CAPTAIN TARTHOPOM

Jean Cohen-Solal released two albums, "Flute Libres" in 1971 and this album from 1973. For me it's really a toss-up as to which one I like better. Although I do think the debut shows off his skills with the flute better.

"Captain Tarthopom" opens with church bells before the music comes in and builds including horns, flute and more. It ends with the sounds of chickens and it is pretty funny. "Ludions" is fairly uptempo with bass, a beat and flutes. The flute stops and then fuzz comes in before a minute and it's nasty. That really changes the mood here as it's much darker. The flute does return after 2 minutes with some nice drum work to follow as it picks up. Flute only ends it. "Ab Hoc & Ab Hac" has flute and lots of fuzz early on. Great sound here. The fuzz stops after 2 minutes as the flute leads. The organ comes to the fore. It sounds like vibes to end it.

"Intime Panique" has a beat with flute as horns join in. It becomes really intense late. "Memoire D'un Ventricule" is the longest track at over 10 minutes. This is somewhat haunting with flute and cymbals leading and this section ends around 2 1/2 minutes as drums and atmosphere take over. The beat stops after 4 minutes as it becomes haunting again. The organ becomes the focus here and it's still dark. "Fossette Surprise" opens with piano, a beat and flute leading the way. Silly marching styled drums end it. "Quelqu'un 2003" is eerie as sounds come and go. The mood changes a little a minute in. Violin and flute lead. The intensity lifts 5 minutes in.

I can't say enough about the two albums that this talented man released. If you like adventerous music that can get a little dark at times you really need to check these out.