Gazeuse! was the first in a successful line of strictly jazz-rock sessions for percussionist
Pierre Moerlen and company -- compositions that stressed jazz more than rock and which generally strayed away from lyrical content. This 1976 recording, also released under the title
Expresso, was the band's first completely instrumental album, a companion piece to the later, somewhat warmer
Expresso II, which is quite similar in sound and structure. To say
Gazeuse! is percussive is an understatement. Drummer
Moerlen is accompanied by brother
Benoit and
Mireille Bauer on vibraphones with
Mino Cinelu playing other assorted percussion. "Percolations" is a showcase for this foursome: Part one, a display of beautiful vibes and xylophones; part two, a technically superb drum solo.
Pierre's playing is fierce in this second part, exhibited by some truly volatile drumming near the close.
Allan Holdsworth is the sole guitarist on the album and contributes two of his own compositions. His "Night Illusion" is a standout and reminiscent of
Bill Bruford's
Feels Good to Me on which
Holdsworth collaborated around the same time. Longtime
Gong member
Didier Malherbe adds spice to the proceedings with jazzy flute on "Shadows Of" and prominent sax on the slightly funky "Esnuria." ~ David Ross Smith
