Serge Bringolf Strave ~ France

Live (1983) 

Strave always had a bit of a jazzy disposition to add to their unique brand of Zeuhl. By 1983 though, the band had moved onto full-on jazz. There's still the rock base, and the Zeuhl component only comes through in the repetition of the rhythm. There's quite a bit of sax soloing throughout. This live recording is not quite up to modern standards, but it's certainly better than an audience recording or something of that nature. A moment in time captured well. This one is on the margins of my personal interest area, but jazz fans with an interest in Zeuhl are encouraged to seek out. 

Former ownership: 1983 RBO (LP) 

This album remains without a reissue as I update this post (2/22/25).

5/7/17 (review)

Vision (1981)

Strave's debut is like a Zeuhl Big Band playing jazz rock. Vision sees Strave moving closer to the Zeuhl center, where the chants are more prominent and the horn charts are tighter. Where the rhythms are more active, and the overall feel is kinetic. It's a second generation Univeria Zekt and definitely the peak for Serge Bringolf. A superb album that sits in the top tier of the Zeuhl echelon.

Ownership: 1981 Omega Studio (LP); 2012 Soleil Zeuhl (CD). Historical liner notes.

1990 (first listen); 11/29/12 (review); 7/28/23

Serge Bringolf Strave (1980)

Drummer and bandleader Bringolf put together the 10 piece Strave outfit that resembles a big band version of Magma. Trombone, trumpet, sax, violin, vibraphone, bass, and flute represent the instruments utilized along with wordless voice. No keyboards or guitar, which is unusual for a group with any kind of rock context such as this (even though the scales are clearly tipped towards a jazz sound). A unique band in the Zeuhl world.

Ownership: 2011 Soleil Zeuhl (CD). Booklet with historical notes and photos.

1994 (first listen); 1996; 7/8/11 (review)

7/8/11 (new entry)