By Rebecca Munroe for Curtains Up
Photos Andy Gryn
Getting out to see a cover band is not something I do on a regular basis, but the acclaim that Premier Ciel has received covering Harmonium, one of Quebec’s iconic progressive rock bands of the 1970’s, was something I had to see.
The night started with three guitarists, as was the scenario from the first self-titled album Harmonium, drifting onto the stage with sounds of children playing in a playground. It brought you back to a simpler, more carefree time, invoking a feeling as if we were in the 70’s. They then began to play and the crowd reacted with hoots and whistles.
Mathieu Gregoire, lead singer for the band, immediately thanked the audience for “braving the weather” and coming out to the show.
Premiere Ciel then followed Harmonium’s musical journey beginning with the songs like ‘Pour Un Instant’ and ‘Attends-Moi’ off their first album, which sent the crowd into cheers of pure joy.
On the fourth song, the rest of the 7-member band drifted onto stage and we got our first taste of the progressive music that Harmonium experimented with. We were truly sent back in time listening to the flute Michel Dubeau played on ‘Vert’ from Si on avait besoin d’une cinquième saison, Harmonium’s second album and I must admit I was completely delighted when he played the clarinet on ‘Dixie.’
Gregoire was a true frontman, addressing the crowd in between every song. His deep sultry voice along with his witty and charming demeanor made the show very personal, as if he was talking to close friends and the audience often responded with clever responses.
There were some memorable moments throughout the show, but one that definitely stands out is during the 2nd half of the show when Julie Valois, the one true link to Harmonium, being the daughter of Louis Valois and Monique Fauteux, sang the song her mother made famous, Le Corridor, off the last album from Harmonium, L’Heptade. Her voice is so pure and powerful that it made me ache to hear her original solo work.
Unfortunately the band did not hold onto their momentum in the second half of the show. This due in part to the show’s three hour length and the intensity of the songs coming from Harmonium’s last album. Songs that too, because of their 8-14 minutes in length, made them not so radio-friendly, which led them to not be as well known, as songs from their first two albums.
All in all, Premier Ciel put on a seamless show. Their harmonies were impressive and there was no doubt of the love they feel for the band they were covering.
Premier Ciel’s can be seen next on March 2nd at the Grand Théâtre de Québec in Quebec City. For tickets call 418.643.8131.
For more info go to www.premierciel.com.
Many thanks to Rebecca, I hope that you had a wonderful night.
However I must underline that fans of Harmonium do not mind a three hour show and if Premier Ciel would play even longer the fans would rest. I believe that you left before the end of the show where they close off the show with the huge hit Un muscien parmi tant d’autres…you are right in saying that some of the songs are 8-14 minutes in length but that was the beauty in Serge Fiori’s writings.
Anyways thank you for coming!