Play

The album features seven original tunes and three reworkings or arrangements, and is his third recording since embarking on his solo project LE BAND (apart from UZEB). It is a testament to both his talents as a composer and his daring feats of world-reknowned bass playing. (He has consistently been rated one of the top ten bassists in the world by the prestigious American magazine BASS PLAYER)

LE BAND has changed somewhat since its previous outing: the core group now consists of: Otmaro Ruiz (California/Venezuela) on keyboards, and stalwart buddy Paul Brochu on drums. To this basic trio is added on various invited guests such as Toronto tenor saxophonist Phil Dwyer, local heros François d’Amours on alto sax and Luc Boivin on percussion, as well as a full horn section. All of it came together beautifully at Montreal’s Studio Tempo under Alain’s skilled direction.

For this recording, Alain wished to underline the playful aspects of his music: the serious “playing” of the music, as well as the more fun “interactive” aspects: the improvisation, the trading of solos, and the pure joy of playing together. Thus, the title, PLAY.

During the last two years, Alain has worked mainly outside of Québec, performing and giving masterclasses. He is well-known for his virtuosity and drive, and has often been feted with honors and prizes: here in Montreal he was given his own invitational series during the 1996 edition of the International Jazz Festival – five nights, carte blanche – at the Monument National. Canada’s JAZZ REPORT Magazine has named Alain, for five consecutive years now, top electric bassist in the country.