Emie R. Roussel: TERR

Even after 15 years of creative synergy, the Montréal-based Emie R Roussel Trio continues to flex its creative muscles with sensitivity and sophistication. TERR seems to center around the common themes of togetherness and community, of what humanity shares and the spaces we co-inhabit. Emie R. Roussel on piano and keyboards with Nicolas Bédard on electric bass and Dominic Cloutier on drums. The trio balances interesting rhythms, piano riffs and airy atmospheres.

Though the first track is more conservative in its musical layering, "Trios lunes" dives into a more ethereal or spacey territory. Where the title track gets the album started with an approachable rhythm and more tune-centered performance, the second piece allows the group to morph into a sonic space unafraid to try a different blend. The tune sounds a bit like "Someone Like You" by Adele, but these are only flashes of similar note sequences—and it goes off in a completely different mood after the first minute or so.

Throughout, the album offers a strong meditative sound. That is not to say that the songs are overly quiet or contemplative, but they are almost self-reflective. "John rêve en noir et blanc" launches from an upbeat piano section and then mellows out, as if affecting a space film soundtrack. Slightly unsettling, the piece furthers the trio's move toward an astro-jazz blend. One can hear hints of Kamasi Washington, Sons of Kemet or The Comet Is Coming here and there in the keyboard parts. This "battle" between a more standard jazz style of playing and a loose, organic, futuristic style works well. Because it creates tension in the pieces, the compositions are charged with a more powerful air and an overall allure.

"Lueur des feuilles oubliées" mimics a Pat Metheny style with delicate grace. The piano playing might not be quite what Metheny would include in his material, but this sonic transition (if subtle) shows a good sense of dynamics and organization. Some artists use monotony and repetition to great effect, but pared-down variety also has its advantages. The last piece, "Klara Färdiga Gå," takes it even further with its very indie rock opening that then slides back into their previous space jazz style. It is this back-and-forth between differing tones that really energizes the material. The tunes themselves are fine, some more catchy than others, but the blend is what makes TERR a valuable project.