Rousseau

Introduction to Rousseau

Rousseau, a German symphonic progressive rock band, released their debut album, Flower In Asphalt, in 1980. This album came out on the Steyrer Disco label, catalog number 1016. The recording took place in October 1979 at Tonstudio Langendreer in Bochum, Germany, with Manfred Struck serving as the recording and mixing engineer.

Musical Style and Influences

Flower In Asphalt features a blend of pastoral and melodic themes typical of the progressive rock genre. It draws comparisons to other notable bands such as Camel, particularly their works from the "Snow Goose" and "Moonmadness" periods. The album incorporates elements of Krautrock and Symphonic Prog, characterized by rich instrumental arrangements and intricate compositions.

Instrumentation and Arrangements

The lineup of Rousseau consists of five talented musicians. Christoph Huster plays the concert flute and acoustic guitar, providing expressive melodies throughout the album. Rainer Hofmann contributes with various keyboards, including the Yamaha Grand Piano, Mellotron, and Roland synthesizers, creating lush soundscapes. Jörg Schwarz adds electric and acoustic guitar layers, reminiscent of Andrew Latimer's style. Georg Huthmacher plays the Fender bass and bass pedals, complementing the harmonic foundation. Finally, Ali Pfeffer handles drums and percussion, grounding the ensemble's sound.

Track Highlights

The album opens with "Skylight," an expansive piece that sets the tone for the rest of the record. "Glockenrock" is a playful track that showcases the band's ability to blend intricate melodies with engaging rhythms. The title track, "Flower In Asphalt," is an emotive centerpiece that highlights the interplay between flute and keyboard. Other tracks such as "Le Grande Reveur" and "Dancing Leaves" further explore the band's symphonic tendencies.

Artwork and Production

The album's cover artwork and layout were created by Herbert G. Ruppik, adding a visual element to the music within. Rousseau took on the roles of writing, arranging, and producing the album themselves, showcasing their artistic vision and commitment to their craft.

Recording Details

This album was recorded in October 1979 at Tonstudio Langendreer in Bochum, Germany. It was released in 1980 under the Steyrer Disco label.