OÙ EST PASSÉE LA NOCE?

By no means a band close to the likes of Quebec Folk/Prog, Beau Dommage was a rather poppy but extremely popular Folk Rock act back in the 70's, formed in 1972 by guitarist/singer Michel Rivard, flutist/pianist Robert Leger and lyricist Pierre Huet, soon to be joined by bassist Pierre Bertrand, female singer Marie Michèle Desrosiers and drummer Real Desrosiers (no relation between the two though).Beau Dommage became famous already from their self-titled debut from 1974, released on Capitol.By their second album Michel Hinton had joined the band on piano (having played with Rivard and Bertrand in La Famille Casgrain in late-60's) and their sophomore work ''Ou est passée la noce?'', recorded at Studio Tempo in Montreal between March and July of 1975, sees the light again on Capitol.

First side showcases what was already expected by a group such as Beau Dommage: Harmonic Folk Pop/Rock with sweet melodies and dreamy tunes, based on piano and acoustic guitars, a bit reminiscent of CANO and flirting often with Country Music.A couple of pieces though escape from this basic rule, like the excellent instrumental ''Bon debarras'', which is pure and intricate Prog Rock with a slight FOCUS vibe in the jazzy guitar interludes and heavy flute and keyboard parts close to JETHRO TULL and GENTLE GIANT, or the longer and very poetic ''Heureusement qu'il y a la nuit'', which remains poppy overall, but certainly bursts a more atmospheric and dramatic approach by the group.Then comes the flipside to put things in another level with the 20-min. suite ''Un incident a Bois-des-Filion'', the first and last attempy by the group to produce music close to the monumental style of Canadian Prog Folk.This tracks comes as a combination of L'ENGOULEVENT with CONNIVENCE, next to some MANEIGE touches at moments, exploring the more dense side of Folk Rock, drawing influences from more theatrical music styles and eventually balancing the acoustic passages with refined electric tunes, offering an elaborate Progressive Rock with folky and symphonic leanings.Very good parts with Classical inspirations, smooth but very intense interplays, singing Pop sensibilities and a nice bunch of electric solos with ethereal, rural melodies around combine for a beautiful piece of artistic Rock music with a memorable atmosphere.

Beau Dommage produced a couple of more albums, returning to their more accesible Folk Rock side and finally disbanding in 1978.Almost all members followed decent to succesful solo careers, while the group was reformed in a few occasions, mainly for live shows.

While Beau Dommage will never be considered as a strong represenative of the Quebec Prog scene, ''Ou est passée la noce?'' is definitely a work to be discovered by Prog fans.Melodic and mellow folky Prog Music with interesting arrangements, especially on its 20-min. epic track.Recommended.