A SECRET WORLD

Twenty-three long years have passed since this fabulous Paris- based multi-instrumentalist published an album, the last being the entrancing "Chateaux de La Loire" in 2000 which I have reviewed glowingly. I had to rely on revisiting his previous albums, including the just re-released "Mont St-Michel" which I consider to be an outright prog classic! Patrick used this prolonged interval to publish various books (France is still very reading friendly) as well as learning magic, which surely inspired this latest opus entitled "A Secret World". As with all his 5 albums, he has maintained a rather conspicuous style that combines Renaissance/Baroque classicism with modern touches on a variety of vintage and non-vintage instruments, as well as incorporating progressive methodology, production, and arrangement values. Passion, Melody, and Atmosphere reign supreme throughout the 10 tracks presented here. The cover work (I am waiting for the CD to arrive, using the download to review) is just as expressive as the sublime "Mont St-Michel" (the CD version and booklet are mesmerizingly beautiful, merci Herve Thibon). I will admit that I have been a devoted fan since his very first foray in 1990, the fairy-tale legend of Broceliande, the mythological French forest situated in the Morbihan region, that had a reputation for dragons, fairies, endless mystery and where necromancers enchanted the world of King Arthur's court, the most famous being Merlin. Talk about prog imagery!

The title track sets the tone from the outset, as the bombastic organ echoes into the deepest realms of the entranced thicket, interwoven strands of fluctuating melody, rich with contrasts, at times sombre cello sounds seek to engender sorrow, tingling acoustic guitar, and serene woodwinds, all mingling into a suppliant choir that crosses the threshold of reality, inflowing towards the unexplainable and ethereal. A final return to the beginning, the loop is closed. The vibrantly pleasant "The Blue Unicorn" is a sonic representation of virtue and honour, flush with elegant bravado and confident gait as the hypnotic mood remains sure footed and yet also somewhat spectral. Marching binary drums and bopping synth bass set the foundation, on which an insistent synth chord keeps the pace. Swerving electronic flurries add to the repetitive magic. The piano plays "Breath" for half a minute, so as to preface the tremendous "King Arthur's March", a regal promenade of pomp and circumstance of the finest medieval vintage, mellotron strings bouncing off the armoured knights' bassinets, pauldrons, gauntlets and sabatons, as they march with their lances held high, shields at their sides. The main theme is appropriately grandiose, and the effect is awe-inspiring. The weaving "In the Corridor" is led by a bass heavy rumble, as if lumbering in the muddy channel, ready for the pointed assault long the defined lines of the joust. Patrick tears off a searing guitar solo that spirals deep into the resistant soul, contrasting with serene woodwinds that settle the outcome.

An unexpected time travel into the future with "21st Century Dancing Man" is easily a feature track here, with a liturgic voice, high-pitched and echo-laden being the spotlight peculiarity, careening effortlessly amid the modern beats as the electronic shuffle and the theme coalesce into a sensational 5-minute dance. This convergence of medieval and futuristic is superbly rendered. The swooning escapism of "The Magical Path" suggest a sense of wonderment and gentle euphoria, a breezy affair with sharp brass blasts and led by a roguish piano that announce some illusionary track into the unknown, as well as the unseen but definitely the well heard. The whistling sounds, the ivories swaying in harmony and that trembling bass furrow, all combine to enchant, entrance, and entertain. Timeless, restrained, and secure artistry at hand. A troubadour moment with the impish "Out of Time", a solo acoustic guitar flicker of lanterned illumination, as introduction to the gallant transition on "In My Dreams", where acoustic guitar maintains its minstrel quality, the cello scouring the banquets hall's walls in mournful splendour. The drums enter the fray, solidly foundational for the voices both male and female, in apparent bonding. Just plain stunning.

The classic "Faust and Mephisto" finishes off this marvellous offering, a take on the German legend whereby the aging alchemist and wholly dissatisfied with his life Faust offers his soul to the devil's agent Mephistopheles in order for the former to use temporary magical powers to seduce the young and very attractive Gretchen. This cannot and doesn't end well, needless to state. Johann Goethe wrote a play and Charles Gounod a revered opera, so this sits well within the mainstays of contemporary art. Patrick gives a five-minute musical revisit, a revamped experience of confusion and doom, of despair and sacrifice, as the piano intones the subjugation of the desperate erudite, who cannot even fathom the trap in which he is now forever condemned to enter. Naturally, this is perhaps the more overtly classical stylized piece here and ends on quite the serious note as Faust soul is taken over by the devil for evermore.

As with many artists that I target for review, these are the ones who are wholly meritorious of being discovered and encouraged by the prog public at large, as well as admired for their determined passion. I suggest visiting his bandcamp page at broguiere.bandcamp.com and see what a delightfully gifted artist (and magician) Patrick Broguiere is.

5 confidential realms