“Blind” is the second album for singer/songwriter Jeffrey Piton, and his first in English (including two French tracks). But it’s the debut release in French that was the deviation from the norm for him. “I’ve always sung in English”, he tells me. “I’d never really sung in French before doing ‘La Voix’,” he adds, “so this record is me returning to my slightly used slippers, so to speak.”
He casually drops in that mention of his participation on the popular TV show’s first season, but it’s not mentioned in his press release at all, so I get the feeling he doesn’t want to be tied to the show that much. “It was great for all the contacts I made,” he says, “but unless you win, the show releases you almost immediately after.” Stronger from the experience but unshackled by any contractual ties, Jeffrey Piton is now working on building his career on his own terms.
His album “Blind” feature nine songs that are best described as laid back, even for the more uptempo numbers. There’s a peaceful (easy) feeling that inhabits Jeffrey Piton’s music, a sort of musical state of zen that oozes out of the speakers. It’s the perfect soundtrack to a quiet evening alone on the porch, lost in the music.
Lyrically, the singer/songwriter says he draws inspiration from the people around him. “Often, something will happen to my friends and they’ll say ‘is this going to end up in a song?'” he recalls laughing. To describe the album musically, I’d say that the 3rd (and latest) single, “Panorama”, reminds me a bit of Alfa Rococo, while the leading track “On My Own” recalls The Lumineers at times. His music is definitely soft pop, but infused with hints of folk and country.
Piton’s arrangements are as simple as they need to be, providing an musical bed that lets his soft voice take center stage. The production by David Laflèche and Connor Seidel (Charlotte Cardin, Matt Holubowski, Soran) is clean and organic, shying away from electronic sounds. There’s still a richness in the instrumentation used that serves the songs very well.
Worthy of mention is the album cover, that will inspire nostalgia or dread, depending if you’re old enough to remember using cassettes. “I was just on a retro kick,” he comments laughing. “Maybe we should release it on that format!”
Jeffrey Piton will have his launch party at Le Ministère on May 23rd 2019 at 8PM. Tickets are on sale here. Jeffrey will play most of “Blind” solo, and has a few surprises up his sleeve. Don’t miss this chance for an intimate performance by this talented up coming artist.
He's also a regular contributor at the excellent news site Montreal Rampage
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