Bernard Fèvre may not be a name immediately familiar to most, but the French composer's output has had a subtle and seductively influential impact on pop culture.
Making way out disco fused with electronics when even punk was in its infancy, his work – often out of print, sometimes attracting huge sums online – continues to gain an audience.
A new re-issue project brings together three Fèvre albums from his glorious mid-70s run, coupled with the seminal 'Disco Club' EP from his Black Devil guise.
“The idea of highlighting these discs, and for the first time in their original format, is very dear to me,” he explains. “I hope they show that I have been an originator not an imitator although at the time they were made I never considered myself futuristic or revolutionary.” “The important thing with these re-issues, is the fun it will bring the fans who have been asking for the re-issues for so long. I understood it was going to make people happy, so I wanted to re-master my old tracks myself because I do not want to have a modern filter that would take away the charm of my old work.”
Out on Monday (May 25th), Clash invited Bernard Fèvre to craft a playlist inspired by the way out sounds of the French underground.
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Dickens – 'Genocide' (1969)
French psychedelia from 1969 that kills brain cells. Be careful though, you have to consume in moderation if you want to prevent collective suicide.
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Les Variations – 'Je Suis Juste un Rock'n'Roller' (1972)
This is from just when French Rock music starts to be destroyed in order for punk to be born. The guitar riffs are amazing and you can feel that the punk wave is coming, but it's still just over the horizon.
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Papoose – 'Le Grand Cirque' (1972)
In my opinion Papoose were a bit fake but still really enjoyable and they had a sense of humour. They were trying to be popular, but I'm not sure they earned a lot of money! Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards managed to combine experimentation, avant-garde, style and money, a bit like The Beatles or Motown both of which I love. I've tried to do the same in my career but I think I've remained a "hidden monster". "I don't want to entertain. I will stay insane" as I said on the track 'Stay Insane', from my Circus album.
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Jean-Claude Pierric – 'Remorse Ful' (1975)
So there's two kinds of styles and rhythms in this song: there's the jazz-bar-club one and then daddy funky. It reminds me a bit what you can hear in lounges all around the world nowadays: in hotels, bars, restaurants, airports… It has the same roots. Sounds, arrangements and fashion changes but the spirit is still a bit the same.
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Mathématiques Modernes – 'Disco Rough' (1980)
BCBG meets CBGB. French chic meets Punk and Disco. It's a really 'French- Cucul' track but done in a good way. 'Cucul' is hard to translate but I guess it means a bit serious, but shy and idiotic at the same time. Not self assured or confident. It's early new-wave and I love it though, fresh and lovely. I knew Edwige as well, we were good friends.
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Bernard Fèvre is set to re-issue 'Suspense', 'Cosmos 2043', 'The Strange World Of…' and 'Disco Club' EP on May 25th.
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