The “Quintet” is missing from the cover, but the music is also different than usual. Claude, the latest and fifth album by jazz bassist Carl Mayotte, is dedicated to modern fusion jazz. Nevertheless, the Canadian recorded it with the same musicians who have accompanied him for years in the Carl Mayotte Quintet. You can hear it.

Claude is a modern album that oscillates between fusion and prog jazz (if such a thing already exists). Odd meters as in Loretteville, complex structures and tempo as in Comme te dire adieu, but also melodic passages and pieces – such as the title track Claude or Studio 56 – create a lot of variety over the almost 41 minutes of playing time.

Carl Mayotte is joined on this album by Stéphane Chamberland on drums, guitarist Gabriel Cyr, saxophonist and keyboardist Damien-Jade Cyr, and Francis Grégoire on additional keyboards.

What is striking throughout the performance is the natural way in which the musicians play together and respond to each other. No matter what the challenges of a composition may be, it is performed with such ease that amazement is an acceptable reaction.

It is also impressive how relaxed the quintet is in blending jazz with rock, Latin, and the lightness of pop performances. The pieces are accessible, even when they become more complex, and are carried by a stable groove that provides orientation. This can sometimes sound pleasing, as in 4 novembre or London Underground, which, incidentally, ends with a surprising dash of humor.

Thanks are also due to the sound engineer who mastered Claude. The album serves up a lot of detail on its spacious stage, delightful clarity, fine positioning of the musicians, and rich punch from the sound cellar. The result?

With so much sunshine and good cheer, Claude is unquestionably recommended as a musical harbinger of spring. Enjoy! (Thomas Semmler, HighResMac)

Carl Mayotte, bass
Stéphane Chamberland, drums
Damien-Jade Cyr, saxophones, keyboards
Gabriel Cyr, guitar
Francis Grégoire, keyboards