Unearthed trove of Quebec pop music re-emerges

In the Land of Grassets: Rewind to the '70s

Flashback to the groovy days of André-Grasset College, where a group of young musicians formed an unlikely band, christened The Rocking Grass Band. Their only product, affectionately dubbed "1001 Est Crémazie," is now a collector's dream.

Jean-Yves Quesnel, a retired history teacher, chuckles as he recalls those days, "I'd occasionally hear whispers about this album, as some had contacted the College. The administration asked if I knew anything - turns out, I did have a copy, but it went with the rest of my records when I left. I never expected vinyl would make a comeback!"

Alain de Montigny, the band's guitarist and bassist, recently dug up his long-forgotten copy. "Spinning it brings me back to those days, to the moments shared on stage with my bandmates." Upon retiring from CN, Alain's quest to reconnect with his former mates led him to Daniel Maisonneuve, the band's singer and guitarist, and Farid Rizk, a jazz enthusiast and former mathematics teacher at the institution.

The Rocking Grass Band

The unique allure of "1001 Est Crémazie" stems from its diverse array of musical genres, appealing to the varied tastes of young musicians. Side A is dominated by popular melodies, such as The Way We Were, and The Sting, while also featuring covers of Beau Dommage's Picbois and Vigneault's Gens de mon pays.

"Side A," explains Alain de Montigny, "including Boenoît Sarrasin's performances, was the norm in our shows. Daniel Maisonneuve suggested Le picbois and his original composition, L'ami qui fuit. Side B, largely Farid's territory, showcased his little jazz band, with electrifying renditions of Watermelon Man and Take Five."

Only one member of the band, Benoît Sarrasin, pursued music professionally. 1001 Est Crémazie came to life when Jean-Yves Quesnel, hidden behind a piano during a recital, secretly recorded a concert. "I thought that'd be it," reminisces Quesnel, "but the following year, the band decided to call themselves The Rocking Grass Band and had enormous success." The auditorium was often so packed that firefighters were required to evacuate the excess spectators.

The Holy Grail of Collectors

The idea to record an album originated from these successful performances. Recorded in the studio of Édouard-Montpetit CEGEP, the album has become the grail of collectors, thanks to its niche origins and exceptional music. Alexis Charpentier, a collector and DJ, will host the reunion, "For me, this album is charming because it is a 'private press,' independently produced on the fringes of the music industry. It also fits into the category of 'school band recordings,' unassuming amateur recordings that sometimes harbor hidden treasures."

According to DJ Lexis, "1001 Est Crémazie" checks three boxes on the collectors' wish list: a private press, a school band recording, and simply being an excellent album, with two original compositions, Le roi muffé and Bright Moments, earning high praise from DJs.

If you haven't heard of our album, Alain de Montigny admits, "It's engaging, but no match for professional musicians. We find this enthusiasm a bit surprising, though it's great for the College, as proceeds from the re-release will help financially support students."

Notable Events

News of the re-release has stirred up memories, with a reunion scheduled for this Thursday evening at the college. Coincidentally, the album received a warm reception from the British DJ Gilles Peterson, who played "Bright Moments" on BBC Radio 6 Music last month.

On a different note, denouncements have been mounting against FACE School regarding its planned $13 million renovation, with more than 150 people gathering in protest. Additionally, Salomé Corbo alleges she was assaulted at 13 by Gilbert Rozon, and Veronique Moreau reports being repeatedly raped and drugged by Gilbert Rozon, founder of the Just for Laughs festival.

The unique allure of "1001 Est Crémazie" lies in its fusion of various musical genres, offered as a delightful mix of popular melodies, covers, and original compositions.
Alain de Montigny, upon unearthing his long-forgotten copy of "1001 Est Crémazie", revels in the nostalgia of those days, recalling the moments shared on stage with his bandmates during their groovy lifestyle in the Land of Grassets.
The reunion, hosted by collector and DJ Alexis Charpentier, celebrates the album's re-release, with the proceeds aiding the financial support of students at André-Grasset College, where the band once thrived.
The "Holy Grail of Collectors," "1001 Est Crémazie" is an exceptional album, garnering attention not only for its niche origins but also for being a charming embodiment of entertainment, culture, and music.