“WHEN I TAKE THE FIVE” by Marc Soucy

Marc Soucy’s single and music video “When I Take the Five” is more than just a retro release—it’s a vivid time capsule that captures a formative moment in the artist’s creative evolution. Unearthed from a live performance recorded in 1983, this jazzy gem features Soucy on piano alongside Jeff Carano on bass and Ray Lavigne on drums, forming a tight and expressive trio that glides through a lighthearted, jazz-rock fusion piece with charm and finesse.

This release is significant not only for its musicality but for its historical context. Soucy, at the time, was navigating his dual musical interests: jazz piano studies and progressive rock composition. “When I Take the Five” represents a meeting point between these worlds, leaning heavily toward the jazz end of his stylistic range while retaining the complexity and inventiveness often found in prog rock. The result is a breezy yet intricate instrumental piece that’s both technically impressive and warmly inviting.

Unlike many of his later works under the Antarctica project, which feature organs and synthesizers, this track is stripped back—just piano, bass, and drums—highlighting Soucy’s roots and pure compositional skill. The live setting adds authenticity and vibrancy, capturing not just the notes but the spirit of exploration and playfulness that defined his early career.