My review - apologies in advance for it's length
As I've gotten older, I've become more cynical about many things - music and it's attendant industry for one. I cherish my musical favourites in an age of disposable tracks on tiny phone speakers. Music doesn't mean much any more. So it's always with a sense of expectation the 'Jarre Tribe' await a new tour - especially one which promises to stray ever further from the sounds of Oxygene et al.
There is nothing to fear. This concert tour is a triumph. It seamlessly blends the past and present in a mesmerising show. The music is accompanied by stunning visuals which engage the mind and heart. The opener 'Heart of Noise' starts off with a bass rumble that would knock the audience off their feet if they weren't standing (more of which later).
Each instrument is clearly defined in the mix, JMJ's compositions being superbly performed by him and interpreted by Claude Samard Polikar and Stephane Gervais. Whilst 'Automatic' kept the pace up, JMJ assured everyone that he was "up for the craic", which broke whatever ice was left.
'Oxygene 2' brought the first huge cheer, and as the concert wore on the full house were fully immersed in this experience.
'Circus', 'Exit', 'Equinoxe 7', 'Conquistador' and a brand new razor sharp 'Oxygene 8' kept both the newer and older fans delighted.
JMJ gave the audience permission to stand and cheer for 'Brick England' which was gleefully accepted by one and all, horrifying some of the sterner security and delighting everyone else - especially JMJ - the broad smile on his face said it all.
JMJ was now fully in his stride and loving the Irish reaction, stopping after each track to say how much was enjoying himself. He revelled in regaling us with stories of the "guy on the street wanting something from CiC" - thus we got 'Souvenir of China', Fiona "my best friend for 30 years" and her "large tribe" in the audience, and the barely mock fear of the laser harp playing up "I worry about this every night". Needless to say it worked a treat, and looked stunning. The absolute triumphs for me were the brilliant live versions of 'The Architect' and 'Immortals' - God Almighty I thought I'd heard and seen it all !
The new Oxygene track is a real grower, and I'm at a loss as to why JMJ didn't use the live version of 'Glory' which is brilliant - there I said it, who would have thought it ?
Security had all but given up by now, and their cause was made impossible by the closer 'Stardust' which brought the house down. Fiona - who was seen with a handheld camera during the latter stages of the concert - was by now filming JMJ in close up.
As the cheer rang around our ears, JMJ said "Playing here tonight, I don't think I'm home, I AM home". Welcome back, Jean-Michel !
If you get the chance to see this tour do so, you will not regret it. The Master is back - was he ever gone ?
