Contrevent - "Jeu de Paume" (1985)

Contrevent was the theme a couple of weeks ago, and today I take a look at their first album, Jeu de Paume as my Quebecan theme continues. The album's title refers to an old French ball game that resembles tennis a little bit. Readers with a good memory may recall that Marc Vallée, the founder of Contrevent and its principal composer, gave me two records as a parting gift when I returned to Sweden from Quebec. Jeu de Paume was the second of these, and this one was also unopened. When I last night cautiously opened the plastic that enclosed the LP and let it out to taste the world it was almost like giving birth to a baby. (Yes, now I think I know how it is to be a woman).

It was then a very special feeling to put the LP on the turntable, knowing that it had been enclosed in its packaging for 26 years and never felt the sharp tip of the pickup. This was a moment to remember. I think the LP was happy to finally spread its sound across the universe and losing its virginity. Maybe it was disappointed that it was beig played at a cheap Pioneer amp and an even cheaper Sony turntable, on the other hand, it had nothing to compare with.

The music on Jeu de Paume is hard to define. Contrevent consisted of five members who played bass, guitar, drums, cello and vibraphone (Marc was responsible for the guitar) which means it's a special and unique sound. All the songs are instrumentals and I experience the music as very gentle. The cello, the vibraphone, and (usually) an acoustic guitar create a soundscape that's relatively soft. Marc Vallee has composed all the songs, except D'eau which François Beausoleil has written, but just like on the album Youkali Marc is in no way dominating the album. On the contrary, I would say that if any instrument often is dominating it's the cello or the vibraphone. I think this shows Marc's humility as a musician and as a human being, which also is the impression I got from him on a personal level. It also suggests that it was the music that was in focus for Marc during his time in Contrevent, not being the star. The song L'Inachevée gives us the honor of hearing Marc perform a song by himself, though.

There is no doubt that the members of Contrevent were all very talented musicians, and some of them have had a continued musical career. If someone forces me to define the music perhaps it would be jazz-prog-world-fusion, which of course is a perfectly clear term. An alternative term could be progressive elevator music, as it's pretty easy going but at the same time fairly complex. It is a diverse album with many good songs. As mentioned the sound is quite gentle and no one will be provoced by what is heard. However, I think many may be impressed by the songs and the musicians' skills.

It may be mentioned that the Jeu de Paume was the only Contrevent record as drummer Michel Dufour participated on. In the following Youkali he was replaced by Charles Paradis.

Today Marc composes a lot of music for plays and television productions in Quebec, he is also a member of Beatles Baroque, an ensemble that plays Beatles songs on classical instruments. They perform regularly in North America. He has also released an album with Marc Vallée Trio. The ones interested can read more on his website http://marcvallee.ca/marc_vallee/welcome.html

Conclusion: Jeu de Paume is another album from the city of Quebec that can be recommended. I am very pleased that it is part of my collection. Congratulations to those who find it!


Tracklist
Side A
1. Acoustifunk 3:30
2. Jeu de Paume 6:40
3. L'Inachevée 7:00

Side B
1. Crème de Menthe 4:19
2. La Chanterelle 4:50
3. D'eau 4:15
4. Brum et Glace 5:06