Myriam Gendron – Mayday LP

Description

LP version. Maydayis the third LP by Montreal-based artist,Myriam Gendron. It follows her earlier, critically acclaimed albums,Not So Deep As A Well(2014) andMa Dlire: Songs Of Love, Lost & Found(2021). Myriam began exploring the complex folk traditions of Quebec (and beyond), withMa dlire, which combines traditional and original songs with arrangements that make space for avant-garde musical interludes by such folks as guitaristBill Nace(Body/Head) and renowned jazz percussionistChris Corsano.Maydaypresents an even more syncretic fusion of the elements Myriam uses to create her sound. Most of the songs are original, sung in both English and French, and they blend traditional and avant elements with abandon. She is often accompanied on this album by the guitaristMarisa Andersonand drummerJim White(Dirty Three,Xylouris White), whose work provides a quietly aggressive sort of free-rock base. Additional players include Montreal bassistCdric Dind-Lovie, Bill Nace and saxophonistZoh Amba.Maydayis a thoroughly thrilling effort that manages to create new vistas of sound while maintaining a feel that is both intimate and familiar. The music here certainly possesses a richly serious tone, but Myriam Gendron (likeLeonard Cohen) is able to infuse her darkness with a subtle, powerful light that reminds listeners that even the most pitch-black night is but a transitional state. Beautiful work. Recorded at home and at Hotel2Tango withHoward BilermanandShea Brossard. Mastered byHarris Newman.