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Jean-Michel Jarre - Les concerts en Chine CD (album) cover

LES CONCERTS EN CHINE

Jean-Michel Jarre

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Bj-1
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
5 stars Jarre's Concerts en Chine was recorded in Beijing and Shanghai during his tour in China in October 1981, five concerts in total, and was the first time China allowed a western artist to perform in their country, making this a bit of a historical document. Parts of the Oxygene album was performed and recorded on this tour, but omitted from this release, instead focusing on the Equinoxe and Magnetic Fields albums, the latter being nearly performed in it's entirety here. There's an incredible set of six new tracks too, ranging from the hypnotic sequencer driven 'Arpégiateur' and 'Night in Shanghai', to a fantastic rendition of 'Fishing Junks at Sunset', a traditional tune performed with the Peking Symphony orchestra! Jarre and his group of performers add several interesting twists to every song here and brings an exciting sound to this material, and the tracks segues into each other sometimes with samples of the concert surroundings and other fun stuff for a great effect of immediacy while listening, something that Jarre would repeat on the Houston/Lyon album later on. Also, the first appearance of the iconic laser harp is here, another future trademark for Jarre. This live album has a very exciting set list and flow to it that doesn't outstay it's welcome at 79 minutes, and is overall highly recommended!
Report this review (#40994)
Posted Saturday, July 30, 2005 | Review Permalink
Gatot
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars I do not collect all albums of Jean-Michel Jarre - I have only some of them. It's not because of the music is not good at all but it's because of budget constraint: he has released so many albums that I could not keep up. This album is one of his finest in addition to the concert in Lyon. The music presented here represents his excellent musicianship to create such a dynamic and tight composition using keyboard and programming / sequencing. I would say that all tracks are enjoyable here. From the stimulating intro "The Overture" (4:47) the music continues with energetic and mental thrilling track "Arpegiator" (6:54). Oh yes, whenever I spin this album and this track is played I always emulate how the music is performed - using a multi layered keyboard works and percussion / drums. Wonderful track.

In "Fishing Junks at Sunset" (9:38) jean brought together his collaborative effort with the Chinese orchestra and performed this track stunningly. It touches your heart, I believe. The strong point of this track is the use of sitar or mandolin with an Eastern nuance. "Band in the Rain" (1:29) is a short track which gives uplifting mood to my ears. The other tracks that I think attractive are: "Orient Express" (4:22), "Laser Harp" (3:37), " The Last Rumba" (2:11) - what a treat!, and my all-time favorite of Jean Michel's: "Souvenir de Chine" (3:54).

If you enjoy space music, you should own this CD. It's worth listening to. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Report this review (#44073)
Posted Wednesday, August 24, 2005 | Review Permalink
richardh
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars I've always like this live abum from the erstwhile JM Jarre.Here he plays as part of a band with a real drummer driving the music.The whole thing has more of a prog feel to it as a result as we are taken through the best tracks from the excellent Magnetic Fields and Equinox albums.He also tackles the beautifull traditional 'Fishing Junks At Sunset' as well as throwing in a few newer peices.The sound is immaculate throughout.Recommended listening for prog fans who love synths!
Report this review (#46653)
Posted Thursday, September 15, 2005 | Review Permalink
1971
5 stars "Les Concerts En Chine" ,or "The Concerts in China", is an excellent example of 70's Jarre. This disc is one of those rare electronic live albums where the result comes out even better than in the studio albums. Not that I don't like Oxygene, Equinoxe or Magnetic Fields, but this one has a nice edgy touch that's in a way missing on the studio albums. Jean-michel Jarre wrote many new compositions for these live sets, such as "Arpegiator", "Souvenir of China" and "Fishing Junks at Sunset", which is performed together with Peking Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra. Also "Laser Harp" was introduced during these concerts. All these new tracks, of which all are superb, forms together with classics from his previous albums (especially from "Magnetic Fields") the best electronic live album of the 70's. However, this is not a "best of live"-album, since hits like for example "Oxygene 4" isn't here. Jarre have released a few more live albums, but not one of these presents near as much creativity as this. I can't think of a better way to start exploring the music of Jean-Michel Jarre, than with "The Concerts in China".

Report this review (#60429)
Posted Thursday, December 15, 2005 | Review Permalink
David Saez
5 stars The first time I listened to Jean Michel Jarre was on my old turntable. My brother left me double vinyl and was impressed. Subsequently I was hearing more of JM Jarre and I never went back to find the warmth that transmit these performances.

It is also an impressive historical document: The first musician of the decadent Western music that was allowed to operate in the communist China. Listening to the public in their ordered applause and their absolute silence during performances can not help feeling a bit shocking impression.

Strictly musical level, Jarre surrounded himself with excellent musicians who take it a step beyond its themes. A great reintrerpretación himself. Good selection of themes and great new themes like the impressive "Fishing Junks at Sunset" (maybe helped the orchestation by his father?)

Highly recommended for my essential for those not familiar with JM Jarre.

Anyway, the good is the father Jarre (Maurice)

Report this review (#367571)
Posted Wednesday, December 29, 2010 | Review Permalink
toroddfuglesteg
4 stars This live album is documenting the first ever gig by a western artist in China. Jean Michel Jarre is not exactly a rebellious artist with a hatred towards authorities. So he was a safe artist for the paranoid regime in China.

It is obvious China also coloured Jean Michel Jarre when playing this gig. The material here has a distinct Chinese classical music feel. A scene sadly neglected by us here in the west. This album very much brought this scene to our attention and that is the most important mission this album has in my view.

The music on this album is great and the mix, with various tidbits, really capture this experience almost perfectly. The best stuff here is the Chinese music which Jarre makes into his own like any great musician always does. Fishing Junks at Sunset is a great song too and so is the Magnetic Fields stuff. The final track Souvenir de Chine is the best track here though.

I would say this is Jean Michel Jarre's crowning moment and his best ever release. It is that good and it is highly recommended.

4 stars

Report this review (#589021)
Posted Friday, December 16, 2011 | Review Permalink

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