Space Art -

Space Art was a French electronic music duo formed in Paris by keyboardist Dominique Perrier and drummer Roger “Bunny” Rizzitelli. Between 1977 and 1980, Space Art released three albums and three singles, selling more than three million records worldwide. In 1981, they joined Jean-Michel Jarre on his groundbreaking tour of China.

Members: Dominique Perrier (keyboards), Roger Rizzitelli (percussion)

Background

The roots of Space Art trace back to 1974, when Dominique Perrier was working as an arranger for French pop icon Christophe. During these sessions, Christophe brought in an ARP Odyssey synthesizer—originally used as a metronome—which he eventually loaned to Perrier. The keyboard became the spark for Perrier’s fascination with electronic music. At the same time, drummer Roger “Bunny” Rizzitelli, also working with Christophe, bonded musically with Perrier.

Keyboardist Dominique Perrier (b. 1950) and drummer Roger “Bunny” Rizzitelli (b. 1951) formed Space Art in 1977 in Paris.

Perrier had worked as a session arranger for French pop singer Christophe, who brought an ARP Odyssey synthesizer to studio sessions where Rizzitelli played drums. Christophe lent the instrument to Perrier, who kept it for two years and began experimenting with layered, rhythmic textures. The two musicians bonded over their interest in electronics and rhythmic interplay.

Initially, Perrier proposed the name Moon, but after a funfair visit where Rizzitelli saw a German-themed attraction named Spessart, a ride based on the Spessart mountain range. They altered the name to Space Art.

Perrier, trained in classical and jazz, brought melodic sophistication and an ear for analog textures, while Rizzitelli, with a background in rock and chanson, gave the duo a dynamic rhythmic core. The band recorded all their albums at Studios Ferber in Paris, a hub for many major French artists.

Space Art

Space Art released their debut album, Space Art, in 1977 on IF Records.

The album contains seven instrumentals composed by keyboardist Dominique Perrier and drummer Roger Rizzitelli.

Space Art features Perrier on ARP Odyssey synthesizer and string ensemble, and Rizzitelli on acoustic drums. The duo focused on melodic synth lines over steady rhythmic backdrops, with elements of ambient, space rock, and melodic experimentalism.

A1. “Onyx” (3:36)
A2. “Naissance De Cassiopée” (7:14)
A3. “Interlune” (1:38)
A4. “Axius” (3:22)

B1. “Aquarella” (3:34)
B2. “Ode A Clavius” (8:26)
B3. “Laser En Novembre” (6:10)

Sessions occurred in mid-1977 at Studios Ferber in Paris with soundman René Hameline, a mix engineer on recent albums by Catherine Lara, François Bréant, Gérard Manset, and Jacques Higelin. Studio engineers Jacques Dutillet, Joël Atlan, and Yves Galli assisted on the recordings.

Space Art appeared in a single sleeve designed by illustrator J.-A. Ringard, whose art depicts a planet-like sphere floating above geometric shadows. Ringard also designed contemporary sleeves for Jean-Michel Jarre and Pop Concerto Orchestra.

IF Records lifted “Onyx” (b/w “Axius”) as the album’s lone single.

Trip in the Center Head

Space Art released their second album, Trip in the Center Head, in 1978 on IF Records.

The album contains seven instrumentals composed by keyboardist Dominique Perrier and drummer Roger Rizzitelli.

Trip in the Center Head features Perrier on ARP synthesizer, organ, electric piano, and various keyboards. Rizzitelli plays drums and auxiliary percussion.

A1. “Speedway” (2:53)
A2. “Odyssey” (4:00)
A3. “Eyes Shade” (6:47)
A4. “Watch It” (3:00)

B1. “L’obsession d’Archibald” (5:30)
B2. “Hollywood Flanger” (3:50)
B3. “Psychosomatique” (10:52)

Sessions occurred in late 1978 at Studio Ferber in Paris with producer René Ameline, who worked concurrently with Laurent Voulzy and Jacques Dutronc. Engineers Jacques Dutillet, Joël Atlan, Yves Galli, and Franck Redlich captured and mixed the sessions.

Trip in the Center Head appeared in a single-sleeve jacket illustrated by Jean-Auguste Ringard, whose design shows a metallic chrome face suspended in deep space. Ringard also designed covers for both the prior Space Art album and titles by Gérard Lenorman.

IF Records lifted “Speedway” as the second Space Art single (b/w “Odyssey”).

In early 1978, Space Art released a non-album single: “Nous Savons Tout” (b/w “Mélodie Moderne”).

Play Back

Space Art released their third album, Play Back, in 1980 on Carrere and Waves.

The album contains nine instrumentals and one vocal track composed by keyboardist Dominique Perrier and drummer Roger Rizzitelli, with additional writing contributions by bassist Didier Batard. Lyricist Janet Woollacott co-wrote two tracks. Vocalist L. Aliver appears on one.

Play Back features Perrier on keyboards, synthesizer, and vocoder. Rizzitelli plays drums and percussion. Batard plays sequenced bass and co-composed four tracks. Guitarist Patrick “Funky” Lannes appears on select tracks, as does saxophonist Serge Roux.

A1. “Folkstone Hovercraft” (9:15)
A2. “Jaurès” (5:17)
A3. “Paris Vision” (4:26)

B1. “Love Machine” (4:06)
B2. “Alpha du Centaure Part One” (4:00)
B3. “Alpha du Centaure Part Two” (0:59)
B4. “Alpha du Centaure Part Three” (3:30)
B5. “Parakeet Island” (2:00)
B6. “Welcome to Love” (6:10)

Sessions occurred in mid-1980 at Studio Ferber in Paris with co-production by Dominique Perrier and Roger Rizzitelli. Sound engineer Jacques Dutillet handled special effects alongside assistant staff. André Périat mastered the album at Master One.

Play Back appeared in a gatefold sleeve designed by Jean-Auguste Ringard with sci-fi artwork in metallic tones. The design continues the futuristic aesthetic of prior Space Art albums. Printing was handled by Imprimerie JAT.

Carrere issued “Love Machine” as a single from Play Back, backed with “Parakeet Island.”

In 1981, they joined Jean-Michel Jarre’s legendary Concerts in China tour, becoming among the first Western artists to perform in post-Mao China. Shortly afterward, Space Art dissolved.

Discography: