With Call Me Al, his 4th solo effort, jazzman Alain Caron returns with his most accomplished and surprising recording. First and foremost because the bassist, in his tireless quest for innovation, worked with promising young artists from totally different musical backgrounds.
On Call Me Al, Alain proposes nine new pieces that he wrote and arranged, six of which were built on loops. Two of these loops were constructed by the refreshing DJ Mad Max (Maxime Morin). Once coupled with Alain Caron’s arrangements, they offer a new and irresistible sound, halfway between drum’n bass and afro-cuban rhythms.
Another almost unexplored territory by Alain is introduced here : singing. And who better than Jorane to use her voice in such a unique way, married to the lyrical sound of her cello and accompanied by Otmaro Ruiz’s piano.
A talented composer, Alain Caron is rightly considered one of the best bass players in the world, and he proves with Call Me Al that he is also an accomplished arranger. This new record also displays the wide musical culture that has sculpted the bassist’s carreer, from the influences of classical to contemporary music, from Satie to Gil Evans, including the jazz of Coltrane.
Of course, faithful fans of the early days of UZEB will once again, with Call Me Al, get their share of the bass virtuoso, his funky playing and unique rhythms. Besides, long time friends and collaborators, Paul Brochu on drums and Tiger Okoshi on trumpet, contributed their talent, as well as François d’Amours on saxophones and Marco Luciani on keyboards.
Alain Caron is back presenting an album with a vast panorama which more than ever, highlights one of the greatest passions of his life: Music
eee.europejazz.net June 2000 |
