Toons Tunes from the Past is a two CD reissue by Ken Golden and Free Electric
Sound of Morglbl first two albums. Morglbl is a trio consisting of Christophe
Godin (guitar), Ivan Rougny (bass) and Jean- Pierre Frelezeau (drums &
percussion). They play a jazz-fusion style with some metal and rock added with a
touch of humor. Christophe guitar playing is the center piece of the music, but
all three musicians are excellent players.
I am a big fan of guitar based fusion, but sometimes it can just sound stale.
Definitely not on this 2 CD set, even though they were recorded almost ten years
ago. It sounds like Mr. Godin has taken all of his influence and combined them
into his playing and made his own style. This may sound obvious that he combined
all his influence, but the reason I mention it is because sometimes you hear a
musician say he is a fan of Pantera and plays in a pop band (?). His influences
seem to be wide ranging from metal, jazz, fusion, rock, acoustic guitar music,
Spanish and many other styles. Morglbl don't hide their influence, but
skillfully combine them into an exciting mix of music.
One of the main things that I really like about their music is how they
combine different styles into one song. The song Lieutenant Colombin starts of
with Ivan playing a funky slap and popping bass part, Jean-Pierre puts down some
laid back jazz groove drumming and Christophe plays some Holdsworth style volume
swell chords. Then out of nowhere you get this heavy pinch harmonic guitar lick,
while the bass and drums just stay in their groove and they keep rotating the
parts. It just sounds so cool! Then there is guitar solo it just burns; it
rivals any thing Shawn Lane, Scott Henderson or Paul Gilbert has played.
The other big reason I am enjoying this CD set is the variation in songs.
They play a heavy odd meter rocker like Cleopatatras that sound a bit like
Spaced Out song with more prominent guitar work. They follow that up with a
heavy metal/ funk song Scouskymegnum that could fit on a Primus album. Next up
Conversations D'alcove a soft gentle jazz piece with a John Scofield feel to it.
They also play an acoustic Spanish flavored song Il Bello di Notte. The band's
sense of humor also comes out in tracks like Mexico and Monishkolio. This all
makes this a fun listen, so crank it up and enjoy.
Morglbl have managed to mix together a variety of ingredients and
preservatives to keep this music fusion cake from going stale. Recommended for
fans of instrumental guitar music, fusion, jazz, funk, power trio rock, metal
and by anyone who wants to amazed by some awesome musicianship. Soon we will be
hearing Christophe Godin's name used with same recognition as Vai, Satriani,
Beck, Holdsworth, Gambale and others.
Track Listing
Disc 1 The Morglbl Trio !! (1998)
Disc 2 Bienvenue A Morglbl Land (1999)
Disc One
1. Links
2. The Tale Of Thibault
3. Streets and Traps
4. Inside Power
5. Il Bello di Notte
6. Les Mecanisme du Temps
7. Travels
8. Mexico
9. Lieutenant Colombin
10. Strictement Confidentiel
11. Monishkolio
12. The Principles of Life
13. Friends
Disc Two
1. Bienvenue Morglbl Land
2. Scipagnoleg et Bombola
3. Pekno- Teckno Boy
4. L'age de L'eveil
5. Le Fantome de Savoie
6. Angelica
7. Ben…Voilal
8. Derriere les Sourires
9. Cleopatatras
10. Scouskymegnum
11. Conversations D'alcove
12. Jouons Un Peu
13. Toons Tunes
14. Nounours a Disparu
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