JazzLab Orchestra: Glissement du Temps

The JazzLab Orchestra has released its latest album, Slip of Time (Glissement du Temps), on April 10, 2026. Released via Effendi Records, the project commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Montreal-based collective and serves as a sonic exploration of memory and time.

The recording is characterized by a blend of polyrhythmic, polytonal, and impressionistic textures, utilizing a contemporary large-ensemble sound. The album consists of ten original compositions, though the distribution varies by format: seven pieces are available on CD, four on vinyl, and the full ten are accessible via the web.

Composition and Artistic Direction

The works on Slip of Time were written by leading members of the JazzLab Orchestra collective along with three renowned composers: François Bourassa, Gentiane MG, and Pierre de Bethmann. The ensemble’s approach to this project focuses on creating a diverse sound mosaic where rhythms, colors, and timbres are woven into fluid movements.

The track listing includes a variety of styles and contributions:

• Thanks Collier and the final piece of the album, both composed by drummer Michel Lambert.
• Amigos, a composition by François Bourassa.
• Murs de verre, an impressionistic piece by Gentiane MG.
• Outer Chamber, written by Erik Hove.
• Night Bus, a composition by saxophonist Claire Devlin that exceeds 11 minutes in length.
• EMT, an atonal composition by French composer Pierre de Bethmann.

Tribute and Legacy

Beyond its anniversary celebration, Slip of Time serves as a tribute to saxophonist Mario Allard, a vital member of the collective who passed away in early 2025. Specifically, Allard died in January 2025.

Allard’s musical contributions are integrated into the recording, with his playing featuring in two of the seven pieces. The collective describes his musical voice and spirit as being deeply embedded in the ensemble’s sound throughout the project.

Ensemble History and Performance

For two decades, the JazzLab Orchestra has operated as a driving force for musical creativity within Québec, Canada, and internationally, performing more than 500 international concerts. The collective is described as an ensemble with variable dimensions.

Following the release of the album on April 10, 2026, the orchestra has scheduled live performances in Québec. These include a concert at the Palais Montcalm de Québec on April 17, 2026, and another performance on April 30, 2026, at Dièze Onze.

The album is available for digital streaming and download in 16-bit/44.1kHz quality, providing a portrait of the group’s past and a vision for its future.