Jorane - L'instant aimé (2012)

With her 10th album in 13 years, Quebec singer-songwriter-cellist Jorane shows she is neither as wild as in her early days nor as staid as on recent releases. In other words, this is a mature yet quirky release. Opener Bouquet au coeur has a breezy, acoustic vibe and infectious rhythm; while a cover of Luc Plamondon’s J’ai rencontré l’homme de ma vie (popularized by Diane Dufresne) shows a willingness to conform to Quebec chanson format. But the 7½ minute Film V flutters between uptempo romp, experimental instrumental passages and lilting hymn. L’instant aimé is a combination of rootsy soul and esoteric whimsy, grounded by the organic touch of producer Jean Massicotte, who has worked with Patrick Watson and the late Lhasa. Jorane has a little Lhasa in her, by way of Tori Amos – an odd mix that she somehow pulls off.