“Tree Of Life” by Art d'Ecco – A Song Feature

 

     Near the end of “Tree of Life,” the backing vocals twice emphasize an earlier-made promise, “I’ll give you everything you need.” But the song from Art d'Ecco had already delivered on the promise – propulsion by a tireless rhythm section, aggressiveness from a horn section, touches of elegance from string flourishes, and a balance of innocence and self-assuredness from the vocals.
 
     While many elements of the track deserve praise, the percussion in “Tree of Life” stands out. The standard components of a drum kit are present, but the “add-on” elements take center stage and are played with attention-commanding rhythmic sophistication. The bass enhances the groove.
 
     “Tree of Life” is one of ten tracks on “Serene Demon,” the fourth full-length album from Art d'Ecco. The album was released on February 14 via Paper Bag Records. Art d'Ecco is the stage name of a Canadian Producer/Rocker based in Victoria, British Columbia. The credits of “Tree of Life” show that, in addition to vocals, he played synth, guitar, Wurlitzer and Rhodes. But there were numerous other contributors. The credits list:
  Pascal Le Vasseur - bass
  Malcolm Holt - drums, percussion
  Evan Miller - backup vocals
  Aleisha Kalina - backup vocals
  Francesca Carbonneau - backup vocals
  Jonnie Bridgman - baritone sax, tenor sax
  Dominic Conway - tenor sax
  Malcolm Aitken - trumpet
  Nick La Riviere - trombone
  Elyse Jacobson - violin
  Molly Mackinnon - violin
  Doug Gorkoff - cello
  Steven Lin – viola
 
     While talking about the message behind “Tree of Life,” Art d'Ecco said, “I think the words speak for themselves, partnership starts with planting a seed - sometimes we grow together, sometimes we grow apart.”  Turning to the making of the single, he explained:
  “This song is the first musical collaboration with my long-time rhythm section. I asked them to play a disco groove - something akin to 'You Should Be Dancing' by the Bee Gees, which stays in the same key/chords for all the main parts of the song, only deviating to a chromatic section as a respite from the various bass riffing.
  Using this as our inspirational goal posts, I hit record. They improvised the tight upbeat groove you hear on this song - almost immediately. Of the 2 minutes I recorded, I was able to chop up and assemble the entire demo for what would be the song.”
 
     “Tree Of Life” by Art d'Ecco

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