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Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Celestial Suite:
"Top Albums of 2023"
DJ Kev Beadle, London UK

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Celestial Suite:
"Top Albums of 2023"
Beat Caffeine, Berkeley CA

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Celestial Suite:
"Top Albums of 2023"
Julien Lebrun, Hot Casa Records, Paris France

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Celestial Suite:
"Top Albums of 2023"
Mo'Jazz, Bruges Belgium

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Celestial Suite:
"Best-Selling Album"
October, November & December 2023
Soul Jazz, Modern Jazz & Spiritual Jazz categories
Bandcamp, Oakland CA

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Celestial Suite:
"Top 100 Jazz Albums"
October 2023
iTunes

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Celestial Suite:
"Top Jazz Albums of the Month"
November 2023 (#3)
!earshot National Jazz Charts, Canada

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Celestial Suite:
"Top Jazz Albums of the Month"
October 2023
Benzine, Paris, France

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Celestial Suite:
"Album of the Day"
November 21st, 2023
TSF Jazz, Paris, France

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Celestial Suite:
"Top 50 Albums"
Week of October 24th 2023
!earshot National Charts, Canada

Cinephonic, Visions:
"Top Albums of 2023"
Radio-Canada, Montréal QC

Cinephonic, Visions:
"Top Albums of 2023"
Explosive Groove, Québec QC

Cinephonic, Visions:
"Top Albums of 2023"
Ypogeio, Greece

Cinephonic, Visions:
"Top Track of the Month": Cendres et Poussières
March 2023
TSF Jazz, Paris, France

Cinephonic, Visions:
"Top Jazz Albums of the Month"
March 2023 (#7)
!earshot National Jazz Charts, Canada

Cinephonic, Visions:
"Best-Selling Album"
February 2023
Soul Jazz, Modern Jazz & Spiritual Jazz categories
Bandcamp, Oakland CA

Cinephonic, Visions:
"Top Jazz Albums of the Month"
February 2023
Benzine, Paris, France

Cinephonic, Visions:
"Best New Releases"
February 2023
Soul Bag, Paris, France

Cinephonic, Les Paradis artificiels:
"Top Albums of 2020"
Mr Bongo, Brighton UK

Cinephonic, Les Paradis artificiels:
"Top Albums of 2020"
Father Herbie Records, Thessaloniki, Greece

Cinephonic, Les Paradis artificiels:
"Top Albums of 2020"
French Vortex, Paris, France

Cinephonic, Les Paradis artificiels:
"Top Albums of 2020"
CinematiCA, Cagliari, Italy

Cinephonic, Les Paradis artificiels:
"Top Jazz Albums of 2020"
CJAM, Windsor ON / Detroit MI

Cinephonic, Les Paradis artificiels:
"Top Jazz Albums of 2020"
CJSW, Calgary AB

Cinephonic, Les Paradis artificiels:
"Best-Selling Album"
September 2020
Soul Jazz, Modern Jazz & Spiritual Jazz categories
Bandcamp, Oakland CA

Cinephonic, Les Paradis artificiels:
"Top Jazz Albums of the Month"
September 2020 (#2) & October 2020 (#4)
!earshot National Jazz Charts, Canada

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Oceanic Suite:
"Most Exciting Jazz Album of 2016" and
"Most Exciting Jazz Albums Since 1969"
All About Jazz

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Oceanic Suite:
"Top Jazz Albums of 2016 (#2)"
!earshot Year-End Radio Charts, Canada

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Oceanic Suite:
"Top Albums of 2016"
WaxPoetics, Brooklyn NY

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Oceanic Suite:
"Top Albums of 2016"
Andy Hazell, UK Vibe, UK

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Oceanic Suite:
"Top Albums of 2016"
Funkish, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Oceanic Suite:
"Top Albums of 2016"
The Pie at Night, UK

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Oceanic Suite:
"Top Albums of 2016"
Goodkid, Poland

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Oceanic Suite:
"Jazz Album of the Week: April 2016"
FIP, Radio-France, Paris France

Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays, Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:
"Top Soul Album of 2011"
Mangroove, Montréal QC

Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays, Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:
"Top 10 Albums of the Week"
September 6th, 2011 & October 4th, 2011
!earshot National Hip Hop Charts, Canada

Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays, Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:
"Top 100"
October 2011
iTunes France RnB & Soul Song Charts

Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:
"Artist of the Month"
September 2011
Planète Jazz, Montréal QC

Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays, Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:
"Top Albums of September 2011"
Radio Nova, Paris France

Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays, Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:
"Top 10 Albums of the Week"
September 29th, 2011
Palmarès interactif, Bande à part, Radio-Canada


UK Vibe
by Mike Gates
Decenber 28th, 2023
UK

ALBUM REVIEWS
ATLANTIS JAZZ ENSEMBLE 'CELESTIAL SUITE' LP/CD (MARLOW) 5/5

"Celestial Suite" is a wonderful set of spiritual soul-jazz from the Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, with a kinetic energy that harks back to some of the finest work on independent labels such as Strata East or Tribe. Updated with enough modern elements to keep the vibe current and vibrant, the blend of electric piano, sax, trumpet, bass and percussion effortlessly capture the warm glow of a sumptuous, refined and gorgeously produced album of melodic modal jazz.

The group was first formed by Pierre Chrétien and Zakari Frantz of The Souljazz Orchestra back in 2013, as an outlet for the more modal, esoteric and spiritual compositions they were exploring outside the confines of their original unit. After the addition of trumpeter Ed Lister, bassist Alex Bilodeau and drummer Mike Essoudry, the Atlantis Jazz Ensemble released their maiden voyage Oceanic Suite in 2016, a bold first outing that became a bit of an underground classic. However, the wind was somewhat taken out of the group's sails when their original bassist suddenly moved away to Boston and the band sank into hiatus for a few years. Until, that is, young double bass player Chris Pond blew into town from Eastern Canada, and the group rose up once again in 2022.

The eight original compositions flow effortlessly from one to another. Each tune is performed by the quintet with grace, panache and a great degree of style. The analogue warmth of the recording just adds to the overall feel and sublime atmosphere. There's a kind of cosiness to this album that I really like. It has its adventurous moments, but once the first track starts playing you kind of know what to expect. Great writing and fabulous group interaction is punctuated by some sensational soloing, with the sax and trumpet leading the way as a formidable force.

The album opener "Breaking Dawn" sets the standard. Its beautiful hypnotic groove lays the foundation for the sax and trumpet combo to blow those delicious melodies and sumptuous solos. "Transcendence" then kicks up the tempo with boisterous Afro-Latin rhythms, before heading into the mystic soul-bossa brew of "Enlightenment". Side A eases off with the soul-searching splendours of "Invocation", before ramping things up again on Side B with the ethereal groove-laden, percussive driven "Oneness". The vibe is strong on "Blessings", with its searching, Coltrane-inspired modal quality, before easing into the funky, feel-good nature of "Joyful Noise". The suite then winds down with the lushness of a calm, evening sunrise as the beautiful "Meditation" brings this lovely album to a close.

"Celestial Suite" is like a trip down memory lane. It could leave you thinking it's a reissue of a classic album from a time gone by. But it is most definitely in the here and now, and stands proud as one of the coolest albums you could lay your hands on this year.



All About Jazz
by Robert Middleton
Decenber 11th, 2023
San Jose, CA

THE MOST EXCITING JAZZ ALBUMS SINCE 1969

Oceanic Suite
Atlantis Jazz Ensemble
Marlow Records
2016

This first album (a second, Celestial Suite, was released in Oct 2023) by this Canadian quintet takes a deliberate step back in time, crafting a spiritual jazz masterpiece reminiscent of the early 1970s. Throughout, there's a pervasive melodious vibe, each track effortlessly settling into a gentle, dancing groove. Among the standout performers, trumpeter Ed Lister and saxophonist Zakari Frantz excel at weaving serene, captivating performances.

The true beauty of great jazz lies in its vivid imagery and captivating rhythms, and this album delivers just that. "Pillars of Hercules" presents a sinuously enthralling trumpet solo, akin to an exhilarating underwater odyssey alongside a mermaid through the sunken ruins of Atlantis. "Yemaya" embraces a mesmerizing, undulating groove that unfolds at its own unhurried pace. Frantz's saxophone solo soars to profound emotional depths, while Lister's trumpet takes the spotlight with a passionate declaration. Clocking in at 9:41, it's the album's lengthiest track, affording the luxury of time to embark on a multifaceted journey through Atlantis, each member contributing brilliant solos.

The album's thematic narrative ventures boldly forward, each track a brushstroke in a grand sonic panorama. "Leviathan" narrates a noble, urgent quest in pursuit of a worthy prize. "Blue Nile" transports the listener to Cleopatra's river cruiser, complete with sinewy oarsmen and swaying dancers. Closing with "Aegean Mist," the album gently wafts listeners into a dreamlike realm, a place of serene contentment and absolute relaxation. This is jazz of an extraordinary caliber—a spiritual odyssey that transcends mere music, delving deep into the realm of the soul.

If you locate this digitally, also search for one bonus song, "White Nile," which is a fitting conclusion to the Oceanic Suite.



Dusty Groove
October 27th, 2023
Chicago IL

A heavenly bit of spiritual jazz from this cool Canadian combo - a lean group, but one who manage to deliver this soulful flow that almost makes you think they're a much larger ensemble! Pierre Chrétien handles the Fender Rhodes and songwriting, and he's really got a magical ear for a tune - letting things build up, find their groove, then really take off - with work from a quintet that features Ed Lister on trumpet, Zakari Frantz on alto, Chris Pond on bass, and Mike Essoudry on drums - a group who seem to almost evoke some of those magical, soulful 70s sessions that were produced by CBC, and issued in very unassuming covers - the kind of collector's treasures we love to stumble upon when digging north of the border! Titles include "Transcendence", "Invocation", "Blessings", "Joyful Noise", "Meditation", "Breaking Dawn", and "Enlightenment".



Beat Caffeine
by TJ Gorton
October 27th 2023
Berkeley CA

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble return with spiritual soul jazz 'Celestial Suite'

In much anticipation, the Ottawa-based collective Atlantis Jazz Ensemble return with a brilliant new recording on Marlow Records, titled Celestial Suite. Originally spawning as a project by pianist Pierre Chrétien and alto saxophonist Zakari Frantz of The Souljazz Orchestra back in 2013, this represents the group's first release since their 2016 breakthrough album Oceanic Suite.

This 8-track full-length captures that same soulful spiritual jazz energy that was fully present on those classic independent 70s recordings released by Strata-East, Tribe Records, Black Jazz and others. The album features a superb mix of hypnotic modal grooves, cosmic tones, soul jazz, Afro-Latin, Bossa and funky percussion rhythms.

The rest of the stellar ensemble includes original members trumpeter Ed Lister and drummer Mike Essoudry, in addition to newcomer and young double bass phenom Chris Pond.

With their first release in 7 years, the Canadian group has strongly re-emerged and released one of the standout jazz albums of 2023.



Nostalgia King
by Skeme Richards
October 25th 2023
Philadelphia PA

As the sun rises and highlights the morning dew on the still rather green grass while the early breeze blows, I'm in the mood for a quick run to get the blood flowing before diving into the morning which is definitely a jazz mood type of day. And what better way to start that with the amazing new release by Atlantis Jazz Ensemble which has been in heavy rotation this last week here at Nostalgia King and continues to be our morning theme. "Celestial Suite" is everything that we need and want from a jazz album that's drenched in beautiful soundscapes.

A brilliant set of spiritual soul-jazz, with a righteous energy in the mode of some of the best work on independent labels such as Strata East or Tribe back in the day, though updated with a fresh current vibe. With the blend of electric piano, sax, trumpet, bass and percussion presented here, the quintet has refined the searching, soaring quality of their sound, capturing over the course of two days in the studio an inspired session worthy of the skyward promise of the album's title.

Celestial Suite holds its very weight amongst the greatest of jazz albums that have been released throughout the years and very much has a timeless aesthetic in every way. Marked as their second album, the sails are obviously full with perfect weather ahead to keep this ensemble afloat and in full tune making this an essential release to own in your collection.



TSF Jazz
21 novembre 2023
Paris, France

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble - Celestial Suite

Direction Ottawa où sévit le plus soul et spirituel des jazzmen canadiens : Pierre Chrétien, déjà connu pour diriger le Souljazz Orchestra. Aujourd'hui, il ravive son Atlantis Jazz Ensemble dans un disque envoûtant, intemporel et lumineux.



Radio-Canada
par Alexandre Courteau
27 octobre 2023
Montréal, QC

TOP COURTEAU du 27 octobre 2023

# 1 - Celestial Suite par l'Atlantis Jazz Ensemble.

Il n’y a pas à dire, on est vraiment dans les étoiles avec ce 2e disque du groupe de l'Outaouais! Les compositions sont planantes, on se laisse complètement envoûter. Personne n’en fait trop, les thèmes sont accrocheurs, c’est fluide. Le voyage musical est propice à la réflexion et la rêverie.



Dusty Groove
February 3rd, 2023
Chicago IL

With a name like Cinephonic, you can imagine some of the sound here - but that's also only the tip of the iceberg, as there's a heck of a lot going on with the record! There's definitely a cinematic vibe to the music, yet the work isn't just any retro-styled material influenced by film scores - as these guys have all sorts of wonderful instrumentation of their own, including great use of flute, tenor, trumpet, and some especially nice organ, clavinet, and vibes - all handled by Pierre Chrétien, the maestro behind the whole project! Strings provide a nice backdrop, but they're used sparingly, and with a nicely sinister tone - that darkness you might find in the larger charts of David Axelrod at his best. The whole thing's great - every bit as wonderful as their previous record - and titles include "Pyramides", "L'Étoile", "Les Souterrains", "Pénombre", "Douleur", "Cendres et Poussières", and "Le Combat".



Twistedsoul
by Imran Merza
March 9th, 2023
London, UK

'Visions' is the new album release from the Pierre Chrétien-helmed Cinephonic collective released through Ontario's Marlow Records.

Following up on Cinephonic's debut release 'Les Paradis Artificiels' from 2020, Chrétien has clearly stumbled onto a winning and creatively satisfying formula that sees the multi-instrumentalist and producer employ his years embedded within the broad pallette of music-making and transform them into a series of lush, cinematic soul-infused soundscapes.

Chrétien has thrived amidst a variety of musical projects over the years - the sensational spiritual jazz outfit, the Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, captivated listeners with their 'Oceanic Suite' full-length from 2016 while Chrétien has also achieved a huge amount of success as band leader for the celebrated Souljazz Orchestra who have amassed an extensive catalogue since 2005 with the vast majority of their releases finding a home on the UK's revered Strut Records.

Across the multitude of his projects, Chrétien's indelible touch has seen him assume the role of producer, composer as well as tackling a variety of instrumentation throughout his albums including electric piano, clavinet, organ, guitar, mellotron, piano, bass, percussion and vibraphone. Cinephonic's 'Les Paradis Artificiels' debut, for example, saw Chrétien collaborate with Robert Biesewig on drums and Souljazz Orchestra member Marielle Rivard on percussion while assuming all other duties himself. 'Visions' however proves to be a far more inclusive affair with a considerably more far-reaching scope with up to fourteen close friends and collaborators employed which excitingly comprise members of the Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, The Souljazz Orchestra and Marlow Records labelmates The Mar-Kays, who backed singer Slim Moore for their fantasic gritty soul offering 'Introducing Slim Moore & The Mar-Kays' from back in 2011.

While Chrétien has been very open about the inspiration for this project stemming from his affections for 1970s cinematic compositions - an affection shared by several of today's luminaries like Shawn Lee, Norman Smuggler and Glenn Fallows - Cinephonic manages to present a brilliant extension and inspired facet to Chrétien's music to date.

Despite the noted differences in project contributors, 'Visions' very much builds upon the groundwork as established by the album's predecessor with ten tracks offering a rich and versatile collection of recordings portraying an ever-changing series of scenes and emotions.

The vibrant 'Le Combat' kicks the project off in excellent fashion serving as a dynamic and vibrant opener before leading into the equally fascinating 'Pyramides'. 'L'Exil', like many of the album's tracks, is bolstered by the lush orchestration provided throughout and actually provides the first of the album's more introspective pieces. 'Visions' owes so much to the charm and personality that just beams through the music - wonderfully presented with crisp performances all enriched by its gloriously dusty analog aesthetic.

So much of Pierre Chrétien's music - as evidenced through a variety of collectives and ensembles - can be attributed to the theme of exploration and under the Cinephonic guise so many new adventures have subsequently become available for exploration. Whether 'Vision's leads on to a third outing or if the Cinephonic journey does in fact end here, it has certainly been an incredible adventure!



Soul Bag
par Franck Cochon
Avril 2023
Paris, France

À la tête de son Souljazz Orchestra, Pierre Chrétien avait exploré plus de contrées sonores que d'albums enregistrés, mais ce qui l'attendait avec ce nouveau groupe dépassait l'entendement. Des jours de galop dans la poussière et, devant lui, un château florentin. Au milieu des cactus et des reptiles. Des airs s'en échappaient, baroques et médiévaux.  Plutôt étrange quand, jusqu'alors, guitares et cuivres épiques avaient accompagné leur route.  La porte enfoncée à coup de botte, Colt jazz à la ceinture et cartouches de soul dans le barillet, les desperados canadiens allaient devoir faire leurs ces thèmes. Les capturer, au lasso s'il le fallait, puis les mettre en travers de leur monture et repartir de là où ils venaient, les courses de leurs chevaux rythmées d'arrangements cinématographiques. Car ils avaient été mandatés.  Dans leurs partitions qui mettaient violoncelle, vibraphone et violons sous escorte de beats funky, se portaient les ombres de compositeurs légendaires venus d'Italie ou d'Argentine...



Djolo
2 février 2023
Paris, France / Lomé, Togo / Bamako, Mali

Les fécondes et habiles Visions de Cinephonic

Dès les premières notes de cet album on se fait cueillir par des orgues qui sonnent comme ceux de Ray Manzarek et des guitares échappées d’un western, et puis il y a des percus latines qui arrivent, dont on aurait presque envie de dire qu’elles font des hip et des hops et même des hip hip hop comme le dirait le Sugarhill Gang, et puis vient le moment des cordes, oui, oui, des cordes, et puis pas des synthétiques, de vraies cordes celles de violons, d’altos, et de violoncelles, ah, et puis il y a les cuivres aussi… des cuivres qui chauffent, qui crient, qui scindent l’air en deux, et puis… En fait, avant toute chose peut être qu’il faudrait dire de quel album il s’agit là ?! Cet album, c’est Visions, le second album de Cinephonic, le groupe emmené par Pierre Chrétien qui convoque ici quelques moments de grandes… et curieuses musiques !

Oui, cet album ne nous promet rien d’autre que la découverte de nouvelles « Pyramides » musicales, de sombres et groovy « Tribulations » dans la « Pénombre », des doux martèlements qui plongent dans « Les Souterrains », des ornements baroques qui se perdent dans « Le Feu »… et tant d’autres choses…

Entre funk de chambre et musique d’orchestre, entre arrangements cinématographiques et rebonds psychédéliques, entre folles cavalcades dans le grand ouest et phrasés subtils des clavecins et des guitares, entre des orgues diserts et des batteries pluvieuses, entre les reflets cuivrés du jazz et la mémoire mélodique d’un passé médiéval, entre… oui, entre une succession de bonnes musiques, l’orchestre Cinephonic nous offre ici des Visions qui plairont à toutes les oreilles ! Ah… et en fait… Visions ça sort demain 3 février chez Marlow Records !



Libération
par Jacques Denis
le 29 décembre 2020
Paris, France

Avec l’album «les Paradis artificiels», Pierre Chrétien propose une balade onirique et orchestrale dans le style des BO baroques des années 70.

Tout est prédit dès la couverture et le nom de ce projet mené par Pierre Chrétien, par ailleurs principal compositeur du Souljazz Orchestra : Cinephonic a l’ambition de mettre en musique un road-trip au cœur de la ville, une forme de spleen à travers une série de scènes imaginaires telles que suggérées par chacun des neuf titres qui la composent. Aube sur la ville, le Petit Cimetière, les Corbeaux, Fleurs de bitume, Illusions perdues et, pour finir, Après, le déluge - pour n’en citer qu’une sélection explicite : les climats orchestraux tracent ainsi un fil narratif, plus ou moins ténu, qui laisse le loisir à l’auditeur de se faire son propre cinéma, comme il l’entend.

Soutenu par une paire qui permet de maintenir la tension rythmique tout en ayant la souplesse propice à offrir l’espace nécessaire aux digressions bien mesurées - le batteur hip-hop Robert Biesewig (Wu-Tang Clan, Havoc, Alchemist), ainsi que la percussionniste Marielle Rivard (The Souljazz Orchestra, Slim Moore and The Mar-Kays) -, le pianiste et vibraphoniste (également au mellotron) s’inspire selon ses termes «principalement de la musique de film française», citant Michel Legrand, Francis Lai, François de Roubaix et Jean-Claude Vannier. Bien entendu, ce n’est pas faux, mais c’est plus encore dans le sillon du séminal David Axelrod que s’inscrit cet album, combinant avec pertinence mais non sans grandiloquence les influences de l’écriture baroco-classique et le groove ésotérico-magnétique.

A titre d’exemples, Eveil de la cité comme celui qui suit, Paradis artificiels, ou encore Béton et Ferraille, n’auraient pas dépareillé dans la discographie de l’arrangeur américain décédé le 5 février 2017 : il y a là une même veine onirique, incarnée tant par les claviers que les arrangements orchestraux (flûtes, hautbois, clarinettes, bassons, cors, etc., tous passés au «filtre» du mellotron), couplée aux élans d’une soul jazz post-psychédélique, qui en ouvre considérablement les horizons.

Au final, à défaut de révolutionner le genre, largement balisé par les maîtres cités et tant d’autres, Pierre Chrétien parvient à en délivrer sa propre version, quoique l’on frise parfois la périphrase ici et là, et à donner envie de réécouter l’incomparable original. Ce n’est pas la moindre qualité.



Dusty Groove
October 2nd 2020
Chicago IL

Cinephonic, Les Paradis artificiels:

A record that's maybe jazz at the core, but served up in very cinematic ways – very much the spirit of the dark, moody image pictured on the cover! This isn't chase, crime, or cop music – but instead maybe the sounds you'd hear on the journey home after the battle – slow funk in the rhythms, peppered with great work on vibes, piano, and mellotron from Pierre Chrétien – who also wrote, arranged, and produced the whole record too! Most tunes have a nice light melody over heavier drums and percussion on the bottom – never too over the top, but well-paced in a way that really makes this one stand out from the pack.



Le Grigri
le 29 septembre 2020
Paris, France

[PREMIERE] CINEPHONIC �ÉVEIL DE LA CITÉ�

Quand l'un des co-fondateurs historiques du Souljazz Orchestra la joue solo, ça donne un projet au groove cinégénique et blindé de clins d'oeil hip-hop. À 72h de la sortie de son premier album baptisé Les Paradis Artificiels, le Canadien Pierre Chrétien nous offre la primeur mondiale d'un titre entêtant à l'ambiance seventies.

"Éveil de la cité", c'est en premier lieu une grosse caisse liminaire qui évoque un imaginaire très Wu-Tang Clan. On pense au "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" d'ODB ou à la version par El Michels Affair de "Tearz". Et quand on sait que le batteur du projet, Robert Biesewig, a joué avec Ghostface Killah ou Method Man, on se dit que la référence n'est pas innocente. Et puis le morceau prend une toute autre direction, plus proche de la grande époque de la French Library, ces musiques d'illustration pleines de soul et de groove enregistrées à la chaine dans les années 70 avant d'être adoubées et samplées par les rappeurs des décennies plus tard. D'ailleurs, ce n'est pas pour rien si l'homme à la tête de cette aventure solo à plusieurs (puisqu'on y trouve aussi la percussionniste Marielle Rivard) a choisi un alias très 7e art: Cinephonic. Comme s'il cherchait & agrave; créer un film sans image baptisé Les Paradis Artificiels.

Car tout se passe comme si Cinephonic était le jardin secret ou même le journal intime d'un des fondateurs historiques du très énergique et dansant Souljazz Orchestra. Fondé il y a près de vingt ans, ce band canadien explore les voies afrobeat et funk sur le très inspirant label anglais Strut Records. En solo, c'est plutôt son monde intérieur que Pierre Chrétien semble explorer. D'où les sonorités plus oniriques qu'il malaxe sur Les Paradis Artificiels dont la sortie est prévue pour le 2 octobre chez Marlow Records. En plus du piano ou du mellotron, c'est le vibraphone qui a souvent le beau rôle. Comme sur cet "Éveil de la cité" à découvrir en avant-première sur Le Grigri. Le genre de piste à mettre chaque matin comme sonnerie de réveil.



Beat Caffeine
by TJ Gorton
October 9th 2020
Berkeley CA

The Souljazz Orchestra's Pierre Chrétien releases brilliant new cinematic jazz debut as Cinephonic

Canadian multi-instrumentalist Pierre Chrétien, who also plays with groups like The Souljazz Orchestra, Atlantis Jazz Ensemble and Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays, has just released his debut solo album, titled Les Paradis artificiels on Marlow Records, under the alias Cinephonic.

Inspired by classic French film soundtracks and library music, this brilliant nine-track album blends together layered cinematic landscapes, soulful keys and vibraphone-based melodies, moody atmospheric tones, and instrumental hip-hop grooves. The recording also flows nicely from one track to the next, similar to what you typically hear on soundtracks.

While Chrétien plays mellotron, piano and vibraphone on the recording, the session also includes heavyweight hip-hop drummer Robert Biesewig (Wu-Tang Clan, Havoc, Alchemist) and versatile percussionist Marielle Rivard (The Souljazz Orchestra, Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays).

Overall, Chrétien and company have put together a really solid debut release, and the perfect moody soundtrack-like recording as we enter the cooler fall months. Now I just look forward to seeing the movie...



Comala Radio
par Skevitz
le 8 octobre 2020
Lille, France

Cinephonic : L'hommage de Pierre Chrétien aux musiques de films

Tête pensante et leader de l'excellent groupe canadien The Souljazz Orchestra, Pierre Chrétien vient de sortir un nouveau projet, Cinephonic, conçu comme un hommage aux musiques de films et de librairies françaises.

L'album, baptisé « Les Paradis artificiels », sert de bande originale à un film imaginaire, puisant ses inspirations du côté de Michel Legrand, François de Roubaix ou Jean-Claude Vannier, tout en laissant place à des influences plus soul et hiphop. Ce n'est donc pas un hasard si on retrouve Robert Biesewig derrière la batterie, lui qui avait notamment travaillé avec le Wu-Tang Clan, Havoc, the Alchemist ou SiR. On retrouve également Marielle Rivard aux percussions, collaboratrice de longue date de Pierre.

Une vraie réussite que ce 1er album aux sonorités intemporelles, qui se révèle écoute après écoute et emmène votre imagination en balade.

Sortie le 2 octobre chez Marlow records, l'album est d'ores et déjà dispo sur Bandcamp et très bientôt chez votre disquaire favori.



Pan M 360
par Frédéric Cardin
le 2 octobre 2020
Montréal, QC

J'ai eu bien du plaisir à écouter Les Paradis artificiels de Cinephonic, le nouveau projet de Pierre Chrétien, pianiste, vibraphoniste, mellotroniste et aussi leader de collectifs juteusement funky tels que le Souljazz Orchestra et Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays!

Les Paradis artificiels et ses neuf plages à la fois groovy et jouissivement moelleuses sont autant de déambulations néo-vintage dans l'esprit d'une certaine musique pour le cinéma français des années 60 et 70. Mais pas que, loin s'en faut! Chrétien l'assaisonne ici de jazz orchestral, là de couleurs et de déhanchements qui n'auraient pas déplu à Isaac Hayes ou Bobby Womack, le tout bien enrobé de beats bien gras style hip-hop instrumental, voire symphonique contemporain.

Oui, bien entendu, on reconnaît les inspirations pionnières d'Air, Cinematic Orchestra, Jocelyn Tellier, Saint Etienne... Les Paradis artificiels ne réinvente pas la roue de la pop instrumentale, mais quand une roue tourne aussi bien et est aussi efficace, pourquoi ne pas l'utiliser pleinement? Dans ce cas-ci, ça veut dire l'écouter en boucle et se laisser emporter!

Chrétien s'est adjoint les services de deux belles pointures du rythme : le batteur Robert Biesewig (Wu-Tang Clan, Ghostface Killah, Alchemist) et la percussionniste tous azimuts Marielle Rivard, ramenée du Souljazz Orchestra et des Mar-Kays. Pour les arrangements orchestraux, Chrétien fait des miracles avec peu de moyens. Le mellotron remplit assez bien la fonction des cordes, mais il y a aussi la flûte, le hautbois, la clarinette, le basson, etc. Tout, je dis bien tout, est joué par Chrétien. Chapeau!

Laissez rouler en boucle en lisant, en regardant tomber la pluie ou en se promenant (ou en joggant) un samedi matin ensoleillé à travers les rues de la ville. Ça marche peu importe le contexte et ça vous envoûte l'ambiance avec des milliers d'évocations bienfaisantes.

Les Paradis artificiels de Cinephonic est la trame sonore d'un cinéma dont vous êtes le héros.



Benzine
le 20 octobre 2020
France

Cinephonic, Les Paradis artificiels:

Échappé pour l'occasion de son groupe canadien The Souljazz Orchestra, Pierre Chrétien est à l'origine de cet excellent projet qui rend un vibrant hommage aux musiques de films français et de Library music des années 60 et 70. On citera volontiers Michel Legrand, François de Roubaix ou encore Jean-Claude Vannier pour les influences. Les compositions sont subtilement matinées de soul et de Hip Hop et constituent la B.O. d'un film qui n'a jamais existé mais que l'imaginaire s'empresse de réaliser.



Le Mie Cose
Ottobre 10, 2020
Italia

I Cinephonic sono una band formata nel 2018 dal compositore / pianista / vibrafonista Pierre Chrétien, con il batterista di scuola hip hop Robert Wiesebig e la percussionista Marielle Rivard. Il genere del loro ultimo lavoro “Les Paradis Artificiels“, come il nome della band suggerisce è quello di creare colonne sonore di stampo francese per film che (ad ora) non esistono, aggiungendo elementi di jazz, coul cinematografico e tappeti hip hop, dando vita ad un panorama ricco, evocativo e complesso mescolando intricate composizioni con beats dark che nulla hanno a che vedere con lo swing: una specie di colonna sonora per un film epico che i musicisti solamente immaginano. L'album è bello e ricco di spunti musicali e d'atmosfera, da ascoltare più volte per coglierne i frutti succulenti del trio francese. Il mio lascito è una di quelle, ovviamente che preferisco...



Ottawa Citizen
by Lynn Saxberg
February 9th 2017
Ottawa ON

A surge of spiritual jazz

Ottawa's Atlantis Jazz Ensemble's music is meant to elevate the soul

The scene at Le Petit Chicago was a surprise for a bitterly cold Monday night in January. The cozy, candlelit club in Old Hull was packed with people, young and old, all mesmerized by the sultry grooves of a highly skilled band. It felt like a Paris jazz club in the 1960s.

The musicians responsible for this feat of time travel belong to one of Ottawa's hottest new jazz combos, the Atlantis Jazz Ensemble. Founded almost four years ago by Souljazz Orchestra bandleader/pianist Pierre Chrétien and saxman Zakari Frantz, their original plan was simple: to fill the Monday-night residency at Le Petit Chicago.

"It was a real casual kind of thing," said Chrétien in an interview. "But then it started gelling together and we really liked what was happening so I started writing new compositions, and that's when we decided to form an actual official band."

The lineup is rounded out by the top-notch chops of Ed Lister on trumpet, Alex Bilodeau on double bass and Mike Essoudry on drums. Jazzman-about-town Petr Cancura was a special guest at the final Monday session in January, and will join the group for their Ottawa Winter Jazz festival outing on Feb. 10.

Their name comes from the the mythical island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Says Chrétien: "I'm influenced by North American jazz but also European and African jazz. We thought it was a good description of our sound, somewhere between those two [shores]."

Last spring's release of the band's debut album Oceanic Suite turned heads, including that of superstar U.S. saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who hand-picked the Ottawa musicians to open for him at a sold-out show at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Performing for an audience roughly 40 times bigger than their usual crowd in Old Hull, the moment was "quite an honour" for Chrétien and his bandmates.

In the months since, the album has continued to gain traction, ending the year at No. 2 on Canada's campus-radio jazz charts, just behind Badbadnotgood. It's also getting airplay around the world, which is always a surprise for an independent jazz release.

The music of Atlantis falls into the sub-genre of spiritual jazz, heavily influenced by the work of John Coltrane, Duke Ellington and Sun Ra in the '60s. "It's hard to explain," Chrétien says, "but it's definitely music that's meant to elevate the soul. It's more impressionist, meditative, introspective."

Unlike Chrétien's main outlet, Souljazz Orchestra, the music of Atlantis is not designed for the dance floor, nor to comment on any political situation.

"With Souljazz, there's a lot of pressure to keep people moving, keep 'em dancing," says Chretien. "It's hard when I feel like writing something a little different. This allows me to explore other kinds of sonorities that I wouldn't otherwise have the chance. And sometimes it's OK to step away from politics, too. We're bombarded with the news all the time."

Speaking of Souljazz, Ottawa's funkiest exports have been staying close to home this winter, thanks in part to the birth of Chrétien's first child with his wife, singer-percussionist Marielle Rivard, who's also a member of Souljazz.

Born Sept. 1, their son has sparked a flurry of productivity in his father. "I'm getting a lot less sleep than I used to," Chrétien says, "but it's funny as a composer, how it's really fuelled my creativity."

As a result, both bands are gearing up for a busy year. A new Souljazz album is scheduled for a September release, followed by a world tour. There's also new material in the works for Atlantis, and plans to hit the jazz festival circuit this summer.

One thing that tends to fall by the wayside, at least for Atlantis, is rehearsal time. "We don't rehearse that much, I gotta say," confesses Chrétien. "These guys are at such a level they don't need tons of practice. We practise once every six months or so."

That leaves plenty of parts unscripted. "There are definitely composed parts but also a lot of room for improvisation, which is very rewarding," says Chrétien. "Every night is a little bit different. Sometimes things can throw you a little off guard, but it keeps you on your toes because the songs are different every night."

No matter what direction the groove took, the crowd at Le Petit Chicago lapped it up. So did the thousands of young fans at the Kamasi Washington gig. The unexpected warmth of the response begs the question: Is the time right for a spiritual jazz resurgence?

"I think it is," Chrétien says. "You hear so much trivial music on the radio. Maybe people are thirsty for more."



The Pie at Night
December 28th 2016
UK

Oceanic Suite
by Atlantis Jazz Ensemble

Jazz. That�s right, you heard me. Jazz. No, you f**k off. I like Jazz. Like most forms of music, there is a spectrum within jazz, from chillout stuff to headache stuff BUT, there is something in there for everyone. And here is one I�m going to recommend for you: Atlantis Jazz Ensemble. They were formed back in 2013 by two members of the Souljazz Orchestra, who were looking for another avenue to work on some of their more out there modal compositions. That it�s taken them three years to release their debut shows the amount of work that has gone into honing and perfecting it. Oceanic Suite is a seven-part concept album depicting the sea and other nautical themes. Fans of Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock won�t be disappointed.



Magazine Paris DJs
par Nicolas Ragonneau
Juillet 2016
Paris, France

ATLANTIS JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Oceanic Suite
(CD/LP/Digital) Marlow Records

Deux des musiciens du Souljazz Orchestra s'échappent pour un projet parallèle en quintet baptisé Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, et c'est une réussite totale. Ici, pas de grooves afro-funk et de morceaux dansants, mais des instrumentaux mélancoliques et nocturnes dans la grande tradition du jazz modal, ésotérique ou spirituel. Un disque intemporel, un classique instantané qui s'achève par une composition sublime, "Aegean Mist". Pour les amateurs d'Alice Coltrane, de Mulatu Astatke ou de Matthew Halsall.



Dusty Groove
April 2016
Chicago IL

A wonderful record from a really timeless group � a contemporary combo, but one who play in the best spiritual jazz modes of the 70s � in a way that really lives up to the vintage vibe of the album's cover! These guys have a long, flowing approach to their tunes � building them up with modal energy that rings out with some great Fender Rhodes alongside the bass and drums � and with basslines that are especially strong, and keep a pulse that seems to allow all the other musicians a great amount of creative freedom, while still hanging onto a groove! Zakari Frantz plays some wonderful alto sax � often with the soaring, soulful qualities of a tenor � and the group also features bold trumpet lines from Ed Lister, Fender Rhodes from Pierre Chretien, bass from Alex Bilodeau, and drums from Mike Essoudry. The first we've ever heard from this group � but we'll bet we'll be hearing more soon! Titles include "Pillars Of Hercules", "Ebb & Flow", "Blue Nile", "Agean Mist", and "Leviathan".



FIP, Radio-France
Avril 2016
Paris, France

Album jazz de la semaine
Atlantis Jazz Ensemble "Oceanic Suite"
Avril 2016 - Marlow Records

Le quintette Atlantis Jazz Ensemble sort un premier album magnifique, dont l'inspiration se situe quelque part entre les rives de l�Afrique, de l�Europe, et des Amériques.

Après les tribulations afro jazz soul de son sextuor The Souljazz Orchestra, le pianiste Canadien Pierre Chrétien continue ses explorations musicales avec son projet Atlantis Jazz Ensemble. Un projet purement jazz créé en 2013 avec le saxophoniste Zakari Frantz et enregistré avec le trompettiste Ed Lister, le contrebassiste Alex Bilodeau et le batteur Mike Essoudry. Le quintette a sorti l'album "Oceanic Suite" le 15 avril sur le label du pianiste Marlow Records.

Toutes écrites par Pierre Chrétien, les sept pièces de ce très conceptuel "Oceanic Suite" nous invitent á un voyage initiatique et spirituel o� le meilleur du jazz modal croise avec finesse swing et groove des années Blue Note, envolées ethio-jazz ou inspirations folles du jazz européen des années 70. Pas de démonstration inutile ici, les cuivres sont á l'unisson d'une rythmique aussi maîtrisée qu'efficace. Une première oeuvre magnifique !



Le Droit
par Guy Badeaux
17 avril 2016
Ottawa ON

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, "Oceanic Suite":

CRITIQUE / Accompagné de Zakari Frantz au sax alto, Ed Lister à la trompette, Alex Bilodeau à la contrebasse et Mike Essoudry à la batterie, le pianiste et compositeur Pierre Chrétien nous livre sur Oceanic Suite un jazz instrumental de grande qualité.

D'une facture classique, les sept pièces instrumentales, aux tempos variés, mettent tour à tour en valeur chacun des musiciens. Membre du Souljazz Orchestra avec Zakari Frantz, Pierre Chrétien fonde avec lui en 2013 le Atlantis Jazz Ensemble. Le duo s'adjoint trois partenaires, avec qui ils peaufineront leur répertoire lors de résidences au Petit Chicago dans le Vieux-Hull. Le résultat, publié sous leur propre label, Marlow Records, est sorti en vinyle, CD et en format numérique.

Le disque sera lancé le 30 avril au Mercury Lounge à Ottawa.



Captured Passion
by Alistair Maitland
November 17th 2011
Toronto ON

Slim Moore and the Mar-Kays @ El Mocambo

I must admit I had high expectations for this show... and I wasn't disappointed.

Slim Moore and the Mar-Kays is a soul group and project of one of my favourite bands, The Souljazz Orchestra based out of Ottawa, Ontario. Knowing this last fact made my attendance a sure thing. I used to dance three hours straight to Souljazz every Thursday for months at their mainstay, Babylon. So needless, to say, this review is a little biased. And I'm OK with that. The group was opening the fourth annual Nujazz Festival.

The Music

Gary "Slim" Moore and the crew definitely impressed. The music was tight, and the vocals stunning. This was the group's Toronto CD Release Party. Everybody was dressed to the nines. "Donny" the sound engineer did a great job with the levels. Mary Caruso, the only female of the group held her own easily against the musical backdrop of her seven male counterparts, opening the set with few tracks of her own. I had heard Mary sing many times before but having gone to the Yukon for the better part of 2 years, I hadn't heard her in a while. Now I don't know what she's been doing. That woman looked, sang and performed like a diva. Then Slim took over the lead vocals and belted it out with a passion only soul can create.

Special mention definitely has to go out to the Soul Motivators that opened for the headlining Mar-Kays. They got the crowd prepped and loose.



Dusty Groove
August 2011
Chicago IL

Slim Moore & The Mar-Kays / Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:

One of the best new funk albums we've heard in years � and one that really does an amazing job of putting equal emphasis on instrumentation and deep soul vocals! Slim Moore comes across like some lost singer from the early 70s funky 45 generation � gritty and upfront, with a quality that's instantly infectious � almost like Syl Johnson during his Twinight years! Then the Mar-Kays play with this depth that's equally wonderful � mixing funky licks with more complicated soul touches � some of the vibes we've been getting from the Daptone scene in recent years � slower grooves mixed with faster ones, touches of hip instrumentation, like vibes � all wrapped up in a production style that really recalls the best days of indie soul. The whole thing's wonderful � a record we'd put right up there with Lee Fields' My World, or the Charles Bradley full-length � and a set we'll be digging for years! Titles include "How Long", "Cityscape", "Slim's Theme", "Reachin Higher", "Mar-Kays Theme", "Cool Breeze", and Help Me Now".



CD Baby Music Discovery
October 4th 2011
USA

Slim Moore & The Mar-Kays / Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:

You could close your eyes and drop the needle on this debut album from Ottawa's Slim Moore and the Mar-Kays and imagine that you'd dug it out of some dusty bin in the back of some second-hand record shop. But what a find! Slim himself sings like the soul of Otis Redding and James Brown are fighting for control of his vocal cords. And he's backed up by one of the premier Afrobeat bands in the world � the Souljazz Orchestra, AKA for this project, the Mar-Kays. This was recorded entirely analog to an eight track tape machine, so grab the Vinyl version for audiophile, all-analog bliss.



Soul Tracks
October 15th 2011, USA
by Howard Dukes

Slim Moore & The Mar-Kays / Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:

There has always been a connection between Stax and Motown Records in the minds of hard-core music fans. Both labels played a pivotal role in crafting the sound of the 1960s and early 1970s. Stax and Motown became synonymous with soul and blues music. The artists of both labels went on to become household names. Still, Stax often languished in the shadow of Motown because the latter label had more of an eye on making music that could cross over. Stax's biggest star, Otis Redding, died tragically right at the moment when he became Stax's first crossover super star.

Of course, good music has a way of finding an audience, and the people at Stax made more than their share of good music. Other musicians were always aware of the label's virtues, so it's not surprising that the Stax influence can be heard in the work of artists ranging from Jamie Lidell and Anthony Hamilton to Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. The fact that Canadian soul man Slim Moore was also listening to the sound of Memphis becomes clear after one listen to Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar Kays. This record features all of the elements that earned Stax the well deserved nickname of Soulville.

The ultra-funky horns that were a Stax signature punctuate every song on Introducing. Moore's throaty vocals move from being the prophetic social preacher on social commentary tunes such as �Cityscape,� �Just Can't Get Ahead,� as well as the cover version of �Is It Because I'm Black.� He slips into a laid-back Virginia beach music groove on the cut �Riverside Drive,� and engages in a little begging on the Memphis meets hip-hop jam �How Long.� That number shows that Slim Moore & the Mar Kays can adapt the classic Stax sound to incorporate some contemporary production techniques. Still, Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar Kays stands as a full-throated celebration of the time and place that gave us some of the greatest music ever produced. And the tracks on this record hold their own with their lauded predecessors, both in terms of the feel and the quality. A very worthy introduction. Highly Recommended.



90BPM
le 8 septembre 2011
Paris France

Slim Moore & The Mar-Kays / Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:

Le Souljazz Orchestra qui mute en groupe à costard pour un album de soul orchestrée. Les fans du Black Moses Isaac, de Superfly Curtis ou de Bobby 110th Street en auront les larmes aux yeux.



Fonkadelica
le 6 septembre 2011
France

Slim Moore & The Mar-Kays / Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:

Et pour commencer peut-être la plus grosse nouveauté de cette rentrée : Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays. Derrière ce nom qui nous rappelle les plus belles années du label Stax, se cache en fait le groupe afro-funk Souljazz Orchestra accompagné d'un soulman d'origine jamaïcaine. Un disque soul de haute volée, avec une orchestration chiadée et un concept maîtrisé! On adore!



Magazine Soul Bag
par Franck Cochon
Septembre 2011
Paris, France

Slim Moore & The Mar-Kays / Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:

Le revival vintage qui sévit depuis quelques années offre désormais un large choix de productions actuelles à la saveur d'autrefois. Funk aux breakbeats furieux, soul 60's ou 70's, R&B inspiré directement par Detroit et sa Motown, il y en a presque pour tout le monde. Presque. Car celui qui aime déguster une soul richement arrangée, une soul orchestrée, avec des cuivres en trombe et des tapis de cordes, une soul avec un mix qui fourmille de détails � un piano, un vibraphone, un choeur féminin planqué � sans pour autant se faire engloutir par trop de sophistication; celui-là est bien malheureux. Il peut se rabattre sur "I Learned The Hard Way" de Sharon Jones et quoi d'autre? Sauf erreur ou omission, rien. Plus maintenant, plus depuis Slim Moore And The Mar-Kays. Jusqu'alors connus pour leur activisme afrobeat en pantalons bariolés, les Canadiens du Souljazz Orchestra se sont mués le temps d'un album en groupe de soul compact bien décidé à redorer un blason plus trop lustré depuis des décennies. Recrue de Slim, chanteur à la voix plus granuleuse que veloutée, ouverture de nouveaux postes dans la section cuivres, embauche de violonistes, les choses ont été faites en grand. Mais surtout bien. Car si les influences sont évidentes et assumées � Curtis Mayfield, en solo comme avec The Impressions, Isaac Hayes des ambiances cinématographiques, Bobby Womack �, la fa�on avec laquelle tout est assimilé pour nourrir des compositions originales comme pour ripoliner aux cuivres "Is It Because I'm Black?" de Syl Johnson, impose de fait Slim et ses Kays comme un challenger de taille pour les labels de Brooklyn qui ont fait de la soul et du funk vintage leur chose exclusive. Passer à c�té de cet album serait une erreur. Grave en plus.



Fnac
par Julien
le 16 septembre 2011
Paris, France

Slim Moore & The Mar-Kays / Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:

Vous qui avez été séduit par le combo Canadien Souljazz Orchestra, dont les shows sur-vitaminés et la section de cuivre en ont fait suer plus d'un(e), vous allez être content d'apprendre que ce sont les mêmes qui se cachent derrière ce projet, qui, pour faire court: dépote!

Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays viennent grossir les rangs du revival soul & funk auquel on assiste depuis plusieurs années déjà. Je vois déjà mes détracteurs souffler, il y a des dizaines d'orchestres qui sortent et flirte avec cette scène, un de plus, à quoi bon? Eh bien écoutez �a les amis, parce que si les foules ont accordées leurs violons sur les récents et justifiés succès d'Aloe Black, Sharon Jones et ses Dap Kings, ou encore cette farce de Ben l'oncle qui m'soule, je ne vois pas pourquoi mister Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays ne reprendraient pas le flambeau de cette sus-citée scène!

En trois passes décisives et un "smatch", voilà pourquoi je mise sur cette petite troupe de surdoués:

1/ Service & échauffement.

Roulement de caisse claire, et on démarre sur un titre mid-tempo d'où transpire une guitare wahwah. On croirait du Curtis Mayfield jusqu'au moment où Slim Moore attaque le micro. Là c'est plut�t du c�té de Bobby Womack et de la BO de Across 110th Street qu'il faut lorgner. La solide rythmique basse/batterie roule solidement, et laisse l'espace à la section de cuivre, cordes, et vibraphones, de venir se présenter, tranquillement, laissant présager que le reste de cet album aux arrangements tout aussi "catchy" que "classieux", semble être une sacrée bonne surprise.

2/ Attaques diverses, �a monte au filet.

On continue, avec un Slim qui, avant d'être tombé dans cette marmite de "soul", fut apparemment un habitué des sounds systems de Montréal (le bonhomme est d'origine jamaïcaine). "How Long" pourrait démarrer comme un brulot hip-hop, mais c'est un virage digne d'Isaac Hayes, (période Hot Buttered Soul) que prennent le chanteur et son groupe. Choeurs féminins, cuivres & cordes en parfaites harmonies, c'est bien les "lascars" de Souljazz Orchestra qui sont à la manoeuvre. Ces gars là sont assez présents pour que Slim Moore ne soit pas relégué au r�le du chanteur Superstar, mais sont également assez "courtois" pour lui laisser la place qu'il mérite à certains moments. Le grain de voix (tout juste) rugueux qu'il possède, vous transporte directement dans les sessions du grand Syl Johnson, lors de ses années pour Twinight!

3/ Retours aux fondamentaux.

Puisqu'on parle de lui, justement, nous y voici: "Is It Because I'm Black", avec des arrangements sensiblement différents de l'original et un peu plus loin le "Mar-Kays' Theme", un instrumental qui sonne comme un morceau d'ouverture d'une "soul revue" à venir (tournée européenne du groupe au printemps). S'en suit un "Reachin' Higher" fiévreux, où riffs de cuivres & percussions nous rappellent aux bons souvenirs de "Mista President" des Souljazz Orchestra, cru 2007!

4/ Jeu, set & match!

Envie de danser, de crier, de savourer cette soul et ce funk du meilleur cru. Bien loin des productions qui fleurent parfois le plat réchauffé, les "cousins" canadiens ont misé sur un registre qu'ils maîtrisent à la perfection. Cet album qui se termine sur l'envoûtant "Help Me Now" ainsi qu'un instrumental aux effluves jazz funk, trouvera, j'en suis sûr, un public avide de cette soul venue du passé mais définitivement ancrée dans le futur!

A vous de jouer maintenant... La balle est dans votre camp il me semble!



Planète Jazz 91,9 FM
Septembre 2011
Montréal QC

Slim Moore & The Mar-Kays / Introducing Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays:

Comme l'ont fait Sharon Jones et Lee Fields à New York, Slim Moore est un des dignes représentants canadiens du renouveau soul. Avec beaucoup de vécu, de cuivres et de sueur.

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