When I Take The Five emerges as a thrilling time capsule from 1983, capturing the jazz fusion virtuoso at a pivotal creative crossroads. This recently unearthed live performance—featuring Marc Soucy’s early collaboration with bassist Jeff Carano and drummer Ray Lavigne—showcases the raw talent that would later blossom into his Antartica project, offering listeners a rare glimpse of the artist’s foundation before synthesizers and progressive elements became his signature.
From the moment Soucy’s fingers dance across the piano keys in the opening bars, When I Take The Five establishes itself as a masterclass in acoustic jazz-rock fusion. The track burns with the energy of a smoky underground club. Carano’s basslines provide a rock-solid yet nimble foundation, locking in with Lavigne’s dynamic drumming to create a rhythmic pocket that is tight and explosive. What makes this recording particularly special is its organic, unpolished energy; a stark contrast to Soucy’s later, more produced work. The extended improvisational sections reveal the trio’s fearless chemistry, with Soucy’s cascading runs and harmonic explorations pushing the boundaries of post-bop while remaining deeply melodic.
The title’s reference to “taking the five” becomes literal during a breathtaking 5/4 breakdown, demonstrating a telepathic connection from hours of playing together. The track’s structure hints at the progressive tendencies defining his career, particularly in how it seamlessly shifts from hard-swinging jazz to math-rock adjacent complexity. Yet throughout these transitions, the performance maintains an irresistible groove that’ll have listeners air-drumming along.
