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SPHEROE

Spheroe

Jazz Rock/Fusion


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Spheroe Spheroe album cover
3.24 | 18 ratings | 5 reviews | 17% 5 stars

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Studio Album, released in 1977

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Black Hill Samba (12:00)
2. Contine (2:48)
3. Vendredo Au Golf Drouit (6:20)
4. Chattanooga (12:50)
5. Pu Ping Song (6:00)
6. Deconnection (3:10)
7. Ballade For Wendy (1:37)

Total Time: 44:45

Line-up / Musicians

- Patrik "Cactus" Garel / drums, percussion
- Gérard Maimone / Fender piano, vibraphone, synthesizer, piano
- Rido Bayonne / bass, percussion
- Michel Perez / guitars

Guest musician:
- Alain Mazet / bass (2)

Releases information

LP Cobra (1977) (CD-Reissue Musea, 1998)

Thanks to ProgLucky for the addition
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SPHEROE Spheroe ratings distribution


3.24
(18 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(17%)
17%
Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(50%)
50%
Good, but non-essential (28%)
28%
Collectors/fans only (6%)
6%
Poor. Only for completionists (0%)
0%

SPHEROE Spheroe reviews


Showing all collaborators reviews and last reviews preview | Show all reviews/ratings

Collaborators/Experts Reviews

Review by 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.
Review by 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
Review by 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.

Latest members reviews

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 ... (read more)

Report this review (#2341282) | Posted by RSG2002 | Wednesday, March 11, 2020 | Review Permanlink

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 wen ... (read more)

Report this review (#178810) | Posted by pwawrzyn | Monday, August 4, 2008 | Review Permanlink

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