Harlequin

Formed in Portland, Oregon in the mid-seventies, Harlequin Mass was part of a brief and modest wave of bands coming from American Northwest in that decade (Heart, Nu Shooz, Quarterflash, the Wipers). Unlike most of their contemporaries though, Harlequin Mass were largely influenced by progressive bands such as the Moody Blues, Yes, and Genesis. The band has pointed to the release of 'Close to the Edge' as the pivotal moment in the maturation of their sound, and their sound has been compared to a folk-influenced version of Yes and ELP…

Bassist Ralph James formed Harlequin in 1975, adding vocalist George Belanger, guitarist John Hannah, keyboard player John White and drummer Denton Young. The Winnipeg-band was signed by Epic four years later, beginning a string of Canadian hits with "Survive." As the band progressed, Glen Willows replaced Hannah, Gary Golden took over for John White and David Budzak took Denton Young's place. Harlequin's albums include Victim of a Song (1979), Love Crime (1980) and Harlequin's Greatest Hits (1986).

Harlequin's roots began as a Winnipeg circuit band in early 1978. The band reigned of singer George Belanger, guitarist Glen Willows, Gary Golden on keyboards, drummer David Budzak and Ralph James on bass. Within a year they were doing regular gigs across mid and eastern Canada and were signed to Epic Records in 1979. Their debut album, VICTIM OF A SONG was produced by Jack Douglas, who'd previously worked with the likes of Cheap Trick, Patty Smith, Aerosmith and John Lennon. Released that fall, it immediately made an impression with both the critics and the fans alike. "Sweet Things In Life" and "You Are The Light" both became instant radio staples across the country and Harlequin was rewarded with a debut gold record. Backed by the solid writing of other tracks like "Turn Around" and their first single "Survive", the band was heralded as one of the country's most promising new groups.

OF ALL the Canadian melodic rock bands that failed to make a global impression, Harlequin must surely rank as one of the most talented. With a rich, confident sound and songs that delivered both muscle and melody, they took their position in a marketplace eager to embrace tunes supported by solid riffs, razor sharp guitar work and pedal-to-the-metal energy. ‘Love Crimes’, Harlequin's previous album, had established a firm beach-head in their home country, achieving platinum status and propelling them into major league venues from coast to coast. With everything to play for, they once again set about recording with renowned American producer Jack ‘Aerosmith’ Douglas, in Toronto. The results were quite spectacular, moving Harlequin’s sound and style one step closer to heaven, and beyond. ‘One False Move’, originally released in 1982, is a consummate melodic rock album, full of vim, vigour, and all things nice. Above all else, it is the quality of their songs that elevates it to classic status. Think Loverboy, April Wine, Streetheart and Sheriff all wrapped up in one glorious bundle of fun, with talent to burn and hearts to break. Thoroughly recommended.

Harlequin’s Patchwork is the debut EP from Brighton outfit Wax Machine, and it’s an ambitious collection of alternative tunes that feel as if they’ve strayed from the pages of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland. The four-track release waxes and wanes (as the track names state) through changes in tempo and duration in true avant-garde style, demonstrating the varied musical talents that exist within the Wax Machine…

Romantic, exotic, intoxicating jazz fusion, quite a few tracks with Brazillian overtones courtesy of engineer turn musician/composer/vocalist Ivan Lins. This is not Antonio Carlos Jobim type breezy, wonderful jazz. But more passionate. Lins married a famous Brazillian beauty and she broke his heart! He turned to song writing and became a respected and popular musician. Here, he collaborates with Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour and their regulars like harvey Mason, Don Grusin(Dave's Brother) etc. Digitally recorded and mastered at Dave's GRP studio, it sounds good, off course, like ALL GRP recordings. Early AM attitude is the most popular track on this disc. Composed by Grusin, you might have heard it before on radio etc. But the Entire disc is excellant.

Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour were well advised to choose a more traditional constellation for the recordings and so, real drummers, percussionists, acoustic pianos, acoustic or semi-acoustic guitars were used, though Grusin didn't want to give up his keyboards completely. Fortunately he held back with them, and so we have to do with a relatively typical west coast jazz fusion disc from the eighties, but quite above average.
The interest for Latin influences is remarkable. Not only were compositions by Ivan Lins chosen, but on Harlequin (Arlequim Desconhecido), the opener, the composer is used as a singer, also on the song Before It's Too Late (Antes Que Seja Tarde), thus bringing him closer to the American and international audience. And he sings in his native language, Portuguese…