“WHEN I TAKE THE FIVE” By Marc Soucy

More than simply an uncovered piece from the archives, Marc Soucy’s “When I Take The Five” is a snapshot of a live musical performance from 1983, which has just now been made available along with a video, showcasing Soucy’s early days as a composer and storyteller. This capture is a testament to Soucy's vivid creativity and self-exploration through music during that time. The smooth yet captivating combination of jazz and rock performed by the trio, including Jeff Carano on bass and the drummer Ray Lavigne, is enchanting. Additionally, “When I Take The Five” also highlights regional cool jazz vibes alongside electric grand piano sounds, thus making it part of the jazz legacy while also hinting toward Soucy’s future as a progressive and electronic composer.

Right from the start, there is a gentle balance in the trio’s interplay. With Soucy’s own words, “In this case, I performed solely on my vintage Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano. I left out the usual synthesizers and organs that I have used in my other works, especially the Antarctica pieces.” This choice reduces the music to its fundamentals, enhancing the bond between the artists and their instruments. Carano’s bass walks are sharp and precise, full of elegant swing, while Lavigne’s drumming provides a flexible cohesion. There is a high degree of mutual understanding amongst the musicians, allowing them to respond to one another’s prompts without dominating the conversation.

The track title “When I Take The Five” is a clever homage to both Dave Brubeck’s iconic “Take Five” alongside the I-5 interstate, as the highway runs through the west coast of the United States. This duality reflects the music’s blend of tradition with exploration. Soucy's piece may not be as rhythmically daring as Brubeck's, but his harmonically playful approach does deliver a laid-back, jazzy groove perfect for an interstate cruise. Even if the video is old, its vintage nature is still sophisticatedly put together to match the tone, a warm lighting paired with subtle camera angles enhances the trio’s performance and camaraderie instead of overshadowing it.

From a stylistic lens, this track stands out in Soucy’s considerable body of work. While he gained recognition for progressive rock or electronic music, this jazz-only piece, as a division, highlights a different side of him. This serves as a reminder of Soucy's roots stemming from his extensive study of jazz piano and love for intricate music. The construction of the song may be free-form, but it is methodical, giving the musicians sufficient room to delve into the spirit while bounded by overarching themes. There is an evident jubilance in the playing, a buoyancy that adds an effortless frankness yet maintains a determined clarity throughout.

For fans of Marc Soucy's intricate and synth-rich works, “When I Take The Five” presents a stunning surprise. It does not require production gowns or studio makeup, instead, it preserves the unrefined beauty of a moment in time, providing a glimpse of a mid-development artist. His hands danced effortlessly over the keys, almost as if the music was flowing from within him, which explains why he turned into such a revered Boston music producer and composer, booming out of Boston studios like the B room of the Renaissance Recording Company.

Jeff Carano and Ray Lavigne also deserve accolades for their exceptional work. The way Carano handles the bass emerges with both rhythmic and melodic levels, while Lavigne's drumming is artistically restrained but incredibly powerful. Their chemistry with Soucy is that of a timeless trio that recreates the magic and beauty of musicians, allowing their creativity to intertwine without restrictions, reminding us how beautiful music can be when played together.

In the end, “When I Take The Five” captures a jazz-rock nostalgia not as nostalgia but the subtle power of an artist’s beginnings. Marc Soucy's early inspirations gained through curiosity and talent can now be accessed on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and all major streaming services. This release invites everyone to experience his journey of merging different styles with soul. This performance is truly a treasured experience and will captivate any jazz or fusion devotee as well as first-time listeners.

Written by Manuel