Clearlight – Symphonies: The Collected Recordings (Esoteric/Cherry Red, 2026)
Symphonies: The Collected Recordings gathers essential Clearlight albums into one newly remastered clamshell box. Cherry Red’s anthology restores focus to a group that deserves a far more prominent place in the history of French progressive rock. The guiding force behind this sensational ensemble is pianist and composer Cyrille Verdeaux, whose work under the Clearlight name fused ambition, virtuosity, and a restless imagination.
The first release, Clearlight Symphony, remains a remarkable opening statement. Recorded across 1973 and 1974 and launched by Virgin in early 1975, the album captures Verdeaux at his most exploratory, shifting between psychedelic influences and tightly structured progressive rock with real confidence. Its high-profile cast, including Gong members Steve Hillage, Tim Blake, and Didier Malherbe, certainly adds value to the mix. The lineup included: Cyrille Verdeaux on grand piano, organ, Mellotron, synthesized bass, gong; Tim Blake on synthesizer VCS3, percussions; Steve Hillage on electric guitar; Didier Malherbe on tenor sax; Christian Boulé on electric guitar; Gilbert Artman on drums, vibraphone, percussion; and Martin Isaacs on bass.
That same balance of personality and control carries into Forever Blowing Bubbles, recorded in the summer of 1975. This time, Clearlight operated more fully as a band. David Cross, formerly of King Crimson, is among the guests, and his contribution adds further depth to a record already rich in detail.
The recording featured Cyrille Verdeaux on grand piano, harpsichord, synthesizer, organ, glockenspiel, Mellotron, gongs, congas; Joël Dugrenot on bass, lead vocals; Jean-Claude d’Agostini on electric guitar, 12-string guitar, flute in C; François Jeanneau on saxophones, flutes; Bob Boisadan on electric piano, organ, synthesizer; Chris Stassinopoulos on drums, congas; David Cross on violin, electric violin; Christian Boulé on cosmic guitar; Gilbert Artman on percussion, drums, maracas, vibraphone; Amanda Parsons and Ann Rosenthal, of the Northettes (Hatfield and the North) on celestial choir; Bruno Verdeaux on synthesizer, aquatic congas; and Brigitte Roy on vocals.
By the time of 1977’s Les Contes du Singe Fou, Clearlight had grown even more adventurous. With former Magma violinist Didier Lockwood now in the mix, the album draws together dazzling jazz-rock, progressive psychedelia, neoclassical and new age elements.
The team included Cyrille Verdeaux on piano, harpsichord, organ, ARP Odyssey, timbales; Ian Bellamy on vocals; Didier Lockwood on violin, bass violin; Yves Chouard on guitars; Francis Mandin on ARP Odyssey; Tim Blake on EMS and VCS3 synthesizers; producer Joël Dugrenot on bass; and Serge Aouzi on drums, percussion.
On Visions, released in 1978, the symphonic side of the band comes fully into view, with Verdeaux’s solo performances and orchestration on keyboards and Lockwood’s fiery violin. Their interactions are spectacular. Moreover, Visions also features mesmerizing electronica and world music influences, primarily from India, as an added element.
Visions featured appearances by Cyrille Verdeaux on grand piano, ARP Odyssey synth, gong; Gérard Omont on vocals; Gérard Gustin on vocals; Christian Boulé on guitar; Patrick Depaumanou on sitar; Luc Plouton on Mini-Moog; Francis Mandin on programming; Didier Lockwood on violins; Didier Malherbe on flute, soprano & tenor saxophones; Mohamed Taha on tabla; Philippe Melkonian on bass; and Jacky Bouladoux on drums, percussion.
The inclusion of 2014’s Impressionist Symphony also proves valuable. It is a convincing continuation of Verdeaux’s musical language. Contributions from Hillage, Malherbe, and Blake reconnect the project to its earlier history, while the album itself is a perfect example of symphonic progressive rock at its best. The album featured contributions from Cyrille Verdeaux on grand piano, ARP Odyssey synthesizer, gong; Gérard Omont on vocals; Gérard Gustin on vocals; Christian Boulé on guitar; Patrick Depaumanou on sitar; Luc Plouton on Mini-Moog; Francis Mandin on programming; Didier Lockwood on violins; Didier Malherbe on flute, soprano & tenor saxophones; Mohamed Taha on tabla; Philippe Melkonian on bass; and Jacky Bouladoux on drums, percussion.
The remastering brings welcome clarity to the recordings, while the accompanying booklet and new essay provide fundamental context for both longtime listeners and newcomers.
Symphonies: The Collected Recordings is a compelling reminder that Cyrille Verdeaux was one of the most inventive and distinctive figures to emerge from the French progressive movement of the 1970s.
Track Listing
Disc One
Clearlight Symphony
- 1st Movement
- 2nd Movement
Disc Two
Forever Blowing Bubbles
- Chanson
- Without Words
- Way
- Ergotrip
- Et Pendant Ce Temps La
- Narcisse Et Goldmund
- Jungle Bubbles
Bonus tracks - Sweet Absinthe
- Without Words (Mellotron Mix)
- Flute Aquatique
- Overture
- Vibrato
Disc Three
Les Contes Du Singe Fou
- La Clé
- A Trip to Orient
- Lightsleeper’s Despair
- Soliloque
- Time Skater
- Prelude
- Cosmic Crusaders
- Rivers of Time
- Return to the Source
Disc Four
Visions
- Spirale D’Amour
- Messe Caine
- Au Royaume Des Mutants
- Full Moon Raga
- Raga (Coda)
- Songe de Cristal
- Paix Prodonde
Bonus tracks - Guitare Elevation
- Crystal City
- Shanti Louis
- Heymae
- Visions Nocturnes
- O Rage, O Espoir
- Songe De Cristal (remix)
Disc Five
Impressionist Symphony
- Renoir En Couleur
- Time is Monet
- Pisarro King
- Degas De La Marine
- Van Gogh 3rd Ear
- Gaugin Dans L’Autre
- Lautrec Too Loose
- Monet Time Duet