Harmonium "En Tournee" 1977(rec) 1980(released)*****

Harmonium is the second Quebecois Prog band presented in this blog, after Morse Code. I've become quite a fan of that scene. Which is weird since, until a year ago, all I knew of the Quebec music scene came from English-speaking Canadian artists like the McGarrigle sisters and Courage of Lassie who occasionally also sang in French. Harmonium on the other hand, were a Quebec band that sang exclusively in their native language and even -like on this live album- addressed their English-speaking audience in Vancouver (Canada) in French. This must have irked them somewhat, since the nationalist division between the two communities had reached its climax around that period. Nevertheless, music bridges these gaps and the recorded concert seems to take place in a very warm atmosphere. During their 5-years existence Harmonium released 3 studio albums showing a gradual shift from simpler folk forms to intricately arranged prog rock. This CD is a posthumous release and constitutes a live re-creation of their supposed magnum opus, a symphonic prog concept album called "L'Heptade". They make up for the absence of a symphonic orchestra by creating complex but tight arrangements and making good use of the mellotron, moog and other synthesizers, piano, flute and saxophone. After a short intro, they open with "Comme Un Fou", an intimate folk song with beautiful harmonies and some heavy keyboards towards the end. "Chanson Noire" is jazzy and playful and consists of two parts: the bossanova-tinged "Le Bien, Le Mal" and the piano-and-sax dominated "Pour Un Blanche Ceremonie". The first disc closes with a 21-minute suite named "Le Premier Ciel" which opens with an emotive flute solo to continue with some loud electric guitar over a funky beat. Long saxophone and keyboard solos abound and vocals are scatted as much as sung. Friends of the then nascent punk scene would be horrified. Even for the modern pop/rock listener, it is an exercise in patience, but fans of jazz and jam-oriented music will be pleased. The second album begins with "L'Exil" a song with a dramatic delivery in the rein of traditional French chanson, albeit with an electronic synthesizer backing. "Le Corridor" is a beautiful ballad with a simple melody and gorgeous vocals by Monique Fateux, while  lead singer Serge Fiori assumes here a supporting role. Proof that Harmonium didn't really need those bombastic arrangements to win their audience. The song segues into the similarly styled  "Lumiere de Nuit" and "Lumiere de Jour". "Lumiere De Vie" is composed of 4 parts featuring, in succession, long Floydian guitar solos, Tangerine Dream-like synth soundscapes and romantic piano. "Comme Un Sage" is another 15-minute tour de force with atmospheric piano and vocals. Towards the middle and again at the grande finale, it sports some loud synths and guitars, but otherwise it's a smooth ride. A more realistic rating would be 4,5*, but I'll go ahead and award it a perfect score for its sheer ambition, complexity and impeccable -for a concert recording- execution. Bravo!

**** for Comme Un Fou, Le Premier Ciel, L'Exile, Le Corridor, Lumiere De Vie, Comme Un Sage

*** for Le Bien Le Mal, Pour Un Blanche Ceremonie, Lumiere de Nuit, Lumiere de Jour