JACQUES BLAIS - THÈMES

4.5 stars. This was love at first listen. Jacques Blais is such an interesting story. He's a self taught guitarist from Quebec with his own unique style. He fascinated audiences, and soon fellow musicians and those in the recording business were coming out to see him play and sing. It wasn't until 1974 though that he got down to business and recorded his songs. He was so impressed with CONTRACTION's debut that he asked their bass player Yves Laferriere to produce his first record. It wasn't long before the CONTRACTION band were part of the recording process, backing him up. This is a Jacques Blais solo album called "Themes" to be clear.

"Le Theme" opens with Jacques' wordless vocals and acoustic guitar and soon Christiane is adding her wordless vocals as Jacques starts to sing. Beautiful is the word and I'm reminded of HARMONIUM. Such a good contrast when the drums, bass and electric guitar kick in at 1 1/2 minutes. No vocals here. A calm with piano before 4 minutes as Christiane returns vocally and it's so moving before 5 1/2 minutes. I didn't mention that two of the musicians play solina on this record which adds atmosphere and more.

"Sept Quatre" explodes out of the gate with wordless male vocals, nervous guitar expressions, along with bass and drums. Lots of energy here. Some ripping guitar on this one. "Les Matin" features Christiane's brother on flute. Tender vocals and a folky vibe for around 2 1/2 minutes, then electric guitar, drums and more arrive, again providing a great contrast of sounds. "Ascencoeur" opens with solina floating along before the guitars take over. Yes we get acoustic and electric together and man this is impressive.

"Vrai Ou Fou" opens with guitar that can only be described as avant sounding before it turns melodic and fluid with vocal expressions in tow. Back to the experimental guitar as drums kick in this time. So good as they are on fire here after 3 minutes. "Ta's Des Nuages" is good with the vocals and strummed guitar to start, along with bass and drums. Mid-paced with some piano and vocal melodies. "Bord En Bar" has these vocal expressions from Christiane as well as active drumming with guitar and bass. The closer has wordless vocals from Jacques crying out. Earlier the guitar and piano solo over that rhythm section.

I'm not sure exactly why I'm so into this album, but the guitar is different and I like wordless vocals. Having the CONTRACTION band here is huge as well. This is my favourite of the CONTRACTION and related albums.

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to Mellotron Storm
• Report this review (#3064283)
• Buy CONTRACTION music online with PA partners
• Show all CONTRACTION MP3/Stream
• Go to CONTRACTION page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Jacques Blais - Thèmes page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for CONTRACTION related discussions