BROCÉLIANDE

There are a slew of progressive artists that sadly remain in the relative shadows as even within the prog community, too much fuss is still gushing over the 'golden age' and its undying monuments (most of whom haven't released anything tasty in decades!). We all know who they are. This leaves little time to focus on the 'lesser' stars in the prog galaxy by most of us but not all. I have come to the controversial conclusion that there is more powerful prog today then in 1973 and I believe I have that right since I lived it fully as a music hungry 17 year-old . It's just that Yes, KC, Genesis, Tull, ELP and Floyd were new and galvanizing, rock music played by talented virtuosos instead of inept junkies (most punk bands but not all, I am not that conservative!). But especially since 2000, there have been tons of incredible releases full of dense, well lubricated timeless prog. It took a while for this inspired French artist to be included in the PA community, a shame really, as Patrick Broguiere represents the archetypical modern prog artist succinctly. A professional for whom music is way beyond a hobby, a pastime or a way to pick up chicks, it's a serious kind of epiphany to willfully create music knowing that economic gain is a pipe (organ) dream! So there are architects, dentists, businessmen, civil servants, pilots who moonlight as artist in their basement with all the PC based equipment available for a mere pittance and compose amazing music. I fell in love with Broguiere's 'Broceliande' after only skipping through it in a store and bought it on a whim. I jumped immediately on the masterful third 'Mont St-Michel' which I glowingly reviewed recently and that has a pantheon spot on my top 50 all-time list! In the finest medieval prog tradition, the mythical forest of Broceliande is the theme that will provide a musical adventure within Arthurian legend, invoking Lancelot, Merlin, Avalon, Galahad and the Quest of the Round Table we all know and love. From the first notes of the 'Ouverture', the intent is clear, a modern instrumental adaptation of historical lore, with fresh electric guitar musing along with the flutes, synths right next to the harpsichord, organ embracing piano. The only slight negative is the use of drum programming which gives the delicate symphonic sheen a shadow of rigidity. But the great Oldfield was guilty of this also way back when and Patrick did well to get a real drummer for his Mont St-Michel milestone. There are some incredible moments here, the brief 'Merlin L'Enchanteur' is like a variation on classic 'Greensleeves', a simply stunning slice of genius. The booming church organ on the sweet 'Le Mariage d'Arthur' is equally phenomenal. 'Chanson de Vivianne' is outright magical, the oily guitar lead splashing over the chords with glee .'Le Pays Sous le Lac' remains imprinted on the listener's mind long after hearing it, aquatic revolutions that sound like Moerlen-era Gong, the repetitive keyboard sound is like a vibraphone that is pure hypnosis. The mandolin theme is achingly attractive, mysterious and memorable like some vaporous opiate cloud. This hypnotic theme will be repeated on the epic workout 'La Fin des Legendes' much to our delight. 'Lancelot du Lac' has serious medieval slants, motivated piano and agreeable flute exercising their wish to bond, a prime piece of music once again. On the finale 'La Quete' , the grandiose and the majestic themes bid a farewell to the experience and create a welcome sense of pleasure.

But some tracks are less inspired such as 'La Bataille d'Avalon', more playful and bombastic, hence providing added context but nothing remarkable. Or the solemn 'Le Chateau Aventureux' and the cinematographic 'Galaad' are pleasant but nothing more.

An artist that deserves more recognition and praise surely but get 'Mont St-Michel' first before embarking on any Broguiere adventure. It will seduce the knight in you!

4 Carnac druids