Alain Bedard Auguste Quartet: Particules Sonores

EFFENDI RECORDS 174 (RELEASED NOVEMBER 29, 2024))

For more than two decades, bassist Alain Bedard has been a force in the Canadian jazz scene. He is not only the leader of The Auguste Quartet, one of the country’s best known jazz ensembles, but he is also the founder of Effendi Records. Particules Sonores celebrates both achievements with a recording that captures music composed and performed by Bedard, saxophonist Mario Allard, pianist Marie Fatima Rudolf and drummer Michel Lambert. The “sound particles” referenced in the title of this release
define the range of moods one will hear — the flowing nature of “Compte-Rendu III,
the rhythmic freedom of “Profumo Chaneleone,” the Middle-Eastern vibe of “A Goose Story” and the straight-ahead bebop of “Rescape des Temps.” The common element of the ten “sound particles” is the purity of the playing. Allard’s lilting soprano sound is perfect for the plaintive melody of “Terrain Neutre” and the Latin American feel of “Il Cappello de mia Sorella.” He switches to baritone for a bebop romp through “Recape de Temps,” which is performed without Rudolf’s piano. Not to worry, many of the selections provide Rudolf with ample space to showcase her flexible and fleet playing. Most impressive is her playing on “A Goose Story” and “Celeste.” Lambert and Bedard adapt to every “particular sound” and when they solo, they do so with a mix of passion and precision. Although the music on Particules Sonores may lack compelling musical surprises, it is packed with joy — the joy that comes from exploring the various tunes composed by members of The Auguste Quartet celebrating the two decades of success and influence of Bedard. Congratulations to Bedard and The Auguste Quartet for advancing Canadian jazz.

BOTTOM LINE: To celebrate the 25^th anniversary of his record label (Effendi), bassist Alain Bedard assembled his renowned Auguste Quartet for Particules Sonore. Joining Bedard for this celebratory release are saxophonist Mario Allard, pianist Marie Fatima Rudolf and drummer Michel Lambert. They celebrate Bedard with a range of moods, well-crafted compositions and arrangements, inspired solos and joy!