AQ&F, (Arnaud Quevedo & Friends), will release their latest album: Roan, on May 21, 2022. This is another of the best progressive albums I have heard this year. It is unique and ambitious, and includes symphonic and cinematic journeys you will want to return to often.
The prog and jazz rock fusion mix is performed by: Arnaud Quevedo, who plays guitar, and sings lead vocals; Anthony Raynal, on drums; Noé Russeil, on bass; Marin Michelat, on keyboards; Eva Tribolles, on double bass; Tifenn Trévinal, on cello; Axelle Blondel, on violin; Olivia Gray, oboe; Louis Théveniau, on clarinet; Manuela Perissutti, on flute; Julien Gomila, on saxophones; Florent Hervier, on trombone; and Emeline Merlande, on vocals.
I enjoyed the entire album, and this album opens with one of the best guitar solos in progressive rock recent history. Only a Steve Hackett album could have opened any better than “Aube”. It is awesome!
“Prologue” follows with more great guitar work and stunning drums. The male/female vocals are great, as they sing French lyrics. However, there is a distinctly Spanish feel to this track. The bass is prominent as are the oboe, clarinet, flute, and saxophones. The bells, chimes and percussion are excellent. A real jazz, and at times a Santana-like, Spanish influenced sound as well. As I said in the opening, this music is unique and stunning in every minute. Be prepared for a show.
“Découverte”, opens quietly with bells, then flute, almost like something you might hear from Peter Gabriel – era Genesis, without vocals. The funky 60s keyboards and guitars are an excellent ambient sound. As it rocks on, it falls into a cool, comfortable rhythm. Then, Emeline Merlande sings in French, and she provides the song’s lyrical story. Violin is added with other strings to compliment the soundscape.
“Curiosité”, opens with flute and other wind instruments, like something from a movie or early Jethro Tull album, at times. This time, more jazzy than progressive. A beautiful wind instrument song, to pause and reflect.
“Féerie”, is more of the wind instrument ensemble playing on, with more of a circus atmosphere present. Male and female vocals in French take over amidst the fun rhythm and sounds of a circus parade.
“Dépassement”, almost sounds like a soundtrack from a silent movie. It starts with a Charlie Chaplain kinda opening. Male and female French vocals tell the story, set to early cinematic magic. Reminders of Keith Emerson’s keyboard work from ELP and an overall feel like something ELP might have done. After all they did do the “Maple Leaf Rag”, and other silent movie classic songs.
“Nostalgie”, is full on keyboards, and other dimension, space exploration. The wonder of it all. Close your eyes and imagine you are traveling in outer space.
“Ryoko”, is the longest track on the album. It continues the space theme, with excellent guitar, drums and oboe joining in. The flute is quite exquisite here. Flute like what you would expect from a John Hackett album. Then, violin work, that Robby Steinhardt, of Kansas would appreciate, for sure. The best track on the album, in both the amount of time and multiple styles of music played.
“Fardeau”, opens with beautiful 70s belled keyboards. Like something from Santana’s collection, or at times, King Crimson’s masterpiece, In The Court of The Crimson King. The heavy bass and guitar work reminds me of multiple epic progressive rock songs and albums.
“Chrysalide”, opens with flute that takes me back to the soundtrack of the English Patient. Simply spellbinding. Sit back and enjoy every moment of this cinematic journey.
“Métamorphos”, is a guitar lovers track. So much experimentation with double guitar, and bass, spiced up with action drums. Later, flute joins in to add some bright lights to the whole affair.
“Epilogue”, is a fiery start of orchestration at a feverish pace. Male and female French vocals amidst beautiful flute playing. A jazzy closer full of great drumming, wind instruments and exotic 70s keyboards. A real reminder of Santana’s jazzier nature. A great closer that leaves you anticipating the next album and chapter, for this band.
You have to take your hat off to this band. They have created a very unique and multiple style masterpiece. Never a dull moment throughout this excellent work. They left no stone unturned in innovation on this album. How they pulled together all these wonderful unique styles and types of music is an achievement in itself. I loved this album, for its beauty and uniqueness. Everything from Santana, Kansas, Genesis, ELP, and most of the global encyclopedia of progressive rock music. I’ll be back for the next album. Now, to deep dive into the exceptional back catalog. Get this, and watch how music used to be made in the golden era of rock, during the 1960s and 70s.
Track List
- Aube – 1:33
- Prologue – 4:34
- Découverte – 8:48
- Curiosité – 2:27
- Féerie – 3:23
- Dépassement – 3:18
- Nostalgie – 1:56
- Ryoko – 12:33
- Fardeau – 1:52
- Chrysalide – 4:41
- Métamorphos – 5:50
- Epilogue – 3:31
Discography
2022 : Roan
2021 : Electric Tales Live
2020 : Electric Tales
2012 : Oniz
Links
Website : https://www.arnaudquevedo.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ArnaudQuevedoMusic
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIUuPGwCqiTjlE07x902i2Q
Bandcamp : https://arnaudquevedo.bandcamp.com
FTF-Music : https://www.ftf-music.com/de/aqf/aqf.htm
Merchandising: https://www.ftf-music.com/shop/shopaqf/shopaqf.htm
Order Roan: https://www.ftf-music.com/news/roan/roan.htm