The lucid madness of Jean Leloup transported in a book
For more than three decades now, Jean Leloup has aroused the fascination of the Quebec public, including that of cultural journalist Olivier Boisvert-Magnen. In Des grands instants de lucidité, a book of more than 300 pages filled with photos, testimonials and tasty anecdotes, the author looks back on the entire career of this legendary musical figure. Quebec.
The book begins with a touching and very heartfelt preface by Hubert Lenoir, an eccentric artist who honorably bears Leloup's legacy. This is followed by 10 chapters focusing on the creation of each of the Wolf's albums, from Liar, released in 1989, to L’étrange pays in 2019.
If Leloup himself did not participate in the book – he would be in Costa Rica, we haven't heard from him for a few years -, Olivier Boisvert-Magnen has called on several of his collaborators over the years (and God knows there have been many of them).  ;
The magic of journalism
The journalistic work necessary to dive in depth into more than 30 years of career is admirable, especially when it is so incredible. Music geeks, of which Boisvert-Magnen is obviously one, will be delighted to know the very technical details of the creation of several legendary pieces by the musician. Readers more interested in the human dimension of the character will discover an artist who is both inspiring and frustrating. Because yes, the book is a tribute to the singer of I Lost my Baby, but we are also presented with some of his faults, in particular this tendency to erase and replace people from his life, from his work, without giving them any explanation.
Subtly, quoting several critics of Leloup albums and shows, journalist Olivier Boisvert-Magnen also offers a beautiful tribute to cultural journalism, testifying to its importance.
A universal legacy
Each chapter for each album begins with quotes from artists explaining the resonance of this opus for them. By collecting testimonies as much from Loud and Lary Kidd as from Émile Bilodeau, France D'Amour or Dumas, the author of the book gives the measure of the impact that the Wolf will have had on artists of all styles, regardless of the generation.
By plunging back into this universe, we understand the importance of having finally devoted an entire book to the phenomenon, a book with an exploded presentation, full of colors and patterns, like the one who inspired it.
