Still in heavy Jarre-listening cycle here. I can sympathise with Ronin's statements above as my tastes revolve and shift at regular intervals; from artist to artist and genre to genre. There are periods where I'll only be listening to jazz and wondering why I have all those Prog CD's - a month later and the reverse is true.
What I do know is that the occasions where I have dumped large quantities of LP's or CD's have later necessitated that I re-acquire most of them. A hopelessly addicted music-lover.
Two second-hand JMJ discs landed on the doormat last week: 'Metamorphoses' and 'Sessions 2000'. These were the last albums he recorded for Dreyfuss and are a sort of 'contractual obligation'.
Metamorphoses is foremost a stunningly well-recorded affair with a variety of styles from 'zoolook' style vocal experiments to Enigma-like uptempo poppier tracks. He was really trying to get into a more commercial mode here, but the familiar bleeps and effects are in evidence which makes this an enjoyable listen for the afficionado.
Sessions 2000:
And now for something completely different. Jarre says a big 'sod you' to his record company and departs, leaving them with a collection of tracks he recorded as experiments - in Jazz style! The main surprise is that it is absolutely amazing! As a small child, little Jean Michel was taken to Jazz clubs in Paris by his father (the famous film-music composer Maurice Jarre) where he would sit under the piano whilst some of the great American names were playing.
This album is perfect for those quiet early-morning/late evening listens where you just want to be still. Apart from some very sensitive piano work, there are some great sounds and effects - pay special attention to the contrabass in the opening number, played on a sampler but sounds totally genuine, as if Eberhard Weber was there.
Yet another outstanding quality recording that will let your system shine.
Because of their relative unpopularity, these two albums are easily and cheaply available second-hand. Might be of interest for some.
Enjoy !
