Benoit Gignac's two ST albums from 1976 and 1980 from Quebec

A nice little discovery from my friend, recalling some of those symphonic-folky albums from the same Province as "Les Seguins" and "Le Temps."  This artist seems to be completely unknown, even in his native land.

The knitted image of the first record is of the Village of Baie-St.-Paul credited to Josee Filion.  For many of us it will remind us of the hobby that was popular in the seventies, not to mention the sweaters.

One impressively arranged track, which recalls to me the tender and well-thought-out Canadian folkist Raoul Duguay, called "Les Immortelles:"



 


And another, from the first album, called "Aria:"






Though these trend towards the melancholy and introverted as is my wont, be it known he was at ease also with jazzy, pop, and more proggish styles.  

And from these samples I think we can all agree his talent at songwriting was not just undeniable, but neither worthy of overlooking nor in the worst case, abandonment.

Ghanaian Mack Sigis Porter wishes Peace On You from 1972 [no download review only]

This is from a reissue of the LP.  The Italian Wikipedia has a page about this singer who only made this one, outstanding, record.  Hopefully someone can tell me what it's saying.  I received this courtesy of a friend and again I will not be able to provide a full album but the quality of the music compels me to popularize it.  At first I was a little put off by his vocal resemblance to Jimi Hendrix, but after a few listens, I really 'dug it.'  This man is truly a unique artist.  The odd mixture of lyrics in French and English in particular makes for a really soulful sound, along with the deep and absolutely to-the-bone musical spirit of the artist.  Musically this is similar to what Don Anderson (Edo Zanki) attempted on the classic "Eagle Flies."  Please note the vinyl is not at all unaffordable (being a reissue).


Here with the amazing dropped-D tuning effect is a hard number, "Sunday in Neon Lights:"





Contrast that with the bluesy and almost Jackson Brownian "Till the Fall:"





Dear Mack Sigis Porter:

Homo sapiens is not just the wise human, he is the artist human.  This album could be the anthem of our species.

What talent, and what an unjust obsolescence.

I will have more of the review-only posts coming this February for records that really knocked me out-- altogether good news, because we can be assured there are still tons of gems out there!

I would love to share this with all y'all but of course the powers that be, powerful as they be in their constellation Orion looking down upon us from the musical heaven that is their domain, will not allow this to happen-- and I for one completely understand this.  I will do nothing to stop the starflow of hot light down because this music would lead me, were I to be Odysseos, to follow the path to their Siren's song no matter how many beautiful Penelopes awaited me at home sweet home, some ten years ago, some ten thousand leagues hence, nor will I hesitate to give myself completely to their song, untied from the mast, though I pay the price in shipwreck...

Jan Rigo & Friends - ... in time for 1982!

This avuncular elder guitarist wrote all the music here.  It surprised me his discography is not larger. Not in the same league as my adored Georg Lawall, less progressive and more basic along the lines of the earlier jazz output of George Benson (before he evolved to vocalizing), but still enjoyable.  A lot of interest to certain tracks.  For example, the spontaneous improvisation:







Then again, when I see yet another jazz record with a cover version of Thelonious Monk's Round Midnight (or Body and Soul, or Giant Steps), I head straight for the local pub and down a few pints whilst weeping and asking myself repeatedly, why is everyone not yet bored of these songs played literally trillions of times in the history of humankind?  It's as if someone who loved The Great Gatsby in high school, continued to read it every season of every year for the rest of their life.  Surely we call such a person autistic? (pardon to all those disturbed by the analogy).  And worse, that unfortunate scatting swing style makes a torturous appearance on the second side...

Silent Partner - Hung by a Thread

This album is very Genesis and Stackridge-like with the music-hall type numbers, folky material, silly lyrics, etc.  However the last track is a power-blast of fusion that will sweep you away like a jet engine does an unfortunate pigeon.  Having said that, it's quite hit and miss with a number of super-annoying songs, just as Stackridge used to do.

A Stackridge imitation, track 4 (or Genesis, either one, makes no difference to me):





I won't include the last, nine-minute long fusion track that blew me away utterly and made this lost album a classic entirely on its own, but pay attention to it, it's a stunner!

Many thanks to my friend for purchasing this record and sharing it with us.

Bertha and Friends 2, the Child of the Town (1980)

Back with the second installment of this funky German group.

The track "Further On" is particularly gorgeous, I could listen to it all day, with its kind of indolent and sunny peaceful feeling: