Previously unreleased live concert recording by Miriodor, Canada’s premier exponent of Rock in Opposition/Post-genre music, recorded at Quebec City’s Salle Multi de Méduse during 1997’s “Soirées de Musique Fraiche.”
Miriodor perform new, live versions of music from their recent album “Elastic Juggling / Jonglieres Elastiques,”
released by Cuneiform Records in 1996 to global acclaim.
Stream the live track “Le Dresseur de Chenilles” vis the SOundCloud player below:
Released by Cuneiform Records on February 13, 1996, “Elastic Juggling / Jonglieres Elastiques,” Miriodor’s 4th album, brought international recognition at a time where the band was undergoing internal changes.
This was the album that really got the band the attention of fans of ‘Rock In Opposition’ and ‘Progressive’ music. Miriodor’s audience got bigger and so did the attention of the specialized press. The band unique music style made them truly stand apart and earned them a reputation.
Acclaim for “Elastic Juggling” came immediately from the North American music press:
“Their sound is rooted in the chamber rock one might associate with bands like Univers Zero and Henry Cow (circa Western Culture), with touches of folk and other elements. There are wild mood swings and time changes, odd angularities and dissonant incongruities that together make for some great listening. Fans of seventies Crimson, UK, Zappa, Gentle Giant, and Van Der Graaf should find plenty of interest here.” – Peter Thelen, Exposé, 1996-03-01
Acclaim also came from abroad:
“Miriodor have established themselves as prime Canadian exponents of the complexly classical French twist on the RIO sound, notably with a side-step from Art Zoyd and Univers Zero, with many a unique twist of their own…a dynamic, intricate and beautifully crafted blending of rock-fusion, classical, folk and avant garde musics. “Elastic Juggling” is all the fun you’d expect it to be!” – Alan Freeman, Audion [UK], reviewing “Elastic Juggling“
“Elastic Juggling” was also a milestone in the band’s history, marked by the closing chapter of a long and very fruitful association with Sabin Hudon (saxes, accordion) and the opening chapter of another very productive association, this time with Bernard Falaise (guitar, bass), who remains with the band to this day. This is in fact the only Miriodor album where these two worked together.
In addition, Elastic Juggling is Miriodor’s only ‘concept album’ with many pieces relating to the circus world, albeit a demented one. Several circus characters are portrayed, with pieces like ‘Three Clowns’, ‘Tight-rope walker’, ‘Igor, the Motorbike Bear’, ‘The Caterpillar Tamer’, ‘The Knife Thrower’, ‘Strong Man Ring a Bell’, and there’s even one about a fortune teller, ‘Mrs X’. The cover shows the band as three clowns with a huge variety of instruments.
For performing live renditions of Elastic Juggling repertoire, Miriodor’s lineup undertook some changes. In 1995 and early 1996, the live band consisted of Rémi Leclerc (drums), Pascal Globensky (keyboards), Bernard Falaise (guitar), Bernard Poirier (guitar, bass, clarinet) and Stéphanie Simard (violin). By mid 1996, the live crew was composed of Rémi, Pascal, Bernard, Stéphanie, plus Nicolas Masino (bass, keyboards) and Sabin Hudon on one occasion.
Miriodor are extraordinary live performers, and their concerts are legendary, astounding existing fans and enthralling newcomers. The band’s 1997 concert at the Salle Multi de Méduse, released here as Live 97, will be sure to please all with Miriodor’s live, tight-as-a-knot, fired-up performance, including alternate and extended versions of Elastic Juggling material.
Pre-Order / listen to “Live 97” by Miriodor via Bandcamp: https://cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/live-97
Tracklist:
01. Bal Con
02. Le Lanceur De Couteaux
03. Poupées Russes
04. La Dresseur De Chenilles
05. 34 + 9
06. En Bazou Dans L’Bayou
07. Le Terrible Naufrage Du Petit Navire
08. Mme X
09. Igor, L’Ours À Moto
10. Êtes-Vous Costaud?
Lineup:
Bernard Falaise / Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Banjo, Turntable
Pascal Globensky / Keyboards, Synths, Piano
Rémi Leclerc / Drums, Percussion, Electronics