New Age Music World

Tribute to Vangelis by Christophe Lebled.

Jon Anderson and Vangelis are names you will recognize, but haven’t you ever wondered who the contributing artists are on some of Jon Anderson’s releases? Today I want to tell you about a career musician who has performed on album collaborations with Jon, but also has many fine releases of his own, including his Tribute to Vangelis which in itself is a commendable piece of music and fine compliment to the intricate works of Vangelis.

Christophe Lebled contributed on the famed Yes singer, Jon Anderson’s newest release Survival & Other Stories by performing his rich instrumental soundscapes. And there is more news about the two since Jon has again requested Christophe collaborate on a brand new project in 2012.

Their newest project is a re-creation of the entire LP Olias of Sunhillow – Live in 2012. The original Olias of Sunhillow release incidentally was Jon Anderson’s first solo album where he played every instrument and sang entirely by himself.

Jon Anderson who had joined with Vangelis years ago going by the musician title Jon & Vangelis had this to say about Christophe Lebled’s release Tribute to Vangelis;

“It has been almost impossible to find a musician who can make music as Vangelis does, and here we have Chris Lebled, a wonderful music man very capable of morphing into many styles of music, and sound very unique at the same time. I have a wonderful energy with Chris, and feel blessed to enjoy a rich working relationship.” Jon Anderson.

Christophe Lebled from France, (left in photo) began training on classical piano and then keyboards when he discovered progressive rock music, and the most influential and popular artists of the time period which, as you might have guessed were Jon Anderson of Yes and band Genesis. Their influence in music during this time period cannot be overstated.

During the 1980’s when new wave was popular Christophe instead chose the direction of jazz and took up formal studies of harmony and arranging at the American School of Modern Music. Studying with artists Barry Harris and Kenny Baron, he began to develop his uniquely individual touch of composing.

Christophe then intermixed a new cultural sound to his repertoire and entered the world of Latin music during the 1990’s in Paris France. It was during this period the Voxterrae label, discovered his talents and enlisted him on several projects like No Stress, Be Natural, Pure, and many others. Christophe Lebled’s first release in his own name was About Us, and later Tribute to Vangelis.

Tribute to Vangelis is Christophe Lebled’s original interpretation that not only re-creates the sound of Vangelis, but rivals him in some areas on his release. While keeping the same melody and harmony structures, the sound and atmosphere is uniquely his own but a masterful re-creation in the graceful sound of Vangelis. Until Jon and Christophe’s 2012 venture together – Olias of Sunhillow is released to the public, check out Christophe’s site and his music.

Visit ChristopheLebled.com and sample Tribute to Vangelis at amazon.com. Photos are courtesy christophelebled.com.

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