Search - Lu7 :: Efflorescence

LU7 is the name of a current Japanese Progressive rock band, centered around the charming Luna UMEGAKI's keyboards, and around virtuoso Tsutomu KURIHARA's guitar. Let's also note the guest appearances of several musicians: a drummer, a percussionnist, a bass player, female and male vocalists, a violinist, a bagpipe player... The duet defines its ambition: "We try to create the imaginative sound, which can make you feel various views and colours.". Published as a joint-venture by the Poseidon and Musea labels, the second album "L'Exprit De L'Exil" (2004) is a real revelation in the instrumental Progressive jazz-rock field, as it's full of qualities no so common in this genre. No question of cliches, coldness or sterile virtuosity here: the density of the seven pieces (Mostly instrumental) is impressive, as are the splendid melodies and the diversity of the atmospheres, from happiness to melancholia. Musically speaking, the listener is free to imagine what an desinhibited Allan HOLDSWORTH could have composed, when discovering celtic or arabic music. A tasteful menu, isn't it ? The first album "Efflorescence" (2002) had only been available through Internet until the Poseidon label got involved. After the successful "L'Esprit De L'Exil", it eventually gains a proper CD release today. The listener will recognize that the style is the same, and if he is keen on Eighties American jazz-rock (Featuring guitarists such as Pat METHENY and Lee RITENOUR), he will certainly be delighted ! Now we can be sure to count on LU7 for the future...