Sandrose / Eden Rose ~ France

Eden Rose - On the Way to Eden (1970)

Even though Sandrose contains all of the members of Eden Rose plus a female lead singer, there is little in common with the two groups other than perhaps a name association with rose. On the Way to Eden contains nine mid-length instrumentals informed by the jazz and psychedelic movements of the day. The album bears a strong resemblance to the era's TV and film library works. However what separates Eden Rose from the pack is the tracks are fleshed out further with some fine soloing, in particular Henri Garella's organ. Also these songs seem more like full compositions than sketches of ideas. Melody remains front and center. It's the kind of album that doesn't sound super exciting on paper but translates very well upon listening. The CD adds the B side to their sole 45, and is similar to the LP.

I originally had the LP of this but swapped for the CD upon release. And that's the last time I heard this before last night.

Ownership: 2003 Musea (CD). Full liner notes and bonus track.

5/26/01 (first acquired); 2003; 4/29/25 (review)
 

Sandrose (1972)

Sandrose are France's best representation of the European progressive adaptation of the post Jefferson Airplane sound. For anyone who loves groups like Earth & Fire, Julian's Treatment/Julian Jay Savarin, Goliath, Room, Nattura, Analogy, and a host of others then Sandrose is an obvious choice to own. Jean-Pierre Alarcen is absolutely sublime on guitar. Keyboardist Henri Garella lights it up on the organ, and adds more than enough mellotron to satisfy any addict of the instrument. The rhythm section is clearly schooled in jazz improvisation, while Rose Podwojny sings her heart out in a decidedly non-sweet, shrill way. 'Old Dom is Dead' will test your tolerance of her style. Eleven minute 'Underground Session' is not just a highlight of the album, but one of the great instrumental rock tracks of our time. I'm serious.

My first copy was the Musea LP reissue and eventually upgraded to the French original.

Ownership: 1972 Polydor France (LP). Gatefold; 2011 Lion Productions (CD). Comprehensive liner notes, more than the others I've owned prior (which includes Musea, M2U, and Belle Antique).

1988 (first acquired); 6/20/10 (review); 4/4/17; 5/5/21; 8/25/23

6/20/10 (new entry)