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ALAN SIMON
Chouans [2 disc set]
(2019 - Babaika Productions - France)

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/alan-simon-chouans-2cd/

This two disc release is extremely vibrant and massive, full of all the lush ingredients you desire in a rock opera, done by sky high skill level French folk musicians and composed by Alan Simon. The arrangements alone are stunning and with a one-up on much of yesterday's and today's works. For the uninformed, this project goes leaps and bounds further than The Who's 'Tommy', or 'Jesus Christ Superstar', and would rank among the more brilliant monuments of releases such as William Sheller's 'Lux Aterena' (1972). Add to the fact that this is a beautiful, immaculate Celtic rock extravaganza, that  may be Simon's very best yet. His elaborate undertakings of 'Excalibur' (multiple volumes) are perhaps his most populated and more known about, but he has produced a treasure trove of outstanding recordings, with huge casts of musicians. 'Chouans' has such a large ensemble, I am refraining from trying to list them all, but for progressive rock fans, it does feature some members of Ange (the famous French band of the classic 70's).

The subject matter is his musical interpretation, based on the lesser known and dark side of the French Revolution, where poor people (peasants), priests, and nobles in the numbers of 300,000, were killed in the district of 'Vendee'. The music is simply amazing. The cover art may lead some to diversions of 'Oliver Twist' or a more comedic endeavor, but rest assured, this is dead serious glory of orchestra, choir, and rock band (the finest musicians). A quick glance at the back photo will show you the huge scale of the participants. As far as the lyrics all being in French, I have yet to find a progressive rock lover, or a choral lover, who dislikes any French language work. Think of all the masterpieces of Celtique folk by Malicorne, Alan Stivell (who did the marvelous 'Symphonie Celtique', way past his solo harp music),Gwendal, and endless others, and how those absolutely silky and sensuous vocals pleased our souls.

Although the topic may be about a part of history that is rarely revealed or spoken about (in fact Alan Simon is the first composer to put this unsettling occurrence to music), due to the shame of the French people in general, the music is not depressing or negative in any way. It keeps a heavenly and dramatic character about, and has such impact, the listener will not soon forget the sprawling work. It is superb in every way, having a capability to bring together classical, folk, choral, opera, and arena rock fans (I use that one loosely, as the stereotypical rock band of this sort does not apply) together. With arrangements that tingle the eardrums, give goosebumps to the skin, and sometimes will have you wanting to dance in the middle of the room; what this prolific French composer brings us, is the finest progressive rock fused, symphonic choral display one could dream of. The magic of full orchestration, bagpipes, luxuriant choir, distinct vocals, and five-star musicians, results in up and above the clouds music. EXTREMELY RECOMMENDED.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 9 - 30 - 2019  
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A  magazine focused on inventive, progressive, and creative music in any genre that stands out from the rest
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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