HOMEWORKS VOL. 1 - 2001-2002

Although this is listed as the first official volume of Sébastien Gramond, this is not the first 'Homeworks' installation Gramond, from a chronological perspective. Cutting into the new millennium with many albums already made, Gramond continued to be prolific throughout much of the '00s decade, and 'Volume I' of Gramond's best-of series summarizes his musical output over the course of two years. While a good listen all in all, it does feel as if this compilation lacks some of the variety that others have, making for a less engaging product, but a nice sampler of music from this era in Gramond's music all the same.

The majority of the music here is mostly instrumental in nature, and quite drawn out at that. This is where the compilation both distinguishes, and weakens itself when compared to the other compilations. While there can be a very definite theme in the music heard here and a greater sense of cohesion, that was never what the purpose of these compilations was ever about. All in all, I look to the 'Homeworks' series as an overview of the music, and judge them based on how well they represent the period in question, as well as how interesting they are. The music here is quite good for what it is, but it does feel like the other aspects of Gramond's music he made during this period aren't represented as much as they should have been.

Musically, the sound here relies heavily upon Gramond and his ability to improvise leads on various instruments. The formula here is generally a backing track that remains mostly the same throughout, with Gramond noodling overtop. While this might sound weak on paper, he does make it work beautifully at times, with the longer jams being especially well done.

Not the best possible representation of the man's music during this period, but a fairly enjoyable collection of tracks nontheless.