Jean Pierre Alarcen

Artist and Album Overview

Jean-Pierre Alarcen is a French progressive rock guitarist and composer best known for his work with bands such as Sandrose, Eden Rose, and Système Crapoutchik. His second solo album, Tableau Nº 1, was released in 1979 under the Scoppuzzle label. This album features a continuous three-movement structure and is an instrumental work highlighting Alarcen's skill and creativity as a musician.

Recording and Production

Tableau Nº 1 was recorded and mixed by Dominique Blanc-Francard, who is recognized for his engineering expertise in the French music scene. The album is pressed on vinyl in LP format, catalog number ZZ 001 / SCOP 10002. The recording sessions captured a rich sound that combines various elements of progressive rock, including classical influences and modern rock techniques.

Musicians and Instrumentation

The lineup for Tableau Nº 1 features several talented musicians. Jean-Pierre Alarcen plays electric guitars, organ, and the Solina String Ensemble synthesizer. He is joined by Daniel Goyone on grand piano and synthesizer, Gérard Cohen on bass, and dual drummers Jean-Loup Besson and Philippe Leroux, who provide intricate percussion throughout the album. This combination creates a dynamic sound characterized by powerful dual drumming and expressive guitar solos.

Musical Composition

The album is structured into two sides. Side A contains the first two movements, which total over 21 minutes, while Side B features the concluding movement, lasting just over 20 minutes. The compositions utilize elements of classical counterpoint, orchestral string arrangements, and progressive rock themes. Alarcen's guitar work draws comparisons to other influential artists like Steve Hillage and Mike Oldfield, while the orchestration hints at the avant-garde sounds of Magma and the Canterbury scene.

Release Details

Tableau Nº 1 exemplifies the symphonic progressive rock genre and showcases the collaborative efforts of its musicians. The album's intricate arrangements and diverse instrumental textures make it a noteworthy entry in the progressive rock catalogue. The release date for this album is 1979.