Jean Derome, a cornerstone of the Québécois experimental scene and a founding father of the iconic Ambiances Magnétiques label, returns with a masterful new recording: Le sourire. Performed by his all-star ensemble, Somebody Special, the album is a deep, charismatic dive into the eccentric songbook of the legendary soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy.

Reimagining a “Genius” Legacy

Following the success of their 2019 debut, Derome and his quintet continue to explore the sophisticated and often avant-garde repertoire of Steve Lacy (1934—2004). Known for setting diverse literary texts to music, Lacy’s work is notoriously difficult to capture, yet Derome approaches it with a perfect blend of reverence and “Deromean” playfulness.

Le sourire features settings of texts by literary giants such as Samuel Beckett, Anna Akhmatova, Robert Creeley, and Judith Malina. The music glides between boisterous energy and tender candor, remaining firmly rooted in jazz while constantly pushing its boundaries.

A Montréal All-Star Lineup

To bring this vision to life, Derome (on alto sax, bass flute, and vocals) has assembled a “who’s who” of Montréal’s finest:

Karen Young: The legendary vocalist who effortlessly navigates Lacy’s complex melodies with veteran agility.

Alexandre Grogg: Providing dense, elegant, and bold piano work.

Normand Guilbeault (bass) & Pierre Tanguay (drums): Derome’s longtime trio partners who provide the swinging, angular foundation.

Between Tradition and the Unknown

Jean Derome, a recipient of six prix Opus Awards, has spent 50 years defying categorization. In Le sourire, one can hear fleeting echoes of Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, and even the mischievous songcraft of Carla Bley. Yet, the result is irrefutably original — a taut, charismatic variant of jazz that “strives to astonish in the noblest sense of the word.”