A leading figure in contemporary Québécois music, René Lussier celebrates 50 years of his career with Fiat Lux, but more importantly, a creative friendship with drummer Robbie Kuster. The album invites a captivating – and even playful – listening experience. While the matchsticks with conjoined heads on the album cover were René Lussier’s idea, credit for the title (fiat lux, from the Latin phrase meaning “let there be light”) goes to musician and friend Robert Marcel Lepage, who perceived the explosive effect of their collaboration. When their creativity sparks, light emerges. This image perfectly describes René Lussier and Robbie Kuster, who began working together in 2018, initially in a quintet, before forming a duo.

A playground of contemporary music that blurs the lines between improvisation and composition, the two artists embraced one guiding principle: try things out. Working seriously without taking themselves too seriously, they let the wildest ideas take shape.

The result is a collection of eclectic pieces that cover a wide spectrum: heavy rock, joyful grooves, free improvisation—including Haven’t Been Where I Left, a track inspired by Ornette Coleman. Played on guitar, bass, and daxophone (that untamable instrument) by René, and on drums, musical saw, and nail organ by Robbie, the 14 tracks of Fiat Lux also feature cymbal bows, jaw harp, and electric toothbrush.
René Lussier’s reputation is well established — and so is that of his partner Robbie Kuster. Known in particular for his work with Patrick Watson, the Swiss-born musician has collaborated with many major artists in studio and on tour, including Joe Grass, Elisapie, Marie-Pierre Arthur, Fred Fortin, Gros Mené, and Marianne Trudel (2024 Opus Award for Jazz Album of the Year), to name a few.