St-Amour Cafe Des Solitudes CD

I developed a passion for the harmonica about 20 years ago. The instrument chose me one night, while attending a Bob Walsh concert with his harmonicist, Guy Belanger. I immediately knew that the harmonica and I would have a long lasting relationship. I have always wanted to be in perfect harmony with my instrument so I could add my harmonicas to music and lyrics. In fact, one of my goals was to associate myself to a songwriter in order to give a little extra to a song and add more emotion to it. That is quite a challenge because the relationship between a songwriter and a musician pushes the limits of the musical objectivity as well as make you understand your own emotions. Over the years, I felt the urge of leaving the traditional musical path that many tend to identify to the harmonica. The great value of freedom of expression, that is so dear to everyone but so difficult to set in motion, is also very important to the musician. The balance between the musical expression and the harassment of my neighbors' aural sense leads to the search of a harmony that allows expression at the edge of my comfort zone. In order to express myself musically, in a free and honest way, I hobbled towards various musical horizons. Through this process, which at times felt more like an escape, the soloist suddenly became a melodist. My sound has matured into a swifter and more ringing musical phrasing. Latino and African sounds blend in perfectly with my playing while the main melody remains occidental. The influence of rock guitarists is very present in my music. The dynamic of the songs are very guitar oriented. My musical project is based on diversity and emotion. Life has showered me with many pleasant surprises. One of them was a short detour in Western Canada where I lived for 3 years. Over there, I fell in love with the magnificent Prairies. That particular landscape was everything a freedom freak like me could ever hope for . The never-ending horizon, the constant winds, the wheat fields that turn into a blond ocean on windy days and the breath-taking sunsets , were all settings that greatly inspired me. As for my musical influences, Quebec band Les Colocs was a very important part of my musical evolution. The way Pat Esposito could create this urban music was an initiation to risk. In my opinion, Guy Belanger is without a doubt the harmonicist who can embody professionalism, emotion and authenticity. I regularly go back to his music so I can reconnect to the essential. Jimmy Bourgouing, Les Colocs' former drummer and founding member of Travelling Band, wrote another page in my career through his kindness. Not too long ago, I was juggling with the idea of giving up but by his kind words, he managed to encourage me and led me to this album project, Cafe des solitudes. Guy Belanger, whose encouragements and generosity has allowed me to see a light at the end of the tunnel, has also helped me believe in myself and given me the strength to go on. Finally, my fortuitous meeting with Sylvain Charest, sound engineer and outstanding multi-instrumentalist, was undoubtedly, the end of a chaotic road and the beginning of a wonderful collaboration as well as an authentic friendship. This association has led me to a road paved with creativity and innovation. Through his coaching, his friendship and his advice, he has allowed me to push my musical limits even further. This musical complicity has brought me to peace with the musical universe Sylvain