JOEL DUGRENOT

There are hundreds of unknown albums from musicians that maybe are not that recognized, or at least not as recognized as they would like or deserve, albums that came out of nowhere to add a personal flavor to the progressive rock realm. In the 80s, Joel Dugrenot who used to be known for his work with Zao, released three jazz oriented albums, being this one (Mosaiques) his last effort in 1989.

This is a relatively short album with only six songs and a total time of 33 minutes. The album features prog icons such as Pierre Moerlen, David Cross and Fred Frith. It opens with "Water Light", which starts with a soft flute sound, that seconds later is joined by drums and bass. There are also melodic synth effects and a tranquil atmosphere that turns really sweet just before minute four where the violin takes the main role. There are some nice tempo changes which make the song more interesting.

"Half Fish Half Bird" starts with drums and plays with some guitar noises, while seconds later nice jazzy bass lines and the violin appear. The rhythm is very constant; the drums do not make any sudden change, while the violins appear stronger from time to time. "Dans le Jardin" has some kind of spacey mood created by synthesizer and those electronic violins. A couple of minutes later drums, bass and guitar appear and build up an structure, the atmosphere, though, has still that spacey feeling that also gives the impression of calm and ecstasy at the same time.

"Pastel Space" has a soft piano sound, while there is again a spacey mood. The violin creates a powerful sound without being really loud. In moments, the ambient reminds me to some Brian Eno passages. Not a bad song. "Pegasus Dream" starts with some kind of rain sound, but later a great bass along with drums and violins start creating a Mahavishnu-like mood with a faster (not that faster actually) time. There are some good moments in this song, also some percussion that sounds very peculiar.

And the album finishes with "Sunrise Call" which is a very nice piece. Piano and synth effects that later will be joined by an exquisite flute and the bass. After this first passage, violins appear and interplay with the flute, creating a really beautiful atmosphere. This might be my favorite song of the album, too bad is the last one.

I like this album, its music is pretty good, catchy in moments but fully enjoyable, however, I do not consider this as a masterpiece, neither a huge recommendation, but just a good album that could have been better, and which is recommendable to those who like to explore the unknown sides of some musicians. My final grade is three stars.

Enjoy it!

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First of all, this album is drum less. Two-three violins, sax, keyboards and bass. I can's say music is rhythmless, but electronic synth drumming never was element to attract in music for me. Plenty of light spacey electronic effects fills all the space.

First three compositions are all chamber based, with strings and synth domination. Even in their structure songs are close to neo-classical avant-garde. Interesting, that in bassist album the instrument you will hardly find in all musical mix is bass!

"Joy To Fly" combines fusion violins and jazzy keyboards, so at least you can't say this album has no connection with jazz fusion. Finishing composition "Elles" is again the mix of fusion and chamber music, with soloing flute, quite complex structure, but at least you can hear some bass line there.

In all, more chamber avant music, than jazz fusion album. Not bad listening, but because of it's obscure nature is more object for collectors dream, than real strong album for regular listener.

For everyone interested in Dugrenot solo work I can recommend his third album as more accessible light spacey jazz fusion work ( with some great musicians on board).

Ex-King Crimson violinist David Cross, ex-Gong drummer Pierre Moerlen and guitarist Fred Frith all presented on this album as collaborators. Lot of violins,acoustic piano and flute sound filling the space. Some vintage electric keyboards build atmosphere of 70-s.

.Main accent is made on lyrical melodies, characteristic for French jazz fusion, without drive or groove. Nice chamber music with cosmic feel. Some pieces are more chamber rock,than fusion. Very competent,dreamy and pleasant music. Not enough jazzy elements to be attractive to fusion fans, but in whole good mix of electric violins, some bass, many keyboards and soft spacey melodic tunes. Could be really nice listening for lovers of good instrumental music.

My rating - 3+.