- French Release with Gatefold Album Cover
This album "HARMONIUM" is the eponymous debut album by Québécois band Harmonium released in 1974. It was their most folk driven album, and features the song that made them famous "Pour un instant".
In 1974, a wave of progressive rock experimentation was rippling across the globe. Yet, nestled within the French-speaking province of Québec, a trio named Harmonium emerged with a sonic tapestry unlike any other. Their self-titled debut album, a gatefold vinyl adorned with evocative imagery, was a landmark in Canadian music – a delicate marriage of folk traditions and ambitious musical journeys.
The Québec Context
Harmonium's emergence cannot be separated from the socio-political climate of 1970s Québec. It was a time of burgeoning cultural pride and a desire to assert a distinct Québécois identity. The band's lyrics, penned primarily by frontman Serge Fiori, embraced their French-Canadian heritage, weaving tales of folklore, longing, and the beauty of the natural world.
A Sonic Landscape
Musically, 'Harmonium' is a captivating blend. Acoustic guitars, warm vocal harmonies, and the wistful strains of the flute evoke a timeless folk sensibility. Yet, the band was far from traditionalists. Electric guitars surge unexpectedly, mellotron passages add a symphonic depth, and the compositions themselves reveal a progressive-rock ambition in their extended structures and shifting moods. This unique fusion of folk and prog made Harmonium stand apart in the era's musical landscape.
Key Figures
Serge Fiori was the heart and soul of Harmonium. His poetic lyrics, expressive vocals, and masterful guitar work defined the band's sound. Alongside him, Michel Normandeau's intricate basslines and flute melodies, along with Louis Valois's dynamic drumming, brought the compositions to vivid life. While largely recorded by the trio themselves, sound engineer Pete Tessier played a crucial role in capturing the album's rich sonic palette.
Album Description & Collectors information:
|
Music Genre: Prog Rock, Folk Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "HARMONIUM - S/T Self-Titled FOC" was produced by: R.A. (Rob) Morten Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Michel Lachance This album was recorded at: Studio Tempo, Montreal , January 1974 Album cover photography: Robert Lussier |
Record Label & Catalognr: Green Record Label with: GAMMA 8521 8.521 |
Album Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: 1974 Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: HARMONIUM - S/T Self-Titled FOC |
|
Complete Track-listing of the album "HARMONIUM - S/T Self-Titled FOC" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "HARMONIUM - S/T Self-Titled FOC" is:
|
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
Green Label GAMMA 8521 8.521
Harmonium is a Canadian progressive rock band that is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential bands in the history of Canadian music. Their music is characterized by its intricate and melodic arrangements, lush harmonies, and poetic lyrics. While the band never achieved mainstream success outside of Quebec, their music continues to be celebrated and influential to this day.
Discover Harmonium's debut album, a folk-prog gem from 1970s Québec. This self-titled masterpiece blends acoustic beauty with progressive ambition, featuring the iconic "Pour un instant."
Harmonium 12" Vinyl LP
From the moment the needle touches the grooves of the vinyl record, an enchanting soundscape unfolds. The album's second track, "Dixie", immediately captures attention with its delicate piano melody
Les Cinq Saisons 12" Vinyl LP
Released amidst the shifting musical trends of the late '70s, 'L'Heptade' found Harmonium at their most adventurous. Their signature blend of folk, prog-rock, and classical influences reached new heights of complexity
L'Heptade 12" Vinyl LP