Claude St-Jean is a uniter, not a divider. Some, particularly those who live in the land south of Quebec and have inured themselves to political double-talk, might view such a claim with justifiable skepticism. The proof resides in “Vue,” the second Les Projectionnistes disc, which you have hopefully slipped into your CD player while turning the volume up to a respectable level.

In the musical vignettes of Les Projectionnistes you will hear many divergent strains: St-Jean’s love of brass bands (as most clearly displayed in L’Orkestre des Pas Perdus) and film soundtracks (noir atmospheres and frenetic chase scenes included), but also modal jazz, Raymond Scott-styled eccentric cartoonishness, scorching Hendrixian guitar rock, avant-garde textures, tight funk horn riffing, some Hammond B3 flavors, a Latin tinge, and maybe even a bit of punk for good measure. But “Vue” is no random pastiche of sounds thrown together willy-nilly; rather, it’s another example of St-Jean’s ability to unite. Les Projectionnistes merge all of the aforementioned influences and more together into a unique and singular sound, one that seems utterly familiar because you have heard these stylistic antecedents before, but never combined together in quite the same way. Ear-catching melodies, clever arrangements, monster grooves, killer chops, sensitivity, and subtlety are all part of the puzzle, yet all fit together seamlessly, such that the lines between the puzzle pieces disappear from view.

Les Projectionnistes includes some of Montreal’s top musicians, whose roots can be found in the city’s “musique actuelle” scene that goes back literally decades. One of musique actuelle’s most noteworthy qualities has been its artists’ dedication to exploring new musical territories together, in true collaborations that bring out the best in individuals while frowning on self-indulgence.

Yet, in discussing multiple genres and styles and the many communities and musicians joining together in the creative process, it mustn’t be forgotten that music is ultimately experienced by individual listeners, one person at a time. As you read these words, perhaps “Vue” has begun filling your ears and you have already discovered how effortlessly Les Projectionnistes can bring the mind, heart, and body of the listener together as one. To borrow a line from Cole Porter, Claude St-Jean and his band make music that is aimed at “the east, west, north and the south of you.” They hit their target, and surely creating this final bit of unity is their most important achievement of all.

Dave Lynch, AMG