Pierre Moerlen's Gong

Live Performance Documentation

"Pierre Moerlen's Gong Live," released in 1980 under the Arista label, captures the energy of the band's live performances during their European tour in support of their album "Downwind." The album was recorded in two notable venues: the Stadium in Paris on February 16, 1979, and The Venue in London on March 11, 1979. This live LP showcases the unique blend of jazz, rock, and progressive elements that the ensemble is known for.

Instrumentation and Collaborations

The album features a distinctive lineup led by Pierre Moerlen, who played drums, percussion, and synthesizers. Alongside him, Hansford Rowe provided bass guitar, while Bon Lozaga contributed both lead and rhythm guitar. The performance is further enriched by the contributions of Benoît Moerlen on vibraphone and François Causse on marimba, xylophone, glockenspiel, and congas. This triple percussion arrangement creates a dynamic musical foundation that supports the band's intricate compositions.

Notably, the album includes guest musicians such as Mike Oldfield, who delivers an impressive lead guitar solo on the track "Downwind." Didier Malherbe adds depth with his saxophone and flute contributions, enhancing the overall texture of the music.

Musical Highlights

The opening track, "Downwind," sets the tone for the album, featuring powerful solos and a strong rhythmic presence. Other tracks like "Mandrake," "Golden Dilemma," and "Esnuria" further exemplify the band’s ability to fuse varied musical styles seamlessly. Pierre Moerlen’s drum solo is a standout moment, displaying his technical prowess and deep understanding of rhythm. The album concludes with "Crosscurrents," rounding out a performance filled with intricate musicianship and collaborative spirit.

Production Credits

Pierre Moerlen and Nick Bradford took on the roles of co-producers for this live album, ensuring that the raw energy of the performances was captured effectively. Mastering was handled by Tony Bridge, contributing to the overall sound quality. The album's catalog numbers include SPART 1130, 201 507, and 202 205, indicating its distribution across Germany and the UK.

"Pierre Moerlen's Gong Live" is a testament to the band's dynamic performance style, recorded at two significant live venues in 1979.