Post Description

Studio Album, released in 1974, Canada.

Debuut album van deze Frans-Canadese Folky Symphonic Progband.

This Quebec-based Progressive rock band, who sang in French, has a very apt name in HARMONIUM. The core was a folk trio formed by guitarists Serge FIORI and Michel NORMANDEAU, and bassist Louis VALOIS. Their career was short (five years) and they released three studio albums in the mid-Seventies and a posthumous live album. They started off as a jazzy and typically French folk trio but began to delve into more progressive material on their brilliant second album, "Si on avait besoin d"une cinquième saison" ("If We Needed a Fifth Season"). They are regarded as one of the finest exponents (along with POLLEN and MANEIGE) of the "Golden Era of Quebec Progressive Music" Scene. 

This is the beginning of it all: Harmonium"s eponymous album is a mix of sweet acoustic guitars, impressive lyrics, the beautiful voice of Serge Fiori, and great songwriting. This is album is not necessarily progressive, though. This much of a Quebec Folk Album with some progressive aspirations, but realy they still are not there . Mostly, this albums contains touching songs in the most simple way. No drums here, wich adds to the subtlety of the guitars and the whole atmosphere. The bass is always well used, giving a great rythm for the leading parts. In Quebec, this albums was the most popular by the band, and to this day is still a classic. Most songs were hits, and are still played in a lot of houses. For any progressive fan, this band is a gem, and needs to be known a whole lot more. Better things were still to come, but still a great debut album.

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Harmonium (6:30)
2. Si Doucement (4:20)
3. Aujourd"hui, je dis bonjour à la vie (5:45)
4. Vielles courroies (5:40)
5. Attends-moi (4:29)
6. Pour un instant (3:16)
7. De la Chambre au Salon (5:35)
8. Un musicien Parmi tant d"Autres (7:02)

Total Time: 42:37

Line-up / Musicians

- Serge Fiori / guitar, flute, zither harp, bass drum, vocals
- Michel Normandeau / guitar, accordion, vocals
- Louis Valois / bass guitar, electric piano, vocals

guest musicians:
- Alan Penfold / flugelhorn
- Réjean Émond / drums