Chemin de fer

• Chemin de fer is Magali Babin’s debut CD, though she is already well known as one of the key players of improvised music and sound art in Montréal.
• A prominent live artist, Magali has played in Montréal (Casa del Popolo, Silophone, SuperMicMac…), Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia. She is a favourite of the respected Radio-Canada show “Le navire Night” where her performances are regularly broadcast. Magali has played alongside Michel F Côté, Martin Tétreault, Alexandre St-Onge, Ian Nagoski (USA), Jon Rose (UK), and many others.
• The 9 pieces on this CD were recorded in the studios of Radio-Canada by Mario Gauthier, host of “L’espace du son”. Citing financial constraints, Radio-Canada cancelled the show before the music could be heard on radio, but the recording was thankfully salvaged. It is now finally available on CD for everyone to hear.
• Attractive cover art including a big drawing by Magali’s young son Ugo, as well as bilingual (English/French) liner notes by producer Mario Gauthier & Magali herself.
• Official CD launch at the Casa del Popolo (Montréal), April 27, 2002.

Finally! A CD for Magali

Following an invitation from producer Mario Gauthier that she makes a sound project for L’espace du son radioshow, Magali Babin brings in her tools and records Chemin de fer (literally “Iron Road” or “Rail Road”). Unfortunately, Radio-Canada cancelled the show before Magali’s music could be heard, leaving the original tapes without a home. This is where No Type comes in, publishing this rare incursion in the discreet universe of this well-known Montréal improviser.

But forget that it may be music, or sound sculpture, or cinema for the ear. The art of Chemin de fer is first and foremost in the details found herein, as with those moving landscapes, catching the eye of the train traveller. In these nine pieces, Magali carries us through all sorts of sound environments, going from delicate abstract textures to the more dynamic noise she is already well known for.

The instruments used for this album are found metal objects which were recycled or reinvented by Magali. There is very little digital processing (if we except Jogging dans la maison hantée, a studio collaboration with Mario Gauthier and Alain Chénier) and the approach is rather hands-on: most manipulations involve the objects themselves, aided with a minimal orchestra of pedals and effects.

From these rather touching noises emanates a cold sensuality which is paradoxal and rare. These biometallic subtelties here are having their finest hour, thanks in a great part to the high quality of the recording, revealing with immense tact the caresses and collisions of the material, showing these inert objects at their most intimate.