Morse Code - Procréation

Year of Release: 2007
Label: ProgQuebec
Catalog Number: MPM22
Format: CD
Total Time: 59:19:00

Progresson Music has done a marvelous job in restoring and making available the works of music from Quebec's progressive scene of the 1970s. I have had the opportunity to hear a number of different artists (Maneige, Conventum, among a few), and the scene was truly a diverse blend of styles. Morse Code's may be the least unique of all the music I have heard, but, with that being said, they may have the most widespread appeal.

Originally named Morse Code Transmission, the band put out two albums for RCA between 1969 and 1972. The music of this early incarnation is described as a mixture of psychedelic and rock, not unlike the late 60s output of the Guess Who. Heavy touring and the addition of guitarist Daniel Lemay would solidify the lineup and move the band in a more progressive direction.

Morse Code was signed to Capitol Records and released three albums for that label. Procréation (the second album released with Capitol) was originally released in September 1976, and the band toured extensively through Quebec with an impressive stage and light show. Procréation shows their music to be firmly planted in the classic symphonic sounds of bands like Yes and Genesis, heavily keyboard based. The Yes influence makes itself apparent throughout, mostly with the guitars (Daniel Lemay) and bass (Michel Valee), while the keyboards drive the songs using organ mainly, but Moog and mellotron also seep in. The complex interplay and use of dynamics show Morse Code to be capable of comparison to the top flight acts of the genre. Their music, although complex, never loses the foundation of melody. The opening track immediately introduces you to their Yes influence, the organ noodling reminds me of Tony Banks, and a short flute interlude creates three unique sections within minutes. The flute is underutilized by the band, it would have been nice to hear it included more often. The instrumental "Nuage" reminds me of organ based church music in mood . "L'eau Tonne" shifts direction completely with its slow bluesy feel. "Des Tours Les Pays Du Monde" comes as a ballad and ends with some nice Mellotron.

A 26 minute, three part piece "Procréation" is the focal point of the disc. The mellotron adds a lot to this track in various sections. The song allows the musicians to break out instrumentally and gives the listener the full spectrum of the band's sound. Christian Simard uses a number of keyboards, and his melodic sensibilities make even a track this long full of memorable sections. I also sense a heavy 70's Italian symphonic influence on this track. Also included are two bonus tracks, "Punch" and "Image." If you have failed to try any music from Progresson due to lack of familiarity, Morse Code would be a great initiation to the label if you enjoy symphonic music.

Tracklisting:
Precreation (5:08) / Qu'Est-Ce T'es V'Nu Faire Ici (4:39) / Nuage (2:17) / L'eau Tonne (3:57) / Des Hauts Et Des Ha! (4:28) / De Tous Les Pays Du Monde (3:47) / Procration (26:15) / Bonus Tracks: Punch (3:16) / Image (5:22)

Musicians:
Michel Vallee - bass, vocals
Daniel Lemay - guitars, glute, vocals
Christian Simard - keyboards, lead vocals
Raymond Roy - drums, percussion

Discography:
Morse Code Transmission (1971)
Morse Code Transmission II (1972)
La Marche Des Hommes (1975)
Procréation (1976)
Je Suis Le Temps (1977)
Les Grands Succès De Morse Code (1978)
Code Breaker (1983)
D'Un Autre Monde (1995)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin CA

Added: August 26th 2007
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Artist website: www.progquebec.com
Hits: 4167
Language: english