Vital Duo - Le Jardin Hors Du Temps (The Garden Out Of Time)

Year of Release: 2002
Label: Musea Records
Catalog Number: FGBG 9012.AR
Format: DVD
Total Time: 55:00:00

French brothers Jean-Luc and Theirry Payssan are a compelling one-two musical punch. For a majority of this DVD it is just the two of them making marvelous progressive-rock music seasoned tastefully with medieval persuasions, recorded live in a small chapel. On the bonus tracks, they are on stage with their band Minimum Vital, which is all previously unreleased material from 1994. The band has a woman lead singer [Sonia Nedelec], drummer [Charly Berna] and bass player [Eric Rebeyrol], whose identities remain a mystery as there were no credits listed on the back of the DVD case, nor was their a booklet enclosed for my perusal [However, helpfully supplied by the editor ?ed.]. However important this information may be to some of us, it is an extra in comparison to what you receive watching the performances. The music is primarily what captured my imagination and kept me glued to the screen.

Jean-Luc is a multi-instrumentalist that plays many stringed instruments as well as percussion, while brother Thierry plays a variety of keyboards (he reminded me of Rick Wakeman with his versatility). Jean-Luc plays his guitars simultaneously with the cymbals and the bass drum to give their sound the depth of quartet or trio. There are very little vocals, and I appreciated that because I do not understand French. The instrumental compositions are fabulous and hold their own without the need of the Vox Humana to accentuate the sounds.

This music can be entrancing and explosive in equal measure, while I am sure differing in sonic levels, dependent upon your stereo system's integration with your TV or big screen. Each segment of a song is a departure from the previous, allowing for a climax to eventuality build within the composition. The keyboards are the nucleus of their sound and the guitar is an exceptional and welcome addition that builds itself around the keyboards.

I found this DVD utterly delightful. I was amazed at how good two men can sound together. I often wondered what it would look like to see two people performing music that sounded like four. To have it happen before your eyes is simply astounding. The two brothers are talented entertainers, reaching the very highest level of professional achievement. I am sure if you watch this DVD, you will wholeheartedly agree.

Tracklisting:
Introit / Se Me Dame (Ma Dame M?a Trahi) / Zlideline Danse / Sliman? / Gothik / Le Jardin Au Statues / Officium / Mauresque / Louez Son Nom ! / Bonus: ?Les Mondes De Minimum Vital?: Les Mondes De Miranda / Modern Trad? / Dans Les Ch?teaux - Porte Sur L?été / Ann Dey Floh / Mystical West / A Bien Des Egards / La Source

Musicians:
Jean-Luc Payssan - electric guitar, cistre 16 cords (Richard Caro, 1998), mandolin (Aria Pro), battery & percussions, voice
Thierry Payssan - numerical liturgical organ, Hammond organ, piano, synthesizers, percussions, voice

Discography:
Ex Tempore (2001)

Le Jardin Hors Du Temps (The Garden Out Of Time) (DVD) (1994/2002)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin FR

Added: May 18th 2003
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Hits: 2194
Language: english