Vinyl Vault — Maneige, “Les Porches”

The Vinyl Vault goes to Canada, Quebec specifically, for a 1975 album from the band Maneige entitled “Les Porches,” released on the Harvest/Capitol label. The band has generally been tagged with the progressive rock label, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, folk, and classical music.

The bulk of the album comprises only two songs, “Les Porches de Notre Dame” and “Les Aventures De Saxinette Et Clarophone.” Yet, these instrumental compositions are broken down into episodes and sub-parts, making them easily digestible, even on the radio.

Maneige was one of the most popular prog bands in Quebec in the 1970s and “Les Porches” was their second release. A highly creative band in terms of both quality and quantity, “Les Porches” was one of two albums the band released in 1975.

Many parts of “Les Porches” establish a hypnotic groove with percussion parts weaving in and out of the mix while the woodwinds and electric guitars carry a continually evolving and unpredictable melody.

Did you miss the Quebec prog scene in the 1970s? Well, that means you probably have never heard this band, but you’ll have your chance on the next Vinyl Vault with Geoff Anderson, on Tuesday, April 9 at 8:30 pm on KUVO JAZZ.

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