MICHEL NORMANDEAU

In 1976 Michel Normandeau parted ways with Serge Fiori and the Harmonium project. That did not mean he was done with music just yet. In 1979 he released what would turn out to be be his only solo album - Jouer. On the album, you'll be happy to find guest contributions by the ex-Harmonium members Pierre Daigneault (sax) and Serge Locat (keys, mainly synths). Now let's talk about the contents. Jouer is one of those albums that instantly transport you to a different place. The pastoral, romantic and sappy sound takes you for a walk through snowy, abandoned streets of a French town, while delicate timbres of the the acoustic guitar and the accordion paint a picture full of bittersweet nostalgic landscapes, sometimes bursting into lively jazzy choruses full of hope, while other times becoming darker, more intimate, stripped down to just the grand piano. Normandeau's vocal work is really great and even though I don't speak French, I buy the vibe mainly due to his genuine and soulful delivery. The guitar work on Jouer is astonishingly beautiful, and the virtuoso level piano/e-piano work provided by Michel Normandeau and company creates that unmistakable folk/fusion atmosphere. Other instruments serve as kind of a "sonic spice" that elevates the album's tracks to great heights. They never really take control of the arrangement, driving it out of balance, but rather stay in the perfect spot in the background. Jouer manages to sound super familiar to a Harmonium fan's ear while at the same time being more laid-back and playful, bringing forward Michel Normandeau's ideas, which to be frank, I really wish there was more of on L'Heptade.

I highly recommend this album.