner, a widely recorded artist whose inspired approach to music is documented in his influential book Effortless Mastery, proves to be the ideal partner for Bolduc to demonstrate the maturity of his musical language. Little known outside Montreal, Bolduc confirms with this third album under his own name that he is a musician who deserves greater recognition. The range of topics of conversation is wide but consistent, with six original compositions by Bolduc, three tunes written by Werner and two standards. Right from the start, in Porter’s I Concentrate on You, Bolduc demonstrates his ability to alternate tastefully between searing virtuosity and concise lyricism, and to accompany Werner in exploring and expanding the song’s harmony. Bolduc takes risks in a piece like Corrosion, and plays deep, poetic lines in A la mémoire de Michel and Lumière d’étoiles. Werner’s personality permeates this recording, as he supports and incites with fresh, rich voicings and weaving motivic figures. The playing of both musicians is lucid, inspired and fluidly chromatic. Two eloquent musicians engaging in a conversation worth listening to.” ~ by Paul Serralheiro (translated from french)