Montreal-based pianist and composer Thélonius García introduces his meditative solo piano style with Marche Nocturne, his debut album. A collection of 16 original piano pieces, each short and deeply evocative, the album explores García’s unique fusion of classical sensibilities with jazz’s improvisational freedom, resonating with influences from Impressionist composers like Debussy and Fauré.

Marche Nocturne was recorded with producer Pierre Benoit (Studio 111 Productions), whose experience includes collaborations with artists such as Dominic Champagne and René-Richard Cyr. Recorded over just two days on a Fazioli concert grand piano F278, the album embodies an intense yet delicate creative process that imbues each piece with its own atmospheric depth.

“Évocation” emerges as the lead single from Marche Nocturne and is emblematic of García’s reflective, deeply personal storytelling. Drawing from the timeless compositions of Chopin, this piece captures both the serenity and isolation he experienced during a residency in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. 

“Évocation” is an evocation of many stories, emotions, and perceptions. It speaks to the feeling of losing a loved one, of a nostalgic yet joyful reunion that unearths old memories and feelings. In the album, you can hear a raw, natural feel – almost like a live recording – since we had only a few takes for each piece. 

The theme of loss is prevalent in my music. It’s a loss of our environment, an ode to nature, to time itself. This album invites listeners to slow down, to fully inhabit each note, each silence. Through these pieces, I hope to share a space for personal introspection and quiet observance. 

– Thélonius García