In "When I Take The Five," Montreal-based pianist and composer Marc Soucy presents a playful, jazz-infused instrumental piece that effortlessly balances sophistication and whimsy. At just under four minutes, the track embodies a breezy, almost cinematic quality, reminiscent of hopping aboard a train and watching the city blur by, one syncopated chord at a time.
Listeners who anticipate a straightforward jazz piece will be pleasantly surprised. Soucy's background in progressive rock subtly influences the arrangement through clever elements such as unconventional time signatures, adventurous modulations, and unexpected twists that encourage repeated listening.
However, at its core, "When I Take The Five" maintains a lightness that makes it feel effortless, even when the harmonic choices are anything but simple.
The title subtly references Dave Brubeck’s iconic "Take Five," but Soucy doesn’t simply replicate it; instead, he paves a new path while drawing on familiar elements. The piano is expressive yet understated, balancing careful composition and an effortless, spontaneous feel. It’s the piece you can sway to while enjoying a coffee or immerse yourself in while studying with headphones. This versatility is rare in a musically intricate composition.
What makes the track especially charming is its tone. It never takes itself too seriously, and there is joy in every measure and a subtle smile in every phrase. This reflects the artist’s dual musical journey: studying jazz piano while composing progressive rock and discovering unexpected connections between the two.
"When I Take The Five" is a stylish and bright instrumental that’s as relaxed as refined. Marc Soucy might be riding the train, but make no mistake, he’s the one driving it.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM | Marc Soucy's "When I Take The Five" on YouTube.
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