Believe it or not, this is the first time I've heard this album, or at least a dedicated listen. For many years, general wisdom has it that Maneige's first 4 albums are all one needs, and they fell off a cliff after that. Well, I beg to differ. But it is different than its predecessors. Their first couple of albums are prog rock, and the next 2 are prog fusion, or what we used to call symphonic fusion. So it should come as no surprise that by 1980, the band had moved wholly into the jazz fusion space. There are no epics, but rather 9 short and punchy instrumentals. No vocals and it certainly isn't pop. It's a full 6 piece with flute, sax, guitar, keys, bass, and two percussionists. Essentially the same lineup as the recently reported Katamaran - Cafe Florian. I must've played each side 3 times back to back, something I rarely do anymore. The second side has a rougher edge, and honestly could have fit easily on Libre Service. Easy recommendation to fusion fans, but do expect it to be different than what came before it.
Ownership: LP: 1980 Interim. Single sleeve. Was part of the Baltimore record store haul. Priced at $8, which is about the going rate online, but it's not something you'll likely see in the wilds here in the States. Interesting name for the label, as it ended up being self-defining, not lasting more than one year and 8 LP's. Also worth noting that Maneige's first 4 albums all have at least 7 to 8 releases including reissues, and after that there's only the one original LP release. No reissues at all, and this would be a great title for CD enthusiasts.
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