Misinterpretations
About the album “Misinterpretations”
The title itself can be easily misinterpretated, so let me explain.
The whole album revolves around music that goes somewhere, never knowing exactly where it’s going to go. In short: it takes the listener for a ride. Sometimes an abrupt change happens for no apparent reason, but most of the time the changes are gradual and the musicians make it ”fit”.
Another reason for the album title is the presence of polyrythms and polytonalties. In this case we can even speak of polymelodies. Polyrythms happen when there are many time signatures or rythms going on at once. Polytonalities is maybe a little more subtle, but there are plenty on Misinterpretations, for example on the title track there is almost a constant layering of different keys played together. The result is often perceived as dissonances, but it’s all part of the plan.
Next thing that stands out in this album is the use of odd meters. For example, it is not uncommon for Dyalek to play comfortably in 5, 7 or 13 beats per measure. It’s not important for the listener to know this because there is still the presence of a pulse throughout the music.
A big element of the album is of course improvisation. In every tune there is at least some room left for improvising. Sometimes there are improvised sections which can expand and almost become a new entity of its own. The result is that the music is different every single time.
The album Misinterpretations is recorded live off the floor. No overdubbing was made except for the trumpet on See One. Everything else is done in real time with no special effects added. The core of the band is Denis Haché (piano) and Andrew Letourneau (drums). The rest of the musicians on the record are special guests who contribute to the overall feel and sound of the album.
The guest musicians are:
- Linsey Wellman—Saxophone
- Pierre-Guy Blanchard—Vibraphone
- Sébastien Michaud—Bass and trumpet
The album was produced by Dyalek, recorded by Jason Jaknunas and Léandre Bourgeois, and mixed and mastered by Jason Jaknunas in Ottawa.