feature photo: Marc Etienne
We’re introducing the video above by one of Montreal’s fiercest jazz units, Bellbird. A chordless quartet comprising of Allison Burik (alto saxophone, bass clarinet), Claire Devlin (tenor saxophone), Eli Davidovici (bass) and Mili Hong (drums), Bellbird is a true collective that advances modern jazz while making it a joy to listen to.
We first profiled Bellbird in 2023 while highlighting an advance track from their inaugural album Root In Tandem.
Back then, we opined that with Bellbird, “(t)he distinguishing voice is not one or two players but the entire band, with Devlin and Burik fitting together nicely to make up a rich, lithe harmonious unit” and that continues to hold true for their Root In Tamdem followup The Call (February 6 2026, Constellation Records) and particularly the song from that album highlighted here, “Firefly Pharology.”
Sure, Devlin and Burik each reel off superb solos that attest to their abilities as improvisers. But it’s also a marvel to watch and hear them work together in unison and in harmony. That tight cohesion is evident from the get-go when Devlin and Burik alternate notes as they arpeggiate a chord and quicken the tempo perfectly synced. After their solos they harmonize to make a melodious sound that’s squarely framed by Davidovici. The rhythm is very complex but Hong makes it seem natural.
Pre-order/Order The Call from Bandcamp.
| Image | Artist | Title | Format | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bellbird | The Call | CD | Purchase Here |
| Bellbird | The Call | Vinyl | Purchase Here |
 | Claire Devlin Quartet | Anyone | Digital Files | Purchase Here |
- Skerik, “Air Garden” from ‘SKERIK 0610725’: Something Else! sneak peek - March 11, 2026
- Luis Nacht and Camila Nebbia, “Me Condiciona el Nombre” (2026): Something Else! video premiere - March 5, 2026
- Bellbird, “Firefly Pharology” from ‘The Call’ (2026): Something Else! video premiere - February 2, 2026
