LIVE/HHAÏ (KÖHNTARK)

Magma's 'Live 1975' is an highlight of the group's career. Christian Vander, the drummer, is of course the founder of the 'Zeuhl' genre; which represents and avant-prog mix of heavy classical music (Carl Orff), early fusion (for instance Miles Davis' 'In A Silent Way') and modal jazz (John Coltrane's 'My Favorite Things'). The highly conceptual style of composing long pieces and saga's is another trait of the band. Whereas Magma had performed these pieces mostly with just Vander and Blasquiz on operatic vocal duties, the band would expand on its vocal arrangements for the re-recorded 'MDK', adding vocalist Stella Vander as a member of the group. On 'Live 75' the band offers a great introduction for newcomers. The two LP sides filled with Kohntark are a beautiful re-arranged version of the album the year before. The added violin and female vocals really enhance the piece and I much prefer the ending section this way. This is one of Magma's most brooding pieces, offering a contant doom in a slow paced intricate drum rhythm. The piercing violin near the end of the first part surely is among the most exciting moments of music history. The third side is filled with rather pleasant Magma pieces, the beautiful 'Hhai' being my favorite. The melodic and gentle version of 'Kobaiah' is also a treat. The fourth side is a largely instrumental and fast-paced Zeuhl piece based on themes of their 'MDK' album. The recording quality is quite good and this version of Magma is my favorite of the seventies. For new listeners this band can be quite a lot to take in, but I can recommend this live record as a starting point .