5 Questions with Jean-Michel Blais
5 Questions with Jean-Michel Blais
Jean-Michel Blais, the Montreal-based pianist and composer, has been captivating audiences with his unique blend of classical training and improvisational flair since his debut album II in 2016. With over 225 million streams, Blais has quickly become a prominent figure in the contemporary classical scene.
There’s something wonderfully approachable about Blais’s music. It speaks to the part of us that yearns for beauty in the everyday, finding profound emotion in simple melodies. His compositions feel like intimate conversations, drawing you in with their vulnerability and surprising you with moments of unexpected joy.
Now, Blais has embarked on a new creative journey, teaming up with harpist Lara Somogyi for désert, an album that promises to be as expansive and nuanced as its namesake landscape. As we dive into Blais’ reflections on his collaboration, he also shares what he feels are his most favourite tracks of the album.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about each other during this journey, and how did that understanding shape your musical connection?
It was a completely unexpected connection that just clicked between us. We were both comfortable improvising together for two and a half hours, completely immersed in the desert's atmosphere, and somehow, it all flowed naturally. There was something about the place that made it easy for us to leave our own space and trust each other. We were in sync with each other, and that moment, that environment, made everything come alive.
“We were in sync with each other, and that moment, that environment, made everything come alive.”
How did you find common ground between your instruments, and were there moments where you felt like you were having a conversation through music?
At first, I wasn't sure how two string instruments would work together. They share similar ranges and sounds, but, surprisingly, it all just fell into place. Lara would lead, and I would follow, supporting her; I'd hold the melody while Lara created this beautiful, subtle backdrop. We would swap themes, like a musical conversation—one would pose a question, and the other would answer. It was a seamless flow, almost as if we were speaking without words.
You both stepped into the unknown by embracing improvisation. What did you discover about yourselves and your own music during this process? How has it influenced your approach creatively beyond this album?
What I discovered about myself in this process was that I needed space to just breathe and unwind, something the desert, Lara's studio, and this whole experience allowed. I realized that improvisation, at its core, helped me reach a deeper place within myself. It became a spiritual connection, both with the moment and with Lara's energy. I know it might sound a bit esoteric, but that's truly what happened. It was like we tapped into something bigger than us.
The whole album is such a treat for the ears. But if you had to pick a favourite track, which one would it be and why?
If I had to pick a favorite track, it's really hard. I tend to gravitate toward the ones that are a bit off the beaten path—like "Cavernes" and "Mythes," which are more driven and intense. Then there are the opposite extremes, like "Ascension," which is much more laid-back and aimless. These two kinds of pieces, the intense and the spacious, are what I'm drawn to the most, but I think those extremes really highlight the full spectrum of the album.
As listeners immerse themselves in "désert," what do you hope they take away from the experience? Is there a particular emotion, feeling, or reflection you'd like to inspire?
With désert, I hope listeners experience the vast range of emotions and textures that the desert itself offers. The desert is peaceful, eerie, calm, dry, bright, but it also gets dark, hot, and cold—it's full of contrasts. Through our music, I want to create a space in between, a safe haven where people can feel understood and comforted. It's a reflection of the desert's extremes but also an invitation to rest, reflect, and just be.
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