Dear readers, we are pleased to offer you in this article an interview with a historic French Progressive Rock artist, founder of the Masal project. We welcome Jean-Paul Prat.
Hi Jean-Paul, welcome to our pages, how are you?
“I’m fine Jacopo, thank you.“
You are a composer and keyboard player, how did you approach music and in particular keyboards?
“Piano has been my first instrument when I was nine. I started with classical stuff. Then I learned guitar, bass and drums which was my main instrument for years.“
Since the 70s you have been exploring Progressive, Zeuhl and Experimental sounds, how did you get into these sounds?
“I always didn’t care about categories and styles. From the beginning I composed music coming from the inside of me. I understood very soon that I was allowed to compose the music I really felt and that music can have no boundaries. I learned harmony putting my head close to the piano strings!!“
The band Masal was formed in 1973, how did the project come about and what memories do you have of those magical years?
“I was 20 at this time and I had been playing in a dancing band since I was 15. I started composing music and decided that it was enough with easy music. In 1974 we rented a house to live together with the band. We worked a lot and it was great to rehearse ‘full time’ It would be too long to give you all my memories of these times !!!“
The new album ‘Siempre’ was released in December 2024, how would you describe this work?
“For ‘Siempre,’ I decided to record pieces that I composed a long time ago. I thought this music had to be recorded. The title « Siempre » (always) shows that my music already existed 50 years ago and is stil the same today. It is the first time I could record pieces live in the studio with the whole band playing together (‘TGV pour Paradis’ and ‘Feu’ were recorded and filmed with a 10 musicians band) This album is fire and water !“
Long instrumental textures with intertwining keyboards and horns and much more, how does the creative process of your music take place?
“My music is colorful and needs a lot of timbres. It’s like a big puzzle in which the instruments are playing (like in a game) together. At almost 100% the creative process starts with piano. Then, very often, I write the bass line and then the melodies. After that, I assign the melodies to the timbres which serve them the best.“
Numerous artists participate in the album, what did they bring to the sound of this work?
“I am very lucky because I can play my music with very talented musicians. They bring so much to the music. Even if most of the parts are already written, the talent of the artists playing in ‘Siempre’ gives warmth and depth to it. My son’s drumming is always precise and fits so well with the music and Philippe’s bass sound is just what the music needs. The
heart of the band’s sound comes from this « rhythmic heart » formed by piano, bass and drums.“
Since 1973 you have worked on several albums, how has your sound evolved over time?
“At the same time the Masal’s sound changes and doesn’t change. When I listen in a random way to all the albums I’ve made, I find unity in the composition and in the sound. Even if the music pieces are sometimes really different.“
Many of your fans and our readers wonder if there will be a chance to hear your music live, do you have plans in this regard for the near future?
“I would love it !! I already did it in a small way, playing in duo (piano and sax) with Vincent Brizoux. But it’s really difficult to play with a bigger band. It needs a lot of work and this work cannot be done if not enough gigs are booked. Today, nobody seems to make it possible. But I really wish to do that if somebody gives me the chance to realize it.“
How has the way of experiencing live performances changed from the 70s to today and what has changed for you?
“In the 70s, it was possible to play many different kinds of music on stage. It was almost another world ! It was possible to play together without earning any money. But times are harder today ! And music became a product for sale. Who still really listen to musics ‘out of the box?’ Only a few people, I think. It is really sad.“
Music and your genre in particular are constantly evolving, how do you see the modern scene regarding Progressive and Avant-Garde music?
“I think I already answered in the previous question. I’m not sure that most of the people
even heard about instrumental “Avant-Garde’ Music.“
What advice would you give to young artists approaching music with more sophisticated sounds like yours?
“Do what you like to do and never compose to please anyone“
Do you have any other activities or artistic passions outside music?
“Yes, I’m also a writer. I think I write in the same way I compose music : looking for the sound and the rhythm of words.“
I thank Jean-Paul for the interview, wishing him all the best for the continuation of hisartistic career.
“Sorry about my English! I’d wish to answer more precisely but…
Happy new year to everybody. Keep on discovering deep instrumental music!“
Purchase the new album “Siempre” on Bandcamp: https://masal.bandcamp.com/album/siempre
Read the Review of the new album “Siempre” here: [Review] Masal – Siempre
