Sibylle by Martin Maheux Circle

31 Jan

Written by Richard Bourcier
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While this writer usually avoids writing about musical styles with which he is unfamiliar, an exception had to be made here.

Unicorn Digital sent along a couple of new discs and this one struck a chord. Drummer Martin Maheux heads a group that combines elements of jazz fusion, chamber music and progressive rock.

A blend of jazz quartet and string quartet, the Maheux group adds a pair of cellos. The total effect is captivating. Martin Maheux is a young Quebecer, born in the village of Saint Jules de Beauce where he studied piano. During his teenage years he moved to Montreal where he switched to drums and mentored with Paul Brochu, one of Canada’s top fusion drummers. At the University of Montreal, Maheux further his musical education earning a diploma in Jazz Interpretation.

The year of 1997 found Martin Maheux with the progressive/jazz/rock outfit Spaced Out who recorded two albums. A remarkable percussionist, Maheux formed his own jazz group in 2001 recording Physic Of Lights for the Unicorn label.

Sibylle is his latest project and its appeal is wide enough to catch the ear of this old Dixielander. I loved the track titled "Metamorphose" and the delicate trumpet intro. Pianist, Eric St-Jean, gets a chance to shine along with bassist Frederic Grenier and the drummer leader. The result is fine jazz with a definite difference. The label’s web site offers MP3 samples. If you’re a fan of progressive fusion, this deserves a listen.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Martin Maheux Circle
CD Title: Sibylle
Genre: Fusion
Year Released: 2006
Record Label: Unicorn
Tracks: Tergiversation, Mauvais Cirque, Aller Simple, Metamorphose, La Danse Des Cadavres, Resignation.
Musicians: Martin Maheux (drums), Martine Gaumond (violin), Sarah Ouelet (alto violin), Catherine Lesaulnier (cello), Jeremie Cloutier (cello), Frederic Grenier (bass), Ivanoe Jolicoeur (trumpet), Eric St-Jean (piano)
Label Website: http://www.unicorndigital.com
Rating: Three Stars