Ariane Racicot Ignites the Jazz World with Bold Fusion Album Danser avec le feu

​Montreal-based pianist and composer Ariane Racicot is making waves in the jazz scene with her innovative fusion of genres in her second album, Danser avec le feu (Dancing with Fire), released on February 21, 2025. ​

Album Overview

Following her acclaimed debut, Envolée, Racicot continues to push musical boundaries by blending jazz, Latin rhythms, classical influences, progressive rock, and metal. The album features eight original compositions that explore themes of resilience, environmental anxiety, and joie de vivre. Collaborating with electric bassist Antoine Rochefort and drummer Guillaume Picard, Racicot creates a dynamic and textured soundscape that reflects her diverse musical influences. ​

Track Highlights

• "Avant la tempête": This opening track transitions from melodic, classical-inspired piano to intense improvisations, setting the tone for the album's fusion of styles. ​

• "Going For A Walk": A playful melody where Racicot's piano intertwines with Rochefort's Latin rhythms, showcasing the trio's versatility. ​

• "Dancing With Fire": The title track exemplifies the group's energy, featuring rapid improvisations propelled by Picard's vigorous rhythms and Rochefort's robust basslines. ​

Critical Reception

The album has garnered positive reviews for its inventive approach and technical prowess. Paris-Move praises Racicot's artistry, describing the music as "a world fully formed, a bold assertion of personality," and notes the "astonishing precision of her arrangements." ​

Making A Scene highlights the blend of genres, stating that Racicot's compositions "paint pictures with sounds," offering listeners "great comfort and peace" alongside moments of "emotion, drama, beauty, and bluster."

Live Performances

To celebrate the album's release, Racicot and her trio held a launch event at Montreal's Cabaret Lion d'Or on February 26, 2025. The performance featured a mix of pieces from Envolée and new tracks from Danser avec le feu, delivering an engaging experience that captivated the audience. ​

About Ariane Racicot

Ariane Racicot's musical journey is characterized by a rich blend of classical training and diverse genre influences. Her work reflects a commitment to innovation and storytelling, drawing inspiration from artists like Tigran Hamasyan, Hiromi Uehara, and Avishai Cohen. In 2022-2023, she was honored with the Radio-Canada Revelation Prize in Jazz, a testament to her growing influence in the jazz community. ​

Track Listing for Danser avec le feu

1. Avant la tempête​

2. Going For A Walk​

3. Dancing With Fire​

4. There Is Some Hope​

5. Chez-moi​

6. Canicules​

7. I Have Doubts​

8. Après la tempête​

Danser avec le feu exemplifies Ariane Racicot's dedication to musical exploration and her ability to seamlessly integrate various influences into a cohesive and compelling jazz narrative.