JEAN-PIERRE ALARCEN

An amazing guitarist/composer from France,JEAN PIERRE ALARCEN started his journey in the world of music,recording an album with ''Les guitares du dimanche'' in 1968,before forming ''Eden Rose'' and playing on their only album ''On the way to Eden'' from 1969,one of the earliest psych/prog albums coming from France.His next stop would be the excellent ''Sandrose'' (formed out of the ashes of his previous band) in 1971,with whom he released a self-titled LP the next year,considered by many as one of French progressive rock's milestones. ''Sandrose'' would soon disband and ALARCEN finds himselfs collaborating with many French musicians,before finally returning back with a personal album in 1978 on Esgarcot Label.

The talent of ALARCEN is evident in this album,which is actually a prog rock release with a clear jazzy/fusion tendency, paused in moments by classical parts.The opener ''Sambaba'' is a nice intoduction with fine guitar work,dominating percussions and beautiful electric piano,while the follower ''Salut besson'' continues exactly in the same vein.''Mon amour'' is a great and pure classical arrangement,almost entirely based on strings with an ethereal and romantic atmosphere.''Nationale 20'' comes next and this one is a relaxed piece of jazzy prog with fine keys and electric piano,creating an obscure atmosphere and depressive feeling.In ''Soir'' the mood dosen't change at all,this is a slow track with bluesy guitars and even some moog synth solos.ALARCEN decides to close his album with another classical arrangement entitled ''Vieux Garcon'',again based on a grandiose string orchestra but with a darker and more depressive sound.The diversity,varied influences and flexibility of JEAN-PIERRE ALARCEN's music acknowledge are all taped on this album,which shows why he was a significant part of the rise of French progressive rock.The tradition of his intricate musical ideas goes on with his eponymous debut,which is a highly recommended one.Approach at any cost!