TERRE

A saxophonist and composer from Paris, France, Julian Julien begun playing music professionally in the 90's as member of various small Jazz-Rock ensembles, influenced by the likes of MAGMA, SOFT MACHINE and PINK FLOYD, before coming up with a personal album in 1999 entitled ''Tupperware et bibelot'', a self-produced work experimenting with string sections and percussion.Just after a year Julien pushed this sound a little further with his sophomore effort ''Terre'', an album released on Priskonovenie label.

Percussions and string arrangements remain a basic ingredient of Julien's music approach, but this time he adds a high dose of wind instruments to his sound with the style ending up as a mix of Jazz-Rock, Zeuhl and RIO/Chamber music.There is also a strong Ethnic dose in a few tracks, ''L'attente'' and ''Bencoleen Hotel'' are a great examples of atmospheric ethnic-influenced RIO with some nice synth sampling in the background.Generally Julien's compositions have a strong old 30'-50's French feeling, especially when trombone, saxes and accordion take over, even flirting with Cabaret music at moments.On the other hand there is a heavy compound of Chamber-like arrangements with dissonant piano parts along with haunting violin and cello passages.Bands like VOLAPUK, CRO MAGNON and WAPASSOU should have been Julien's possible inspirations and his approach slightly reminds of FRANCOIS THOLLOT's personal works minus the guitar.The biggest achievement of Julien though among the interesting tracks is the careful addition of synthesizers (programmed as stated in the booklet of CD) along with some fascinating dreamy gong sounds throughout, eventually offering the album a beautiful extra color.

A soft instrumental album of rather old-fashioned music with pieces, which could have been easily composed for Paris around 50's.Nice, partly melodic but definitely personal Zeuhl-ish Jazz/Chamber music by a talented man.Warmly recommended.