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Clearlight — Symphony
(Gonzo Multimedia HST207CD, 1975/2014, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2000-05-01

Symphony Cover art

This monumental debut release by keyboardist Cyrille Verdeaux’ Clearlight is finally available on CD in its original form — almost. Apparently there was a Japanese CD release of about 100 copies about 10 years ago or so, but this marks the first time the original version has been generally available on reissue. This one is not to be confused with the expanded and re-recorded Symphony II which was released on Spalax a decade ago. The two densely layered multi-part Mellotron-drenched keyboard and piano compositions (one per side on the original LP) each feature different groups of musicians. One side has support from Christian Boule on guitar and Gilbert Artman (Lard Free, Urban sax) on drums, with bass by Martin Isaacs. The other side is basically half of Gong — Tim Blake on second synth, Bloomdido on sax, and Hillage on guitar. While some of the themes cross sides, these are essentially two related but independent works that could easily stand on their own. Given the years of their respective original releases, some commonality might be found with Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells, although Clearlight is intensely more symphonic, varied, heavy, and dramatic. There are also a good deal more avant-garde elements worked into the fiber of the compositions, though not enough to make it alienating. Note that the first and second sides of the original LP have been swapped; apparently this is the way Verdeaux originally intended them to be, but Virgin preferred that the more quiet and avant first movement be relegated to side two, and that the more aggressive second movement featuring better known British musicians be moved to side one. Either way you play it, Clearlight’s Symphony is one of the essential cornerstones of classic progressive rock.

Filed under: Reissues, Issue 19, 2014 releases, 1975 recordings

Related artist(s): Didier Malherbe, Steve Hillage / System 7, Clearlight, Cyrille Verdeaux, Tim Blake

 

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