Lazuli - Oundle Queen Victoria Hall

We are really looking forward to seeing French band Lazuli again. After all it has been a small matter of seven years since we last saw them. That was in Birmingham for the FISH 'Farewell to Childhood' Tour. I remember very clearly FISH introducing the band as the 'best support act that he has ever experienced. High praise indeed!  We are all set here at Oundle after a quick pint of beer and hastily dispatched Sausage in batter and chips. Not exactly the 'haute cuisine' that our friends from France enjoy I'm sure? Oundle , yes I did say Oundle. We have lived in Northamptonshire all our lives, yet still had to use the services of the SatNav to find the place. 

This is a seven date re-scheduled tour that includes the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool. There are also gigs in London, Glasgow, Newcastle and a headline spot on the last day of 'The Summers End' Festival in Chepstow. Quite how they are here in Oundle with It's floor marked out for Badminton on a Thursday afternoon is a mystery? Much credit should go to Bob Cheatham who is working hard to bring more live bands to the area.

I would say that there are about a hundred or so people in attendance.We are able to get right to the front of the stage with ease. It is a shame that more people are not here , those that are though are very enthusiastic. A band as good as Lazuli should be playing and filling much bigger venues. Maybe they are just going under the radar and are one of musics best kept secrets? Whatever it is I'm just glad to be her tonight for what promises to be an epic gig once more. 

Arnaud Beyney

There is one line up change since we last saw the band. Arnaud Beyney has replaced Ged Byar on guitar. What an addition he is too, a very stylish and accomplished guitar player. We are treated to the 9th and latest album 'Le Fantastique Envoi de c Böhm (The Fantastic Flight Of Dieter Böhm) in it's entirety. Singer Dominique Leonetti explains the story behind the concept. 'A musician on a desert island plants a note, which becomes a melody, then a song, that’s then entrusted to a wave, like a message in a bottle' this then transcends through to the fans and of course Dieter. 

Directly in front of us is Claude Leonetti playing the wonderful léode. An instrument that he invented following a motorbike accident, that left him unable to use his left arm. That really is some achievement, and speaks volumes of the man in my opinion. It is an incredible sound that is operated by his right arm and foot pedals. All the songs are in French, which is absolutely fine and needs no translation. They really do look like a band band who are having fun and enjoy what they are doing. There are a couple in the audience with flying helmets and goggles to match the new album cover. The look is completed with a fluffy Dodo! Dominique quickly spots the Dodo and takes him onto the stage for the night. 

Romain Thorel

They are such a versatile band too, and hard to categorise.Definitely Prog, Electronic and World music for sure.If I close my eyes there are times when I think I can hear the voice of the wonderful Geddy Lee of RUSH on Vocals. I'm also reminded of the early Marillion sound too. Whatever, it is a great sound they make. Roman Thorel swaps keyboards for drums, then French Horn , such versatility. The night just seems to get better and better. It is a great atmosphere and the sound quality is pretty decent too. It's pretty near a two hour set but as Dominique says 'All good things have to end' ' Except for the sausage which has two ends'.  Work that one out ?

No Lazuli performance would be complete though without the famous 'Marimba finale'. Or '9 hands around the Marimba' as it is sometimes called. A little bit like a Xylophone only it has more depth. It's an impressive sight with all band members contributing to the tune. It's another opportunity for some messing around too, with some playful mischief. They even manage to squeeze in 'the George Harrison written 'Here Comes the Sun'. It has been a great night! Brilliant musicians and they really seem a lovely bunch of guys. I really look forward to seeing them again soon. I've even made a couple of new friends!