François Bourassa Quartet – Swirl

Quebec pianist François Bourassa returns with a beautiful 4-tet album. He surprised us with his solo album “L’Impact du Silence*” in 2021. As its title suggests, “Swirl” will whirl you between hypnotic moments and explosive rhythms. A lovely autumn surprise.

Knowing that the album had already been released in Canada in July 2023, it crossed the Atlantic recently and the 4tet gave a showcase at the Rare Gallery, in the Marais, on Tuesday October 12, 2024 before performing as a trio this time, due to Pilote‘s absence in for health reasons, at the Studio de l’Ermitage, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Effendi Records label.

The Quartet, comprising François Bourassa on piano and compositions, André Leroux on saxophones and flute, Guy Boisvert on double bass and Guillaume Pilote on drums, has been a cornerstone of the Montreal artistic landscape for over 25 years. Their deep musical camaraderie dating back several decades and their great instrumental mastery make them a pinnacle of artistic expression.

“SWIRL” was recorded live at Studios Piccolo in Montreal (QC) in July 2022, capturing the energy and spontaneity that accompany live performances.

The album features six original compositions by François Bourassa, each demonstrating the Quartet’s versatility and passion for jazz, freedom and improvisation. From the haunting motifs of “Pooloop” to the explosive coda of “15 Notre-Dame-de-Lorette”, you can let your imagination run wild and take surprising detours.

A record that will make your imagination whirl and cleanse your ears of all the dross heard on a typical day.