Clivage -

Clivage was a French ethno/jazz-rock ensemble led by André Fertier across the 1977/78 albums Regina Astris and Mixtus Orbis on Gratte-Ciel, the latter co-billed to The Philharmonic Orchestra “Pro UNESCO.” In 1985, Fertier resurrected Clivage for the F.L.V.M. release Kassiopee.

Members: André Fertier (guitar, keyboards), Armand Lemal (percussion), Patricio Villaruel (tabla), Jean-Pierre de Barba (saxophone), Claude Duhaut (bass), Mahmoud Tabrizizadeh (violin), Jean Querlier (oboe, saxophone, flute), Michel Delaporte (tabla), Claude Salmieri (drums), Brigitte Toulson (vocals), Christian Gentet (bass)

Background

André Fertier was born in 1950 and grew up in the Poitou region of France. His mother learned classical piano, while his father studied violin, although neither maintained an active musical practice in the household. Fertier acquired his first guitar at sixteen following informal practice on instruments owned by friends.

At fifteen, Fertier suffered an optic neuritis that left him nearly blind. He enrolled at the Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles in Paris, where he remained for three years while attending Lycée Buffon. The institute provided access to pianos, guitars, and organ facilities. He studied solfège and harmony while developing his instrumental technique and early composition skills.

Fertier went professional at nineteen, first as a backing vocalist. He teamed with actor Jean-Louis Manceau on L’Opéra de Maldoror, a theatrical production at Espace Cardin in Paris, adapted from an 1868 novel by French poet Comte de Lautréamont (aka Isidore Lucien Ducasse). Fertier also spent part of his early career as manager of the Paris café-théâtre Le Poteau.

By 1976, Fertier organized an ensemble around with saxophonist Jean-Pierre de Barba, double bassist Claude Duhaut, violinist-santur player Mahmoud Tabrizizadeh, percussionist Armand Lemal, and tablist Patricio Villaroel. The project yielded four extended pieces for an LP on the newly established Gratte-Ciel label, which operated through an RCA distribution agreement.

Discography: