The Forgas Band Phenomena is a fusion jazz rock band led by French composer and drummer Patrick Forgas, who released his first album "Cocktail in 1977 with members from the French bands Magama and Zao. In this reincarnation the band is formed by Patrick Forgas (drums), Sylvain Ducloux (guitar), Igor Brower (keyboards), Kengo Mochizuki (bass), Frédéric Norel (vioin), Stanislas De Nussac (tenor & soprano sax), Denis Guivarch (alto sax) and Sylvain Gontard (trumpet & flugelhorn).
What does it sound like?
Patrick Forgas has been hailed as "the French answer to the Canterbury scene" and to be more precise the most jazz/fusion oriented wing of this genre, including a glimpse of French folk.
Similar artists:
The influence of Jean Luc Ponty is pretty notorious throughout the whole album, not just because of the fine violin lines of Frédéric Norel, but also beacuse of the instrumental melodies and arrangements. Melodies that provoke a similar friendly feeling as Ponty’s classic works and can also resemble of the wonderful French violinst Bruno Barre of Gwendal. The work of Frank Zappa is also recognizable as an influence, especially in the metal melody arrangements, which could be also compared to Soft Machine’s early era. The influence of Canterbury sound is also present with a resemblance of bands such as National Health and even some of the early Bill Bruford’s works. The most jazzy oriented work of the band comes with a glimpse of George Duke’s classic sound that could also resemble the most acoustic side of Jaga Jazzist.
Highlights:
This is a live album recorded with mastery that keeps all the warmth and brilliance of this wonderful ensemble of jazz musicians. The length of some of the tracks -34 and 18 minutes- gives an idea of the how much this band is oriented to improvisation, but always within the parameters of a progressive and structured basis. If I had to remark upon something special from this album, it would be the wonderful and tasteful playing from each and everyone of its members, including the nice solos from saxists Stanislas De Nussac and Denis Guivarch, eclectic guitar playing from Sylvian Ducloux, the backing but ever-present diverse keyboard work by Igor Brover, and the effective driving force from the percussion of Patrick Forgas.
Recommendations:
A top 10 album for Jean Luc Ponty and 70’s jazz rock fusion fans who are not afraid to discover new music talents.
