Cuneiform: Philharmonie – Nord / Dieses Wochenende für Five
„Conceptually, it suggests what an inspired meeting of Steve Reich and King Crimson might sound like…masterfully weaving together lush melodies, minimalist tendencies and heavy rock overtones.“ – Innerviews // „Technically remarkable…“ – Guitar Player
„Philarmonie’s Nord is pure beauty. With already two albums released as a trio (Frédéric L’Épée and Laurent Chalef on guitars, Bernard Ros on Chapman Stick), the band decided to expand its sound with the addition of drummer Jean-Louis Boutin…The album includes the beautiful and very quiet „Vers le Nord“ („To the North“), indisputably their best recorded piece, and the 16-minute long „Prélude, Marche et Lamentations“ („Prelude, March and Laments“). As far as guitar-oriented instrumental prog rock goes, Nord is the best album ever recorded.„
AllMusic / François Couture
I consider Philharmonie to be one of Cuneiform’s great discoveries of the 1990s! They started their life as a guitar trio, led by Frédéric L’Epée, formerly of the 70s progressive rock favorites Shylock. They released two albums as a guitar trio (one on their own and one on Cuneiform) featuring tight, well-written, obviously very Fripp-influenced, pointillistic compositions, performed by 3 total guitar masters.
For Nord, their 2nd Cuneiform release, they added a drummer with an excellent, light touch, who gives them an even broader array of musical color.
released January 1, 1994
Frédéric L’Epée : guitars & fretless guitars
Laurent Chalef : guitars
Bernard Ros : Chapman Stick
Jean-Louis Boutin : drums
Composed and performed by Philharmonie.
Recorded and mixed at Studio 26 – Antibes, France.
Sound engineer : Frédéric Bétin.
1) Click this album link: https://cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/nord-north
2) Click „Buy Digital Album“
3) Type „10“ into the Name your price field (The discount comes next! 😉 ).
4) Type the word „FIVE“ into the Discount code field.
5) Click „apply“
6) Click „Check out now“ or „Add to Cart“