I somehow came across Marc Soucy’s “When I Take The Five” and it was like going back in time to a jazz club, except for one magical difference. In 1983 This Boston-based trio recorded this this track with, Marc Soucy on electric grand piano, Jeff Carano on bass and Ray Lavigne on drums and you feel the excitement instantly throughout the track. I’m a big fan of tracks that have a live sound and this one is a real soulmate for me.
Soucy is inspired by Dave Brubeck’s famous sound, using the style but letting his individuality shine through in small parts of the song. The electric grand piano shines, bringing out wonderfully intricate melodies that dance alongside Carano’s bass parts and Lavigne’s drumming. It’s actually a discussion between friends, all recorded on analog tape and left untouched, so any character is in the mix. You notice how music can unite them, recorded in their hometown of Lowell, and it’s truly exciting.
The personal element really stood out to me. Soucy sees it as a step forward, a way to explore jazz after spending most of his music history in progressive rock. It seems he is letting you step into those special moments, where each note feels you are trusting in something new. The track brings to mind the ’80s jazz atmosphere but in a current sound.
It’s a song I play when I’m thinking about where I’ve grown and how I’ve changed. Together with a tribute video to his band, it shows how much he values his friends and music. “When I Take The Five” means I can never forget what jazz has always been for me—breathing, present and amazing.
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