John Roney - St-Henri (2014)

John Roney: piano; Rémi-Jean Leblanc: electric bass; Damien Schmitt: drums.

The third trio recording of John Roney, this new album is an exploration of new sounds and new dimensions in today's music. There are elements and influences of classical music, drum 'n' bass, groove, swing, electronica, and free music - all combined into what can only be described as 'jazz'. The listener is taken on a journey through the familiar, and through the unknown, into the vast depths of each member's own musical experiences. The arrangements are complex, yet fun, and showcase the subtle virtuosity of each member. However, the result is an exciting album which is much greater than the sum of its parts.

All three members of the group are virtuosi of their respective instruments, constantly active on the international scene. Fortunately, January of 2011 would find them all living within blocks of each other in the same small neighbourhood of St.Henri - in south-central Montreal. The music on this album is hence a reflection of the time spent living, hanging and making music in this particular quartier, and the sounds that represent its diverse urban mosaic. Funky, fresh, hard-edged, bold, sophisticated, playful, and fun - the music is always grooving, and the band is slamming.