The François Bourassa Trio is joined by
André Leroux for this exciting live session recorded in 2001 at the Top o' the Senator in Toronto.
Bourassa, a fine pianist and composer who draws inspiration from greats such as
Bill Evans,
McCoy Tyner, and
Keith Jarrett, prefers to concentrate on original compositions, starting with a remake of his intense "30 Octobre 85." His mellow introductory duet with
Leroux (heard on tenor sax) gives little indication that the piece will turn into something suggesting early-'60s
John Coltrane, complete with a detour into a chorus of
Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue." At first, "W! U! W!" suggests African and aboriginal influences with
Leroux's soprano sax squeals,
Bourassa's hand-muting of the strings, and Guy Boisvert's droning bass. But as the song takes shape, the flavor is a mixture of Middle Eastern influences and post-bop in a delicious combination.
Leroux switches to flute for the mysterious "13."
Bourassa's "Herbie Nichols, Pt. 1" is a playful, quirky composition (with
Leroux again on flute), while "Herbie Nichols, Pt. 2" is a turbulent workout with
Leroux returning to tenor sax. The performance concludes with an introspective medley of four songs by
Thelonious Monk. Drummer Yves Boisvert provides tremendous support throughout the entirety of the challenging program. Although none of the musicians is widely known outside of his native Canada, each deserves to be. ~ Ken Dryden