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l’Oumigmag Unveils Third Album, "Ce qui tourne dans l’air" l’Oumigmag, a jazz and avant-folk quintet based in Quebec, Canada led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Sébastien Sauvageau and recognized for its innovative and resolutely creative approach is set to mark the spring music season with the release of their highly anticipated third album, Ce qui tourne dans l’air, on Swiss label Ronin Rhythm Records (Nik Bärtsch, Kali Trio, Shibui). This album invites listeners on a unique sonic journey, exploring cyclic time and fiddle music tradition through powerful grooves and luminous soundscapes. A Musical Quest Rooted in Tradition, Looking to the Future Since its inception in 2017, l’Oumigmag has drawn inspiration from the poetry of northern landscapes and the richness of Quebec’s traditional music. The band’s name, meaning “muskox” in Inuktitut, evokes a mysterious animal from polar regions, symbolizing resilience and contemplative strength. With Ce qui tourne dans l’air, the group deepens its musical exploration, drawing influence from the cyclical grooves and musical philosophy of Nik Bärtsch, as well as the enveloping soundscapes of Portico Quartet and The Gloaming. The result is a bold fusion of contemporary jazz, traditional music, and electronic textures. Ce qui tourne dans l’air represents a perfect synthesis of roots and innovation. Carried by both contemplative and dynamic melodies, the album narrates a constant dialogue between echoes of the past and resonances of the future. The group integrates electronic treatments while remaining faithful to the essence of Quebec’s fiddle traditions. The album was recorded in September 2023 at Tonebender Studio in Montreal and features collaborations with contemporary sound masters: Studio Engineer: Sylvaine Arnaud Mixing: Greg Freeman (Portico Quartet, Hania Rani, Matthew Halsall) Mastering: Zino Mikorey (Nils Frahm, Ólafur Arnalds) l’Oumigmag is : Sébastien Sauvageau — Composition, guitar, vocals, synths, electronics Dâvi Simard — Fiddle, foot percussion Alex Dodier — Saxophone, bass clarinet, synths, sampler Stéphane Diamantakiou — Double bass, electric bass, synth bass Sam Joly — Drums, additional synths The process and inspiration of Ce qui tourne dans l’air - in depth The album’s philosophical and poetic inspiration is well captured in a quote from David Abram: “The cyclical metamorphosis of the distant past into the distant future, or of that-which-has-been into that-which-is-to-come, would seem to take place continually, in the depths far below the visible present, in that place where the unseen lands beyond the horizon seem to fold into the invisible density beneath our feet.” The album explores how past elements (traditional music), present experiences, and future innovations coexist and influence one another. Sauvageau’s compositional approach evolves with this album, moving away from a more programmatic style to focus on what the music itself has to say. The cyclical rhythms, timbres, and melodies inspired by traditional sources are at the heart of this exploration. The compositions touch on the ineffable, creating a presence that embraces the coexistence of different times and cycles that transcend human perception. The group cultivates an increased presence and a fuller sound than ever before. While Ce qui constelle maintains a clear connection to Champ d’étoiles from the album Habitant, the changing rhythm of the rhythm section on a 5:4 polyrhythm situates listeners in a completely new universe. Another highlight of the album is the track Ce qui tourne dans l’air, featuring the incomparable Erika Angell, an experimental Swedish singer known for her distinctive voice, performing lyrics written by Sauvageau.Ce qui surgit confirms the album’s more rock and pop energy compared to the band’s previous releases, with new rhythmic intensity, powerful grooves, and the seamless integration of synthesizers into the group’s sound. Fans of poignant melodies will not be disappointed by the album’s generous lyrical passages. Tracks such as Ce qui s’écoule and Ce qui persiste evoke the soundscapes of iconic 1980s ECM albums and Peter Gabriel’s So. Tracks like L’invisible de l’air and Ce qui ne veut pas s’éteindre push sonic exploration even further, using samples from other album tracks processed through step sequencers and granular synthesis. Each track on the album draws from traditional fiddle repertoire: Ce qui tourne dans l’air — Based on Le Capitaine from the repertoire of Harry Poitras (Baie Sainte-Catherine, Quebec) Ce qui persiste — Based on Rodrick’s Reel from the repertoire of Lawrence "Teddy Boy" Houle, a Métis fiddler from Ebb and Flow, Manitoba Ce qui surgit — Based on Le Reel de St-Michel, collected by accordionist Philippe Jetté in Saint-Côme, Quebec Ce qui constelle — Based on Les Marionnettes, a composition by American fiddler Lisa Ornstein Ce qui s’écoule — Based on a traditional 6/8 tune from Newfoundland Useful Links Private streaming link Band photo, visuals, liner notes, Wav & mp3 Website YouTube channel Bandcamp Release Dates February 10th - 1st single Ce qui persiste February 28th - 2nd single Ce qui tourne dans l'air (ft. Erika Angell) March 14th - 3rd single - Ce qui s'écoule Ce qui tourne dans l’air will be available on all digital platforms and in physical format starting April 11, 2025. |
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