RIALZU - U rigiru (1978 Zeuhl • France)Full Album

Rialzu biography Corsican band Rialzu (Revival in Corsican) was formed in the early 1970's, released only one album, U Rigiru, in 1978, disappeared into oblivion only to be resurrected in 2008 with the reissue of their album by the Soleil Zeuhl label. The roots of Rialzu can be traced back to an initial meeting of 4 young musicians in Avignon, France at a Jesuit school, as guitarist Gilles Renne recalls in the booklet of the reissued album. Corsican organist Christophe Mac Daniel, his then drummer brother Francois and bassist Patrick Bataille were the three others who initially formed the not yet named Rialzu with its ever changing names. They would meet in the summer vacations in Corsica at the Mac Daniel's home to practice and perform. Their beginning was that of playing cover versions of bands such as Santana, Chicago and Pink Floyd, slowly shifting to more elaborate music by Genesis, King Crimson, Yes and Magma who would eventually, as Renne writes, be a major influence. The actual initiation of the band occurred in 1976, recalls Gilles, during Easter, when Christophe approached him with his compositions and lyrics in Corsican; by that time Gilles' brother, Olivier was an accomplished drummer and the three of them began working on those compositions. In summer of 1976, under the name Rialzu, they performed several concerts as well as a recording for the French radio with Olivier in the drum seat, Francois as the bassist now, Dominique (Dume) Gallet playing violin and as vocalist. In the summer of 1977 more shows followed, where Gilles was absent due to his stay in the USA, and aided by vocalists Patrizia Poli and Patrizia Gattacecca. In May 1978, after reaching a deal to record an album in co-production with studio Ricordu, the band recorded their album with a reinforced lineup: vocalists Francoise Auge and Jean-Philippe Gallet (Dominique's brother). The recording procedure on an 8 track tape recorder was tough as they only had one day to record and mix the album. the album was released in June 1978 in 1000 copies, distributed only in Corsica. It became a highly sought after and expensive LP and only with the reissue by Soleil Zeuhl in 2008 can this album now be appreciated by a wider audience. The reissue also features two live tracks from August 1976 and 1977 and a live video clip. The band disbanded shortly after with Dominique and Christophe joining the Corsican band Canta U Populu Corsu. Studio Album, released in 1978 Songs / Tracks Listing 1. U rigiru 00:00 2. I lagramanti 16:11 3. A mubba 27:16 Total Time 50:48 Line-up / Musicians - Christophe Mac Daniel / organ, Fender piano, synths, vocals - Dominique Gallet / violin, vocals - Gilles Rennes / guitar - Francois Mac Daniel / bass, backing vocals - Olivier Renne / drums, percussion - Jean-Philippe Gallet / backing vocals - Francoise Augé / backing vocals