Andre Fertier / Clivage ~ France

Mixtus Orbis (1978)

The intimate nature of Fertier's Indo Jazz album Regina Astris is expounded upon here on Mixtus Orbis with no less than a full orchestra. The jazz elements are downplayed somewhat, and flute takes center stage, along with the Indian instrumental accompaniment. Some of this album gets very trippy, with echoed vocals and orchestras coming at you from speaker to speaker. There really is no other album like it, which makes it almost impossible to classify. In general, I typically find albums like this satisfying on an academic level, but not emotional. Mixtus Orbis is exceptional in that it resonates at core instincts. Really excellent material here.

Ownership: 1978 Gratte-Ciel (LP)

1/27/14 (first listen); 4/10/18 (review)

Clivage (1977)

Clivage is Andre Fertier's debut album. Here you will discover a very fine Indo Jazz album. Long spells of both Indian ragas (hand percussion and stringed instruments) and pure jazz with extended saxophone soloing, along with stand up bass. The copious violin use recalls L. Subramanian's works in a similar jazz setting. While I enjoyed Fertier's sophomore effort Mixtus Orbis a bit more, I do find the debut to be one of the better albums in the style it emulates.

Concerning the title - Regina Astris is a later appellation that was applied to the reissue after Mixtus Orbis had been released. Technically this is not a Clivage album, but rather it was released as a solo under Fertier's name.

Ownership: 1977 Gratte-Ciel (LP)

1/25/14 (first listen); 1/4/18 (review)

No legit reissues exist for either as I update this post (2/22/25)

1/4/18 (new entry)