Il is the debut album from Jean-Michel Blais, the 31-year-old pianist. Born and raised in Quebec, the French-Canadian artist began tinkering on the family organ at the age of nine, before writing his first original compositions at just 11. By 17, he was invited to the Trois-Rivieres Music Conservatory and began training as a classical pianist.

Scheduled for April 8 release via Arts and Crafts, the blissful eight-tracker captures Blais’ penchant for experimentation, packing two years’ worth of daily improvisations into a 28-minute segment. Clearly referenced in the range of piano textures is the work of Erik Satie and minimalist virtuosos including Lubomyr Melnyk and Philip Glass, complimented beautifully by subtle field recording on “Casa,” or electronics in “Nostos.”

In advance of the its release next week, the LP can be exclusively streamed in full via the player below.

Tracklisting:

01. Hasselblad 4 (improvisation)
02. il
03. Dada
04. Nostos (feat. BUFFLO)
05. Hasselblad 2 (improvisation)
06. Budapest
07. Casa
08. Rondo majeur (trois mains)