Chronique du Japon

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MARIE-PIERRE ARTHUR - Marie-Pierre Arthur (2009)

As the sun rises and one struggles to get out of bed, Marie-Pierre Arthur (vocals, bass, guitar, piano) alongside François Lafontaine (piano, harmonium, acoustic guitar, backing vocals), Louis-Jean Cormier (guitars, lap steel, banjo, bass, backing vocals), Olivier Langevin (electric guitar, lap steel, backing vocals), Robbie Kuster (drums, percussion, backing vocals and Guido del Fabbro and Mélanie Auclair (cordes) provide an clear catalyst to start again and charge fully through the day as 11 tracks fuel you in your exploratory preparations for a most wondrous night ahead.

“Déposer les armes” is just the alarm clock you want to awake to with its shimmering swirling keys repeating lightly over and over ever so gently, but still strongly as Marie-Pierre’s angelic voice floating above it all as it builds mightily with you up and into that shower, bright-eyed and motivated. Turning off the water and looking at your to-do list and clothes to wear, “Elle” briskly walks you through those decisions as you sip your coffee or tea with a noticeable slight, yet bright smile effortlessly covers your face as you peruse over your enticing to do list.

Walking out that door and relishing your surroundings, “Droit devant” wondrously baths in its ode to discovery. Catching your eye on a side street, the peeking minimalist stroll “Ma tête à off” gives you direction to a shop for costume assistance. The sheer jubilation of grand finds becomes evident in the happy bounce of “Pourquoi,” giving you momentum and more creative ideas. Stopping at a café to admire your purchase and emerging creative enthusiasm, the slow lap steel western sway of “Tout ca pour ca” importantly calms in helping further organize your thoughts as this day unfurls effortlessly.

Getting up and taking it to the streets once again, the tight, hypnotic jaunt of “Qui sait” acts as your next navigator as your curiosity grows and then something just hits you full. Reawakening your past “Sans mémoire” spins round and round, causing your eyes to look within and without you as they concurrently explode in intensity while “Entre nous” gently brings you back to the now.

Composed, “Le vent m’appelle par mon prénom” mysteriously guides you to your flat another way as you come down a different side street in ensuring you don’t miss another opportunity to accessorize appropriately. You are not let down as you find the shop “Pas le courage” while it hypnotically draws you in. As you slowly walk throughout its wonderland landscape, you find that last vital item for your ensemble. Warmly assisting, you at last make your way back as your excitement amounts with all you have in your bags to make this night just like heaven.

Opening your door, the phone rings and after chatting with your dear friend, you realize dusk is fast approaching and the need to strategize and execute your final dress and cosmetic ingredients and arrangements, a rising swirl flows through your mind, body and soul as you find yourself so alive.

Extract from "Coming Down their Mountain" By Michael Lara, Tokyo, Japan, staythirstymedia.com