LE PETIT VIOLON DE MR. GRÉGOIRE

Perhaps a tad dated by today's perfect standards, this band remains a stalwart example of the classic Gallic prog school , certainly kinfolk with Ange, Atoll, Pentacle and Pulsar. Knowledge of the language certainly helps in elevating the appreciation of these heavily Genesis influenced bands . Lyrically, our French friends have a long literary history that equals or even outdoes many other cultures. Hence, its only normal that the words and the vehicle to express them plays a major role. To english only ears , the overall impression is perhaps histrionic and overblown but "vive la difference"! Dripping in dense symphonics , the dramatic compositions are elevated by Dominique LeGuennec's vocal gymnastics , a spellbinding storyteller to boot, with lovely childlike fables wrapped in highly philosophical innuendo. Early Genesis had a huge impact in Italy, France and in Quebec simply because of a deeply ingrained cultural fascination for epic stories laced with imagery and fantasy. Though the next album "Avant Qu'il ne Soit Trop tard" is the real jewel in their discography, this recording remains a classic by virtue of the 20 minute title suite, an unusually evocative symphonic romp that is sure to please fans of the above mentioned groups. Outdated, so what? We still enjoy Mozart, Bach and the Beatles, no? ....Not essential like "Au Dela du Delire" , "Musiciens-Magiciens", "Pollen" or "La Clef des Songes" but a trusted addition to any collection. 4 da vincis