Spheroe - 1975 - Spheroe

Spheroe

1975

Spheroe

01. Black Hill Samba (12:00)

02. Contine (2:48)

03. Vendredo Au Golf Drouit (6:20)

04. Chattanooga (12:50)

05. Pu Ping Song (6:00)

06. Deconnection (3:10)

07. Ballade For Wendy (1:37)

- Patrik "Cactus" Garel / drums, percussion

- Gérard Maimone / Fender piano, vibraphone, synthesizer, piano

- Rido Bayonne / bass, percussion

- Michel Perez / guitars

Guest musician:

- Alain Mazet / bass (2)

Spheroe is a french jazz rock band from the late '70's. From the first listen I was impressed by the up tempo of the album, very energic and well played. I'm not agree with some of the reviewers from here that first album of this band is bad, not at all. Full of catchy interplays between the guitar and keys. They incorporated in their music some elements from jazz, latino jazz wraped under progressive passages. It can't be compared with DiMeola for ex for the latino part , they are more towards Iceberg from Spain, at if for the jazz moments they are realy good and well executed. While this album is entirely instrumental, the musicians had enough space to show that they are capable to create something worth investigate by jazz lovers and prog listners aswell. Every pieces stands for me as good, well ok, nothing groundbreaking here, but this is not bad , not by far. The best tracks are all with a plus on the two pieces over 12 min, great musicianship and up tempo compositions. Maybe Spheroe is a forgotten band from France and as well from jazz movement , but I think they deserve a better recognition. I will give 3.5 stars for sure, a good album all the way. Anyway Spheroe first from 1977 album and aswell the second one deserve some spins. Similar band Iceberg. The reissue of the both albums were made by Musea Records in 1998, so don't hesitate to give them a try.

Despite having a stable career for almost the whole 70's decade, SPHEROE remained widely unknown to the public for a long time. The band was formed in 1972 and consisted of Patrik Garel on drums/percussion, Gerard Maimone on keys, Rido Bayonne on bass and Micheal Perez on guitars.        SPHEROE had a good live activity, but had to wait until 1977 for their first official release.The self-titled LP was originaly released on Cobra,later to be presented on CD format by Musea Records.

Obviously influenced by RETURN TO FOREVER and in a lesser extent BRAND X,the band delivers highly-energetic jazz/fusion rock with tight performances and impressive musicianship. Especially keyboardist Gerard Maimone had to be a great CHICK COREA fan, his electric piano work is very solid and professional, but he also delivers strong doses of moog solos.                                                                                                       

Apart from the typical groovy and filled with interplays parts of the album,there is also lots of space for Micheal Perez to show his talent with nice solos and decent melodies, while in some moments the music gets really dark with obscure guitar chords and massive ''in your head'' synths,                                             creating a haunting atmosphere.This is a quite good release from a lesser-known band with both enjoyable and well-arranged jazz/rock music,fine interplays and always an intensive delivery.Recommended, especially to the fans of the genre.

Spheroe's debut album opens with sustain guitar and heavy percussion, which should tell you the direction this fine album is headed. 12 minute 'Black Hill Samba' is one of the best Latin influenced fusion tracks there is, as it never sits still in one place, constantly moving about in a progressive rock manner. And it never lets up from there. Some of the shorter tracks provide mellow interludes, but overall this is a spirited affair that avoids most of the genre's negative trappings. If the fusion phase of Santana interests you, then be sure to pick up Spheroe.