Search - Excalibur :: Le Concert Mythique

Alan Simon's Excalibur trilogy is a legend in the making

rainbow glo | Wisconsin, USA | 02/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Le Concert Mythique" is the live version of Alan Simon's first Excalibur CD, "La Légende des Celtes," which is part one of a trilogy in progress. The second part, "Excalibur II, The Celtic Ring," has just been released, and it equals the grandeur and excellence of the first.



Excalibur I has had limited availability in the USA, but sold very well in the countries where it was released. The early success if Ex II may spark a more widely available rerelease of the first CD's and live DVD in the series, which are all nothing short of spectacular.



Alan, a musical genius in his own right, has taken the oft-told and varied stories of the Arthurian legend, and translated it into a multi-layered musical extravaganza. Like most of his projects, this ambitious trilogy features his own talents as a songwriter, producer and musician, and fleshes out with some of the most exciting and talented musicians of our day from around the world. If the pattern of the first studio CD holds, each will have a tour and live CD/DVD of the concerts, such as this "Le Concert Mythique." The live DVD of this adds the sights to the sounds by way of a rock opera, resplendent with laser lights and the excitement of the players feeding off each other's energy. It is all so very special!



Personally, I do not normally lean toward Celtic folk music, but this isn't easily categorized as such.... Granted, it has that distinct flavor, but is transcended by the pure artistry of the musicians involved. This first offering features songs in both Alan's native French and in English, which adds to the romance and international feel of the production.



Each CD in this series is companioned by a visually stunning multi-page booklet, so no matter what kind of music you like, and no matter what it costs, you will find your money extremely well-spent by buying this or anything else from this trilogy."

Not just for "Fairport Convention" completists...

collegemoney | 01/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Live rock opera with a huge group of players including chorus and orchestra section, accompanied by a lavish booklet with beautiful Arthurian artwork. While it is true that Fairport appears "all over" this fine live show, the music stands on its own regardless of how well known the performers are. Generally this is aimed at a French audience and had very limited release in the USA, but I found it fine for my "Anglo" ears all the same."