LE PETIT VIOLON DE MR. GRÉGOIRE

The second half of 1975 was an excellent period for Mona Lisa.Playing live next to Ange, Carpe Diem, Tangerine and Pulsar and having an original set full of dancers, mimes and slide shows led to the increased of the group's fame.However arguments between Jean-Paul Pierson and the rest of the line-up led Francis Poulet to disband Mona Lisa.During this short period they realized how hard it was to earn their daily bread and soon the group would reform with Christian Gallas refusing to return.He was replaced by a young and talented Pascal Jordan.Pieces for a new album were already composed by the former line-up and in 1976 Mona Lisa focused on finishing their next album as well as re-establishing their fame through numerous concerts.At the fall of 1976 the third album ''Le petit violon de Mr. Gregoire'' was recorded at the Tetra Studios in Antibes with Jean-Pierre Massiera as the sound engineer.Atoll's singer Andre Balzer, who was speding time in the same studio during the same period, participated in some backing and lead voices, although he refused to be included in the liner notes.The album was eventually released on the Crypto label, the renamed Artcane, in January 1977.

Despite the struggling circumstances the group went through, ''Le petit violon de Mr. Gregoire'' is yet another musically mature and competent album by Mona Lisa, much following the same Symphonic Rock attitude for which they were known for.However their new work, especially during the opening side, sounds a bit rockier and more upfront with less muddy directions and a more pronounced guitar flavor among the impressive keyboard parts of Jean-Paul Pierson.Excellent guitar-fronted pieces like ''Le chant des glaces'' or ''Solaris'' was not what the fans were expecting for, featuring a more bombastic and dynamice side of Mona Lisa, containing both impressive melodies and symphonic sections.The rest of the album goes along the typical Mona Lisa style of Theatrical Progressive Rock, highlighted undoubtfully by the sidelong eponymous piece, which is over 20 minutes long.This piece was already performed by the group just after the release ''Grimaces'' album and finds the group in a very consistent inspiration.Full of instrumental twists, ''Le petit violon de Mr. Gregoire'' is a great piece of French Symphonic Rock with even some punchy guitars next to the monster symphonic keyboards and the delicate flute themes of Le Guennec.Another example of a fine Prog epic, struggling to find its balance between melodious textures, dramatic instrumental exercises, pompous orchestrations and a theatrical lyricism.Extremely solid work with fantastic and creative keyboard alternations and some unique atmospheres, including both aggressive and more romantic soundscapes.

Propably Mona Lisa's most reliable album.Among the finest works of 70's French Progressive Rock with a vast palette of complex themes, striking melodies and powerful vocals.Highly recommended.