Three years after his second opus and following much musical reflection, the composer and lyricist Philippe B is back with Variations fantômes, released in spring 2011 by Bonsound Records.

In creating this new work he was inspired by many famous composers. At the end of his life, Robert Schumann claimed to be hearing the voices of deceased composers dictating what music to write, notes Philippe. I tried to listen to what the ghosts of famous composers such as Ravel, Strauss, Schubert and Vivaldi had to say to me. Multiple facets of their works then became sources of exploration, introspection and reinterpretation. In seeking to discover what these different aspects meant for him, Philippe B nourished his creative process by means of samplings and melodic excerpts from the classical repertoire, inspired at times by composition titles, melodies, a composer’s musical approach or an anecdote from his life, to name but a few of his artistic influences.

The writing of the lyrics in Variations fantômes was guided by the themes of classical pieces -- beauty, melancholy, madness, love and death. While imbued with extrinsic elements, the songs are nonetheless very personal. With his unique way of stringing words together to create an imagined world, Philippe B tells stories tinged with passion, remorse and torment.

The poetic texts are supported by his modern folk music that is sad and intense, with Philippe B singing and playing guitar. This harmonious amalgam of guitars, keyboards and violins, varying from the highly rhythmic to the sweet and gentle, establishes a musical dialogue between the artist and the ghosts of great composers.

The composition is enhanced by 14 photographs that provide a visual interpretation of each of the songs found in Variations fantômes. The photos are included in the booklet included with the album, and were exhibited at the OFF-Interarts gallery in Montreal.

ABOUT PHILIPPE B
Recognized for his talents as a writer, composer and performer (he often plays for Pierre Lapointe), Philippe B creates hybrid folk music bathed in acoustic and electric sound and ingenious samplings. Eager to explore other avenues, he recently worked as musical director and onstage musician in the dance piece Raxon X: A True Decoy Story. In September 2009 this multi-talented artist presented, together with Sophie Cadieux, the multidisciplinary show Phéromone(s), an intimate evening of words put to music and presented onstage in very diverse fashion.

Since his decision in June 2005 to focus on solo performance, starting with an eponymous album of minimalist folk music, Philippe B has won over audiences and critics alike. With poetry that is both earthly and ethereal, he captures characters, places and moments succinctly in timeless songs. His 2008 album Taxidermie, termed by Bande à Part as “a beautiful record that highlights the writing and musical talents of Philippe B”, revealed a classic pop style that nicely sets off his voice and remarkable arrangements. Philippe works regularly across Quebec as a soloist and as a guitarist, and has performed at the Francofolies in Montréal and the Festival de musique émergente in Abitibi Témiscamingue. With the release of his third opus Variations fantômes in May 2011, Philippe B confirms the prediction made by Voir in 2008: no doubt the singer’s next albums will be even more audacious. Audacity is indeed on display here, and inventive creativity as well.