03 Jul
Evolution by Bernard Primeau & The Montreal Jazz Ensemble
- Written by Richard Bourcier
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Bernard Primeau's name is a household word in his native Montreal. The drummer has been a part of the Canadian scene since the fifties. In those early years, jazz musicians had to play in strip-clubs where they enjoyed a degree of musical freedom. A veteran of the Montreal show bands and small jazz groups, Primeau left the city for San Francisco during the early seventies but returned in 1976 to lead a hotel dance band. The eighties brought a steady gig with the Oliver Jones trio. In 1985 Primeau formed his own jazz sextet and this release is his 7th recording as a leader. The Montreal Jazz Ensemble is a very classy outfit and attracts a large and loyal following. The inclusion of guest artist, Hugh Fraser, is a special treat for fans of the West Coast trombonist. With the single exception of Caravan, all compositions are by Hugh Fraser and trumpeter, Bill Mahar. Both writers are also featured soloists on various tracks as are pianist Eric Harding and the hard-swinging Andre Leroux. My personal favorites include the beautiful Concerto For Jazz Orchestra by Hugh Fraser and Water Colors penned by Bill Mahar. The soloists are at their very best on Mahar's Tholean Web, a piece of special merit, in my opinion. Evolution is nominated as "Jazz Album of the Year" for Quebec's prestigious ADISQ Awards and justifiably so.
Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Bernard Primeau & The Montreal Jazz Ensemble
- CD Title: Evolution
- Genre: Straight-Ahead / Classic
- Year Released: 2002
- Record Label: Swingin Time Records'
- Tracks: Mr. J.T.; Concerto For Jazz Orchestra; Water Colors; Island Man; Tholean Web; Caravan.
- Musicians: Bernard Primeau (drums / leader); Sheila Hannigan (cello); Bill Mahar (trumpet, flugelhorn); Andre Leroux (tenor sax, clarinet); Frederic Lefebvre (violin); Hugh Fraser (trombone); Fraser Hollins (double bass); Eric Harding (piano); Francois Pilon (first violin); Ligia Paquin (viola).
- Label Website: -
- Rating: Five Stars
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Straight-Ahead / Classic - CD Reviews
