The themes of Magma re-orchestrated. The light was born in Douarnenez last
summer and the celebration was continued at La Villette in the autumn. One previously
unreleased track, 'Zëss', was composed by Vander in 1979. A live recording of
extracts from the concert in Brittany. The predominance of vocals, characteristic
of the group, surprisingly does not eclipse the other instruments. Yet the master
tapes were not made on multi-track and mixed down, but they were recorded directly
in two track digital stereo. It took quite some talent by F. Juan Guerrero to
produce a perfect balance on these first cuts in a concert situation. Duration
44mm 42s. Dynamic range: 50dB. Rating: ****
These live recordings reproduce the magical, moments captured in concert during the festival "Jazz en Baie" at Douarnenez on the 2nd of August 1992. Christian Vander is surrounded with eight choristers and a light instrumental formation (Keyboards, upright bass) and we discover in an essentially vocal orchestration some of Magma's major compositions.
One finds here the forceful incantations, the hypnotic trances, the incandescent lyricism, the vocal work and power, which made such a reputation for this leading group. The pre-eminence of the voices lend emotion and are particularly expressive. Reinforcing the contemporary dimension of these pieces: Opera, Pagan Oratorio or Christian Gospel (Superb!) as well as the strong moments in this innovative concert. The acoustic bias, the discrete instrumental arrangements (principally the piano of Vander) shine an essential light on a unique approach. Magma remain one of the most fascinating new music groups in France...
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