Space was a French electro/space-funk band that released four albums between 1977 and 1980 on Vogue. Members: Didier Marouani [aka “Ecama”] (synthesizers, 1977-79, 1982-present), Roland Romanelli (synthesizers, 1977-80), Joe Hammer (drums, percussion, 1977-78), Cissy Stone (vocals, 1980), Jannik Top [aka Yannick Top] (bass, 1980), Patrice Tison (guitar, 1980) Background Space formed in France in 1977 […]
Köhntarkösz is the fifth album by the French Zeuhl ensemble Magma, released in September 10, 1974, on A&M. The album presents a brooding, atmospheric exploration of the mystical narrative surrounding Köhntarkösz, a seer who enters the tomb of the ancient sage Ëmëhntëhtt-Ré to uncover hidden knowledge. Bandleader Christian Vander shapes the album around the title cycle, unfolding […]
Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh is the fourth album by the French Zeuhl ensemble Magma, on May 6, 1973, on Vertigo (France) and A&M (abroad). The previously rejected, more acoustic choral version becomes electrically amplified here, driven by dense brass voicings, sharpened percussion, and the addition of guitarist Claude Olmos and bassist Jannick Top, whose arrival replaces […]
Tristan et Iseult is a soundtrack album by French Zeuhl musician and Magma figurehead Christian Vander, released in 1974 on Barclay. The album is the score for the avant-garde French film of the same name. Recorded as a Vander-led project with core Magma members, the work would later integrate into the band’s canon as Ẁurdah Ïtah, the […]
Izzanelli – Samy Wathson is an incognito library music album by French avant-garde musicians Jannick Top and Roland Romanelli, released in 1982 on CBS as number 49 in the label’s April Orchestra series. The album is one of several collaborations from this period between the erstwhile Magma bassist and ubiquitous electronic composer. Tracklist: A1. “Vénusia […]
Generic is the singular solo album by French musician André Demay, released in 1980 on WEA. Tracklist: A1. Generic Cycle (5:50) A2. Nervous Structure (4:50) A3. Musical Syntax (4:20) A4. Sybarite Island (4:50) B1. Private Entrance (5:15) B2. Telepathically Yours (4:30) B3. Razzia Man (4:35) B4. Automatic Stop (5:00) Credits: Bass – Jannick Top Drums […]
Fusion was a French jazz-rock supergroup comprised of core Magma personnel Christian Vander, Benoît Widemann, Didier Lockwood, and Jannick Top. In 1981, they released the album Fusion on JMS. Their earlier live set constitutes the Utopic archival disc Paris 80. Members: Didier Lockwood (violin), Jannick Top (bass), Christian Vander (drums), Benoît Widemann (Fender Rhodes, Minimoog, […]
