Remi Bolduc: 4 + 1 with Jerry Bergonzi

Alto saxophonist Remi Bolduc, a professional musician since the age of fifteen, is rather well known in his native Canada, where he has worked with bandleader Vic Vogel, pianists Oliver Jones and Lorraine Desmarais, the late drummer Bernard Primeau and guitarist René Lussier. He has also played gigs with Americans such as bassist Marc Johnson, guitarist Ben Monder and pianist Andy Milne. Bolduc spent time in America studying with fellow alto player Steve Coleman and later with pianist Kenny Werner, the latter courtesy of a 2000 grant, which resulted in his 2003 recording for Justin Time (Tchat) with Werner as his pianist. In addition, Bolduc has taught jazz in several Canadian universities. His third CD for Effendi as a leader includes his regular quartet with pianist John Roney, bassist Fraser Hollins and drummer David Laing. Veteran tenor saxophonist and fellow jazz educator Jerry Bergonzi is a guest, providing an excellent foil.

Bolduc composed and arranged eight of the ten songs, all of which take unexpected routes, keeping the listener on edge. The leader's tense "Mr. Coleman" (a salute to Bolduc's former teacher) is a constantly shape-shifting post-bop vehicle while "Camille Gentilele" is a lush ballad with parts that sound as if derived from a classical theme. "In Love Like Someone" is an amazing reworking of the changes to the standard "Like Someone in Love," with the two saxophonists negotiating its demanding lines without a slip. Bergonzi scored the two standards heard in this session. "I Remember You" starts in a conventional bop setting but progresses into an intricate, fiery duo workout by the two saxophonists. The miniature setting of "Just Friends" is even more complex, a delightful duet sans rhythm section.