Featured Tune: "When I Take The Five" from Marc Soucy

Groove, Grit, and the Spark of a Beginning

There’s something electrifying about hearing a composer in the early days of discovering their voice  and “When I Take The Five” captures that spark perfectly. In this spirited live cut from 1983, Marc Soucy, along with bassist Jeff Carano and drummer Ray Lavigne, delivers a high-energy performance that dances confidently along the border between jazz and rock.

From the very first note, the trio locks into a groove that feels effortless yet full of intent. Soucy’s piano work is nimble and expressive, not just technical, but alive with personality. You can almost hear the joy of exploration as he weaves between syncopated riffs and melodic detours. Carano’s bass is warm and steady, while Lavigne's drumming is crisp, adding just the right amount of punch without ever overwhelming the sound.

What makes this piece so compelling is its balance: it’s complex without being cold, clever without being showy. There’s a laid-back confidence to it, like a jam session that just happened to become something special. You won’t find flashy synths or overproduction here , just raw musical chemistry, captured in the moment.

This isn’t just a nostalgic snapshot from the ‘80s, it’s the sound of an artist planting his creative flag. Light-hearted yet skillful, “When I Take The Five” feels like an open invitation to join the ride and groove along.