Machiavel - Jester (1977)

I'm surprised that this fine Belgian progrock band has so few reviews on this site, perhaps they sound too accessible? Especially their second and third album are an excellent addition to any collection, later their sound turned into more commercial and poppy. This second album is 'second best' after their magnum opus "Mechanical moonbeams".

On the first side the first two tracks "Wisdom" and "Sparkling jaw" contain mostly a slow rhtyhm with some breaks and accellarations and wonderful colouring from the keyboards (string-ensemble, spectacular Minimoog runs and Fender Rhodes electric piano), strong English vocals and great guitarplay (from sensitive to fiery). The third song "Moments" has a pleasant romantic atmosphere featuring warm vocals, twanging acoustic guitar and wonderful choir-Mellotron. The final composition on side one starts with a mellow keyboard intro, then halfway flowing shifting moods delivering great work on the choir-Mellotron, Minimoog and Fender Rhodes piano along good vocals.

On side two first two tasteful and alternating tracks entitled "Jester" and "Mister street fair", both with wonderful changing climates, surprising breaks, varied keyboard (majestic choir-Mellotron waves) work and strong vocals. This album ends with the long composition "Rock, sea and tree" that alternates between mellow and swinging featuring fine interplay between a dynamic rhythm-section, vocals and piano. Halfway we can enjoy a sensitive electric guitar solo, then a gradually more bombastic atmosphere with a propulsive rhythm-section and a sensational Minimoog solo.

IF YOU LIKE HARMONIC AND MELODIC PROG WITH VARIED KEYBOARDS, THIS ONE IS YOURS!

(C) ProgArchives.com

Tracklist:

1. Wisdom (6:00)
2. Sparkling jaw (7:00)
3. Moments (3:17)
4. In the reign of queen pollution (6:56)
5. The jester (5:20)
6. Mister street fair (7:55)
7. Rock, sea, and tree (9:52)
8. The birds are gone * (1:49)
9. I'm nowhere * (2:22)

Total Time: 48:53
*November 1974 Previously unreleased

Line-up:
Albert Letecheur / grand piano, electric piano, honky tonk piano, harpsichord, string ensemble, Mellotron, synthesizers, tubular bells, glockenspiel
Roland De Greef / bass, cellobas, 6 & 12 strings acoustic guitar, carillon, bells, whistle, comb, tape effects, vocals
Marc Ysaye / drums, vocals, tamborine, maracas, gong, wood blocks, glass blocks, broken glass, bells tree, sleigh bells, flextone, nutcracker
Mario Guccio / vocals, flute, sax, clarinet
Jean-Paul Devaux / electric guitar, 6 & 12 strings acoustic guitar, vocals

Purchase:
Virgin Mega France
Amazon USA
Last-FM

Links:
Official website
Planet Mellotron review