Montreal-based vocalist Mira Choquette returns with Hier Encore, a deeply personal and emotionally rich album that blends jazz tradition with intimate storytelling and international flair. Out now, Hier Encore finds Choquette collaborating with acclaimed Armenian pianist Samvel Gasparyan, creating a cinematic and tender collection of songs that span languages, eras, and genres.
Originally envisioned as a minimalist duo project, Hier Encore evolved in the studio in Yerevan, Armenia, when Choquette and Gasparyan brought in some of the city’s finest jazz musicians to shape a fuller sound. The result is a record that is rooted in jazz but deeply informed by the unique character of place and personnel.
The album showcases fresh interpretations of beloved works by composers like Michel Legrand, Thelonious Monk, Charles Aznavour, Blossom Dearie, and Armando Manzanero. Choquette sings in English, French, and Spanish, imbuing each piece with nuance and authenticity. Whether it’s the dreamy wistfulness of “If You Could See Me Now,” the cinematic heartbreak of “Sur les quais de Cherbourg,” or the stripped-down intimacy of “Contigo Aprendí,” Choquette’s vocal approach is both sophisticated and sincere.
The album’s emotional centrepiece is the title track, “Hier Encore,” Charles Aznavour’s iconic ballad of regret and aging, recorded during what would have been Aznavour’s 100th birthday year. Other highlights include a playful, big band-inspired take on “Just Friends” featuring a fiery horn section, and Blossom Dearie’s deceptively upbeat “Long Daddy Green,” which brings the record to a close with bounce, charm, and social commentary.
Mira Choquette has previously released three albums (Something Cool, It Felt Like A Fall Affair, and In Reel Time) and continues to establish herself as a powerful voice in contemporary vocal jazz. Hier Encore marks a creative milestone in her career, blending lush arrangements, multilingual interpretations, and heartfelt performances.
Hier Encore Track Listing:
- If You Could See Me Now
- Sur les quais de Cherbourg
- Reflections (Looking Back)
- Just Friends
- Hier Encore
- Contigo Aprendí
- Que feras-tu de ta vie?
- Long Daddy Green