Recorded live at Progfest 2000 in Los Angeles, the legendary Frech prog act Mona Lisa shows that they have lost nothing over the years. Featured at this show was basically the same line-up that recorded the 1998 comeback CD Del'ombre a la Lumiere, with the exception of bassist Martin Goethais. This new version of Mona Lisa is really original vocalist and songwriter Dominique Le Guennec, plus the members of the band Versailles. Together they have formed a new Mona Lisa that has picked up where the original band left off.
Many of the best tunes from the comeback album are covered here, as well as a few classics from the glory years such as "Le petit violon de Mr. Gregoire" and "Tripot." Singer Le Guennec still has that theatrical voice, a characteristic of French prog, and comes across much like a young Peter Gabriel. His style obviously would be much better appreciated live, where one can take in visually all the costumes, makeup, and mimes that the man exhibits. The rest of the band was especially hot on this night, especially keyboard player Alain de Lille. His aresenal of synths, organ and Mellotron adds great layers of texture to tracks such as "Captif de la Nuit" and "Les Guerriers", much like a younger Tony Banks. In fact, Mona Lisa draws many comparisons to early Genesis, both vocally and instrumentally, and even though one may not understand the French dialect, the band does a great job of providing intense imagery in their songs that helps pull the listener right in.
Judging by the crowd responses after each song, Mona Lisa must have been a joy to behold at Progfest 2000. This CD is a testament to a classic band that still continues to generate powerful music nearly thirty years after their inception. Viva le France!
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