Maneige

Maneige: A Deep Dive into Les Porches

Released in 1975, Les Porches is the second studio album by the French-Canadian ensemble Maneige. The band emerged from Montreal, Quebec, in 1972, formed from the remnants of Lasting Weep. This album was produced at Manta Sound Studios in Toronto under the guidance of American producer Lee De Carlo. The record is distributed by Harvest Records, catalog ST-70038.

Musical Composition

Les Porches features intricate instrumental suites that blend elements of progressive rock, classical counterpoint, and jazz-rock. The album is notable for its multi-part compositions. Side one includes the ambitious title suite, "Les Porches de Notre-Dame." This 19-minute piece was composed by Alain Bergeron, who plays flute, saxophones, and piano. The track also includes guest performances from Raôul Duguay, who contributes vocals and trumpet, adding a distinct layer to the ensemble's sound.

On side two, the focus shifts to Jérôme Langlois's composition titled "Les Aventures de Saxinette et Clarophone." This multi-movement chamber-rock piece showcases the band's ability to fuse various musical styles seamlessly. Additional tracks on this side include "La Grosse Torche" and "Chromo," further exemplifying the band's eclectic approach to composition.

Band Members and Instrumentation

Maneige consists of several talented musicians. Jérôme Langlois plays clarinet, piano, and guitars, while Vincent Langlois is responsible for piano and percussion. Yves Léonard handles bass and double bass duties, and Gilles Schetagne plays drums and percussion. The album also features a classical string section comprised of four musicians: Albert Pratz, Bill Richards, Peter Schenkman, and Walter Babiak. This diverse instrumentation contributes to the album's rich and textured sound.

Recording Details

The recording of Les Porches took place in a well-equipped studio, which aided the complex arrangements and multi-layered compositions. The attention to detail in both the performance and recording processes reflects the band’s commitment to their craft. The album is available in vinyl format, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts of the genre.

Les Porches was released on Harvest Records on March 1, 1975.