Wednesday 4 June 2014

Clearlight UK Review


Clearlight is a name that will be known to all lovers of progressive, Canterbury or electronic music dating from the 'seventies, "Clearlight Symphony" being a classic of its kind. Featuring legendary musician Cyrille Verdeaux, a new album, "Impressionist Symphony" is much to be welcomed. And there are some fabulous guests - Steve Hillage and Didier Malherbe of Gong (the latter's sax is at once recognisable!), also Don Falcone and synth wizard Tim Blake. The music is progressive in the best way: varied, symphonic, with lots of great solo performances. 'Renoir En Couleur' runs through a vast array of styles, with Hillage and Malherbe keeping it all together. Fantastic track, somehow both old and new in tone and texture. 'Time Is Monet' (oh dear) is similar in timbre. but with more violin and less of a rock feel. 'Pissarro King' features Ozrics-style bubbles and another superb contribution from Hillage, who really is on form with this album. 'Degas De La Marine' is a weird mixture of full orchestra and synths, but 'Van Gogh 3rd Ear' is a delightful synth-infused jazz number. Terrific. 'Gaugin Dans L'Autre' is almost a microcosm of the whole album with its many shifting moods, while 'Lautrec Too Loose' (another oh dear) returns the listener to rock sounds and much piano soloing. Album closer 'Monet Time' is essentially Verdeaux on his own at the piano, with violin accompaniment courtesy Craig Fry. A beautiful ending to an extraordinary album. Anybody into progressive rock, Gong, Hillage or anyone of their ilk simply has to listen to this!

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO:

Les Contes Du Singe Fou
CD - £9.99

Tribal Hybrid Concept
CD - £9.99

Forever Blowing Bubbles
CD - £9.99

Impressionist Symphony
CD - £9.99

Clearlight Symphony
CD - £9.99

Best Of Clearlight
CD - £9.99

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