Transit Express - Opus Progressif. 1976 France

Opus Progressif is Transit Express' second album and sees the band move closer to the Mahavishnu Orchestra jazz rock center. David Rose's violin plays a key role in their instrumental sound, with guitar and keyboards providing ample solo backup. The rhythm section, as to be expected, is lively and moves the compositions forward at a rapid pace.

Prior to the CD reissues coming out in 2001, I hadn't heard any of the Transit Express albums. I bought them all at the same time, and recall the debut Priglacit as the highlight. For whatever reason though, I'm most familiar with their 3rd album Colours Naturelle. On that one there's a distinct move towards Zeuhl that I find refreshing. I hadn't heard Opus Progressif in that 20 year span since and would conclude it's a bit more typical of the time and place, though no less satisfying. This album was released in the US by the Peters International label, with a different cover (arguably better honestly). Despite this, I've never encountered it at a record store oddly enough. I think the title is a misnomer, as it's more jazz rock/fusion than progressif rock, though there's enough of the latter to categorize it as such. 

Ownership: LP: 1976 RCA. Single sleeve. Just as with the CDs I mentioned above, I also purchased all three Transit Express' on LP on the same day (2013). 

Former ownership: CD: 2001 Piano Bass.

The revisit of this and Colours Naturelle the day before (already in this blog) tells me that the LP is all I need, as the CD reissues on Piano Bass offer nothing more. Interesting to note that the French reissue label used the US cover for the CD.

2001 (first listen); 10/15/21 (review / new entry)

Transit Express – Couleurs Naturelles. 1977 France

This is the 3rd and last album from Transit Express. On Couleurs Naturelles they are basically a tight fusion group with David Rose's violin in the lead role. But it's not quite that simple - and Transit Express can hardly be accused of being just another late 70s fusion band. No - this is some seriously thought out material, with quite a bit of original arrangements. And there's no denying the Zeuhl undertone here, especially apparent in the grinding bass lines and heavy drum work. Acoustic guitar and violin provide the unique melodic structure. And one shouldn't ignore the blazing electric lead guitar from Christian Leroux either. Highlights include the dramatic 'Visite du Manoir' (7:14) and the hauntingly beautiful piano and violin driven 'Au Dela du Mirior' (5:54). The album finishes in strong fashion with a variety of very short tracks in the 2 to 3 minute range - all clearly influenced by the Zeuhl fusion school.

Ownership: LP: 1977 RCA. Single sleeve. Online acquisition (2013). 

Former ownership: CD: 2001 Piano Bass. This was the source of the original review above. 

2002 (first listen); 6/30/11 (review / new entry); 10/14/21