HONG KONG

Well, I purchased this CD on the basis that I really enjoyed "The Concerts In China" which represented my first cassette (which later I upgraded to CD) of Jean Michelle Jarre. Actually, I got trouble enjoying space music due to its repetitions. But for some reason, "The Concerts in China" gave me another experience which convinced me that space music was not just repetitions, there were many addition of sounds / effect to enrich the textures. One thing that I really enjoy with "Hongkong" is the live nuance and variations of songs Jarre offers. Even for songs with same title but with different part, the style can be totally different. Say "Chronologie 6" (which I enjoy) is totally differet with "Chronologie 8" where the music has an intense disco / R&B music with good guitar work.

My favorite "Souvenir de Chine" is also featured here with practically no major difference from the "Concerts in China" version. "Equinoxe" which made Jarre's name becoming famous is also a nice song to enjoy. I do not favor "Oxygene" but some people like this song very much - even some TV programs use this song as background. Oh yeah .. you can enjoy "Fishing Junks at Sunset" as well with this live set. "Band In The Rain" gives another nuance of the show (Note: I really love this song especially the "Concerts in China" set). This time the song is performed unplugged. It's really cool!

Overall, this is a very enjoyable album especially if you listen to it from start to end - it's a rewarding experience. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Jarre with guitar

I am not a big fan of Jean-Michel Jarre, or of electronic music in general, but this live album took me by surprise. Compared to his studio albums, and some other live albums of his, Hong Kong is a bit more towards the Rock side. By no means all the way, but the presence of something like a "band" backing him up, Jarre's music tends to be less sterile here. Electric guitar and a real Rock drum kit is featured here alongside the expected synthesisers and programmed rhythms. Some non-electronic keyboards are used and some parts are even downright "symphonic" with choir-like sounds.

The always welcome hit Oxygene Part 4 remains faithful to its original version, but Equinoxe Part 4 is tastefully embellished with lead guitar; easily the best version of this familiar piece of electronic Pop that I've heard (and ever likely to hear). In general, I enjoy Jarre's more melodic numbers--Magnetic Fields 2 is another one of those (not unlike something from Rick Wakeman)--but I don't care much for bleak soundscapes or experiments in sound which are just transportation to my ears. There is some of that here as well, but also several highlights.

The most interesting release I've heard from Jarre