CLEARLIGHT SYMPHONY

CLEARLIGHT was a project created in early 70's by French composer Cyrille Verdeaux.They were the first French band to be signed by Virgin Records or any other English label.''Clearlight symphony'' was released in 1975 and it was a highly-ambitious record,which contained two 20 min. movements.For this work,Verdeaux was supported by a number of experienced musicians,among them were Steve Hillage,Didier Malherbe and Tim Blake from GONG.

The first movement is actually a contant battle of piano interludes and chaotic interplays.At one moment,the music is very mellow and atmospheric based on Verdeaux's classical piano and distinctive mellotron work...but suddenly what follows is a storm of a tight rhythm section accompanied by heavy electronics,psychedelic guitars and great saxes.If yoy can imagine a blending of GONG's space/fusion rock with TANGERINE DREAM-like electronics and CARPE DIEM's deep musicianship,then you're somewhat in the game...For the second movement,again Verdeaux opens with delicate piano and mellotron,before things get even more chaotic with obsure sound effects and crazy saxes dominating the atmosphere for a while.An alternation between classical piano themes,beautiful mellotron and spacey/psych guitar solos will follow (thinking of PULSAR while listening to it),sometimes supported by electronics,other ones violins,saxes and flutes pop up here and there until the grandiose ending...Definitely a highlght in prog rock history,as this was one of the most experimental and -if you like- mental works by the time of its release.Highly recommended to all prog fans with a wide open mind!