Those people aware of one of Quebec's seminal group Contraction (which came from Frank Dervieux's heritage), should be aware of bassist Laferrière's important role in the group. While not the only person carrying the group, he was actually a bit surprising that he would be the only ex-Contraction member to release solo albums (there is a second one dating from the 80's), but this solo album is much worthy of the proghead's ear.
Graced with a star-studded guest (from Harmonium to Orchestre Sympathique and from Pollen to Conventum), the album develops a JR/F that is not that far from what Contraction was doing. This feeling is reinforced with ex-Contraction vocalist Monique Fauteux laying out her vocals generously throughout the album…

Self-taught guitarist that played a few years on the local Quebec scene in various line-ups, sharing stages with Octobre, Maneige, etc. Jacques Blais became one of Quebec's best guitarists (along with Frank Marino) and his reputation grew to the point of playing prestigious shows without having recorded an album (yet). Late 74, despite having his own and upon hearing Contraction's second album La Bourse Ou La vie, he asked the group's bassist Yves Laferrière to produce his first album, and soon enough most of the band was backing Blais, not only in the studio, but in the next few months' following its release in 1975. Contraction's influence is all over the music. Nonetheless, all writing credits are given to Blais, who plays acoustic and electric guitar in addition to singing. Roughly half the cuts are instrumental, and it is these that shine in particular through their gorgeous melodies and arrangements, rather than outright virtuosity…

Contraction was formed by musicians accompanying keyboardist Franck Dervieux on his ground breaking "Dimension M" album in 1972, namely Yves Laferriere (bass), Christiane Robichaud (vocals), Michel Robidoux (guitar), and Christian St-Roch (drums). They were joined that same year by Robert Lachapelle (keyboards), Robert Stanley (guitar), Rawn Bankley (guitar), Marcel Huot (drums), Denis Farmer (drums), and Carlyle Miller (sax/flute). At the end of 1972, Contraction released their self-titled debut album. The album took its inspiration from where Dervieux had left off prior to his tragic bout with cancer. Thus, Contraction can be considered the spiritual continuation of one of Quebec's founding fathers of progressive rock, and his prodigies did not disappoint…

Contraction's second album captures the beauty, originality, and adventurous nature of a group recognized as one of Quebec's greatest progressive rock bands. This album, released in 1974, is dedicated to the late Franck Dervieux from whom the group took its inspiration. It features another long cycle of progressive songs highlighted by the 18-minute title track.