FUNKY, UPBEAT, AND AN ABSOLUTE FUSION GEM!
Marc Soucy’s newly released single and music video, “When I Take The Five,” is a time capsule that bursts with life, groove, and straight-up jazz-rock swagger. Originally recorded live in 1983 with Jeff Carano (bass) and Ray Lavigne (drums), the track captures not just a moment in time but a moment of truth, when three musicians meet in total sync and let the music do the talking.
This is jazz fusion at its most joyful, tight yet relaxed, technically impressive without ever sacrificing soul. There’s a gritty realness in the no-overdubs performance, a kind of raw polish that reminds you why live music still matters. The energy? Contagious. The chemistry? Electric. Soucy’s piano leads the charge here, stepping away from the synthesizer-heavy vibes of his later Antarctica work to deliver something delightfully stripped-down and honest.
From the couple of bars, you can feel the trio locking in. The walking bass lays down a groove that struts with confidence, while the drums, especially during a fiery Buddy Rich-style solo mid-track, inject an unhinged brilliance that’s impossible to ignore. Soucy’s piano playing is nimble and expressive, dancing between jazz elegance and rock rebellion.
What makes “When I Take The Five” such a standout is its balance of play and precision. It doesn’t try to reinvent jazz; it just does it really damn well. And for a piece born from the early days of Soucy’s composing career, it already shows a voice that knows exactly what it wants to say, and how to say it with style.
In an era of overproduced jazz-fusion, this live gem reminds us of the magic that happens when true musicians come together and just play. If you’re a fan of genre-blending grooves, or just miss the kind of musical conversation that only happens live, this track is an essential listen! Light-hearted. Funky. Fearlessly musical. “When I Take The Five” is a rare blend of brains, groove, and absolute joy!