Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Spheroe - Spheroe CD (album) cover

SPHEROE

Spheroe

Jazz Rock/Fusion


From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Bookmark and Share
Atavachron
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
2 stars I go back and forth with this quite competent album from the French band Spheroe (an acronym for 'sphere' and 'hero'). On the one hand it is a tired brand of fusion that exudes the trappings of that form at its flat and soggy worst. On the other, it's a group of very good players doing earnest jazz-rock that is far from the worst I've heard. Lots of Fender Rhodes piano, spacey jams and Latin themes, I can't suggest this record to anyone but fusionheads though I give it credit for trying very hard.
Report this review (#94676)
Posted Monday, October 16, 2006 | Review Permalink
5 stars Spheroe is one of the most impressive french band in the seventies. Their style is close to Return to Forever and Zao and new materials. The members of the band have been trained by the most famous jazzmen in most prestigious clubs. They are incredible musicians. For History, Magma members went to their concerts in 1975 and proposed them to join MAGMA. Their style is different from the majority of uninspired jazz rock bands from the seventies. Their compositions are really good and well constructed (really better than Brand X and Iceberg's ones for exemple).Another important point is that the technicity is also present but not limited to an exhibition of virtuosity (even if they are!). Honestly, I advise this first (and hard to find) record to each fans of Return to Forever and good french 70's Zheul. This album has been too long underrated, listening to it will make him become a classic.
Report this review (#178810)
Posted Monday, August 4, 2008 | Review Permalink
b_olariu
PROG REVIEWER
3 stars Spheroe is a franch jazz band from the late '70's. From the first listen I was impressed by the up tempo of the album, very energic and well played. I'm not agree with some of the reviewers from here that first album of this band is bad, not at all. Full of catchy interplays between the guitar and keys. They incorporated in their music some elements from jazz, latino jazz. It can't be compared with DiMeola for ex for the latino part , they are more towards Iceberg from Spain, at if for the jazz moments they are realy good and well executed. While this album is entirely instrumental, the musicians had enough space to show that they are capable to create something worth investigate by jazz lovers and prog listners aswell. Every pieces stands for me as good, well ok, nothing groundbreaking here, but this is not bad , not by far. The best tracks are all with a plus on the two pieces over 12 min, great musicianship and up tempo compositions. Maybe Spheroe is a forgotten band from France and aswell from jazz movement , but I think they desearve a better recognition. I will give 3 stars for sure, a good album all the way, but nothing close to masterpiece or something alike. Anyway Spheroe first from 1977 album and aswell the second one desearve some spins. Similar band Iceberg. The reissue of the both albums were made by Musea Records in 1998, so don't hesitate to give them a try. Good, but non-essential
Report this review (#205322)
Posted Wednesday, March 4, 2009 | Review Permalink
apps79
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars Despite having a stable career for almost the whole 70's decade,SPHEROE remained widely unknown to the public for a long time.The band was formed in 1972 and consisted of Patrik Garel on drums/percussion,Gerard Maimone on keys,Rido Bayonne on bass and Micheal Perez on guitars.SPHEROE had a good live activity,but had to wait until 1977 for their first official release.The self-titled LP was originaly released on Cobra,later to be presented on CD format by Musea Records.

Obviously influenced by RETURN TO FOREVER and in a lesser extent BRAND X,the band delivers highly-energetic Jazz/Fusion Rock with tight performances and impressive musicianship.Especially keyboardist Gerard Maimone had to be a great CHICK COREA fan,his electric piano work is very solid and professional,but he also delivers strong doses of moog solos.Apart from the typical groovy and filled with interplays parts of the album,there is also lots of space for Micheal Perez to show his talent with nice solos and decent melodies,while in some moments the music gets really dark with obscure guitar chords and massive ''in your head'' synths,creating a haunting atmosphere.This is a quite good release from a lesser-known band with both enjoyable and well-arranged Jazz-Rock music,fine interplays and always an intensive delivery.Recommended, especially to the fans of the genre.

Report this review (#251810)
Posted Thursday, November 19, 2009 | Review Permalink
4 stars The issue of my album by Spheroe (title Spheroe) is on a different label than the ones I see in the other reviews. It's issued by Inner City Records © P 1978. New York City It has the number INNER CITY 1034 The record label shows the name 'Sphereo instead of Spheroe

Up tempo Jazz Rock with a lot of guitar and synthesizer virtuoso. Dated but still a surprise to hear and very enjoyable if you're a fan of this genre. Latin influences, no vocals only instrumental, long expanded solo's. Especially Gérard Maimone excels on his keyboards, he plays: Piano Fender, Vibraphone, Moog synthesizers, ARP, Korg, and acoustic piano. A shame the band stayed unknown (not known on spotify).

Report this review (#2341282)
Posted Wednesday, March 11, 2020 | Review Permalink

SPHEROE Spheroe ratings only


chronological order | showing rating only

Post a review of SPHEROE Spheroe


You must be a forum member to post a review, please register here if you are not.

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.