HAPPY FRENCH BAND

Recorded the following year, the third AD album, Happy French Band, is pursuing the changes occurred in Bis and refining it, with the line-up again evolving: the whole rhythm section of Mourey and Gaillard leaving, replaced by Verly Benavides (respectively on drums and bass). The Latino fusion is now much dominant with Devos's all-too-present marimba, and the group starts sounding like Spiro Gyra. Hardly a bad news if you enjoy that, but I must say that I've never warmed to that style. The album is not particularly inspired; Abus's Blues is rather weak, as is Aye Schango. Easily the better track of the album Voyage Sans Etiquette is still not fascinating to say the least. Not any better than its predecessor, HFB is hardly anything essential (we are far from the mid-70's exciting ground breaking albums), as there are literally hundreds of albums of this calibre haunting the early-80's catalogues, most of them lacking energy.

For me, this is one really fine outing for Abus Dangereux. In fact, all of their releases are wonderful, and this, for my taste, is by far and large, their best. Don't get me wrong, I love the other two, and one of the other reviewers this was possibly a bit more 80's (I think Spyra Gyra) mix of jazz, rock, and disco. And possibly it is. But the extended Voyage Sans Étiquettes (23:46) is proggy enough that it breaks free of any comparison, except to wonderful jazzier period GONG.

The execution is completely perfect by all players. The blend of instrumentation is superb, with a nice group feel to the ever changing themes and motifs. The production is absolutely top notch.

So, again for my taste, this is one "must have" - but where to get it!!! PLEASE someone release their entire catalog on remastered CD's!!!

I had a look at the ratings given and took a deep breathe before submitting this LP to the turnplayer. Reviewing this album is just one of the trials I have to endure as a reviewer here in PA. Pity little me. Then I got a shock. A positive one, that is.

This is the third album from this French band. I really love their first album which is leaning heavily on the likes of Magma and Soft Machine. Happy French Band though is a different beast altogether. But we are still partly stucked in the shadows of the Canterbury cathedral (Gilgamesh and National Health) when it comes to my references. There and in Frank Zappa's world. But there is also a lot of standard jazz here. It seems like I am turning into a jazzhead in my old days because I am really enjoying this.

The keyboards and drums has been largely replaced with saxophones, trumpets, soft percussions, vibraphone and marimba. The solos are mostly by saxophones and there is also a lot of interesting details delivered by the other instruments too.

This album does not really reach the highest echelons in the quality stakes. But I find this album really enjoyable although the lack of some really great tracks is it's main shortcomings. But it is better than it's reputation and well worth checking out.

3 stars