Number 9 / Francois Bourassa Quartet

On Number 9, Francois Bourassa’s ninth album of original music for his own band, the Montreal-born pianist and empathic colleagues allude to formative influences, serendipitous encounters and places from his past. That might suggest a highly reflective program, and the seven performances here certainly convey thoughtfulness. But the true focus of composer-improviser Bourassa and his ensemble, from beginning to end of the record, is in the moment, now. Sensuous imagination supported by sterling technique, Francois here empowers reeds player Andre Leroux, bassist Guy Boisvert, drummer Greg Ritchie- a cast he first assembled in 2002- to embark on an adventure-strewn, winding road that tours vistas and waysides of a collective mindscape, strikingly different at every go ‘round, each listen. The music of Number 9 cycles from melodic lyricism to pure sonics, from a swinging basis to open space, from probing inquiry to fervent self-expression to satisfying resolutions, sometimes conclusive. Bourassa writes: “Continuity is important to me… it is always easy for me to return to the group after a period spent working on other projects. The challenge is to write music that allows me to take another step… it never ends.”

Price: $20.98

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