Re: ALC16 #18: II by Jean-Michel Blais

mickilennial — Wed, 8 Jun 2016 12:14:54 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 06/08/2016 16:14

Yeah, this is definitely accessible and light— but I’m not in agreeance that it being exceptional as a whole at all. The improvisations don’t feel like improvisations at all and the most common thought on my mind when listening to this album was “I feel like I’m on a train or in a saloon” which I don’t know is a particular good thought to have throughout. In fact, the songs here feel simplistic without much interesting movements going on at all with the exception of the fourth track, “Nostos”. Had the rest of this album been more in line with that piece then maybe I would be singing a different tune.

ALC16 #18: II by Jean-Michel Blais

RockyRaccoon — Wed, 8 Jun 2016 11:41:22 GMT

Author: RockyRaccoon

Posted: 06/08/2016 15:41

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

II by Jean-Michel Blais

Sorry for the delay (again).

This is an album I love, here's what I wrote about it on my chart:

Quote:

While this album is only 27 minutes long, it leaves a major impact. Jean-Michel Blais spent two years improvising on his piano every day, and the result is this album. If I had any criticism of this album, it's that I wish it was longer, because each track is so excellently done. Blais' music is accessible, light, and melodic, but still effective. While the piano is the main focus of this album, there are all kinds of other things that Blais adds, whether it's some field recordings, a little cello, whatever he adds just makes the song that much more interesting. Sometimes cinematic-sounding albums can be a little slow, soundtracks are obviously meant to accompany something else, and this album could easily work as a soundtrack, but it's a rewarding listen on its own as well. It's calming and beautiful.

Best Ever Albums

Re: ALC16 #18: II by Jean-Michel Blais

ALC16 #18: II by Jean-Michel Blais