discography

Facing the truth

Julie Lamontagne's latest album, recorded last summer at Planet Studios in Montreal along with Dave Watts on double bass and Richard Irwin on drums, features ten of Julie's original compositions. Inspired by memories of journeys past, and by the wide variety of musical influences which have shaped the trio's lives, this album transports you into their unique world. An innovative album, inspired certainly by jazz tradition, but with an added touch of youthful modernism that gives this trio a sound all their own.

This recording was made possible thanks to funding from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Liner notes by Denny Christianson:

There are many ways to "face the truth"- usually we think of it as owing up to some serious flaw in our nature, or of someone trying to avoid the obvious. In this case, it is time for the listener to "face the truth" about Julie Lamontagne- and the truth is, a major talent has blossomed right in front of us!

Throughout this offering are signs of a fresh artistic voice emerging- from the surging, restless energy of "For Months", the gentle, slow build to the powerful lyricism of "Vagabonde", the light and tasty opening of "White Chocolate" which jauntily rolls along as if two pianists are at work- to the sassy attitude of "Hank Dog".

Then there is the hard-driving, yet intricate, swing of "Day in Paname", which reminds you that you are listening to three superb musicians who have played together for ten years or more- listen closely, and you will hear them listening to each other on every tune! I am also struck by how often I hear the influence of several piano giants- Bill Evans, Thelonius Monk, Dave Brubeck, and Lorraine Desmarais- but never a hint of imitation. Again, a mark of great musical strength.

This is also an album of substantial musical intellect- full of compositional surprises, often hard to describe, but easy to listen to, with no two tunes alike. Just consider the variety between "Takism" (a folk tune from another planet?), "CCM" (surging, almost tango-like), and finally, "Facing the Truth" with its raw power and probing lyricism.

Sit back and enjoy this pianist potpourri, for truth is, you are hearing from a new artist with a maturity way beyond her years!

Denny Christianson

To purchase on-line, click here: Effendi Records

Dave Watts - double bass

Dave Watts holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance from McGill University and teaches double bass at Vanier College. He has played with several of Canada's best jazz musicians, including Jeff Johnston, Greg Amirault, Joel Miller, Bernard Primeau, Hugh Fraser and PJ Perry, and has toured Canada, France, Mexico and Asia. He has recorded over a dozen albums, accompanying artists such as Dorothée Berryman, Bernard Primeau, George Evans and Donny Kennedy. He recently completed a study program in New York with Rufus Reid and Johannes Weidenmuller, thanks to a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Richard Irwin - drums

Richard Irwin moved to Montreal to study jazz at McGill University and has since been an active member of several groups, including the Montréal Jazz Big Band, Vic Vogel's Le Jazz Big Band and Matt Herskowitz' ensemble, as well as performing with many other local artists. At the 2001 Montreal International Jazz Festival, he played with Vic Vogel and guest trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. He recently performed at the International Association of Jazz Educators' annual conference in Toronto, sharing the stage with artists such as Jane Bunnett, Hugh Fraser and Rob McConnell. In 2003, he was part of the show Simplement Marnay, accompanying several stars including Céline Dion. During the past five years he has been appearing regularly on tour with the Celtic rock group Hadrian's Wall. As a member of Vic Vogel's Big Band at the 2004 Francofolies de Montréal, he took part in the legendary Offenbach En fusion reunion. He is also featured on Johanne Blouin's recent album Until I Met You, with Vic Vogel's Big Band. He is presently pursuing studies in New York with Cindy Blackman, thanks to a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts.