Founded in 1973, in Orleans, this is a symphonic band in the style of Genesis, but with a distinctively French flair (Because of it's peculiar stage show they are labeled as French Theatric Symphonic in some sources).
Another close comparison is Atoll, with some references to Osanna and Premiata Forneria Marconi.
The first album was recorded with Christian Gallas on electric guitar and violin, Jean-Luc Martin on bass, Jean-Paul Pierson on keyboards, guitar and backing vocals, Francis Poulet on drums, percussion and backnig vocals, Gilles Solves on additional guitars, and Dominique LeGuennec on lead vocals, sax, flute, and percussion. Solves would not remain for the next album, and Gallas would be replaced by Pascal Jordan for the third release. This lineup stayed intact for two albums.
Disillusioned by lack of success, singer Dominique LeGuennec left the band. He was soon followed by Jordan. This led to a major reshuffling of personnel, and assignments. Drummer Francis Poulet pulled a Phil Collins, and became the lead singer for 1979's "Vers Demain." This would be the last of any semblance of the original Mona Lisa.
In 1998 Le Geuennec reformed the band with most of the members of Versailles. A younger band, who were influenced by Mona Lisa and Ainge. This Lineup recorded "De l'ombre à la Lumière," and "Progfest 2000" (with only one change in personnel).
The band is described as being highly orchestral, and very theatrical. Dominique LeGuennec receives constant comparisons to Peter Gabriel. They may not have had the notoriety of their contemporaries, but they are strongly recommended. H.T. Riekels (bhikkhu) Mona Lisa official website by .progarchives
1974 - L'Escapade (1991)
Tracks Listing
1. Prélude A L'Escapade (2:10)
2. La Fantôme De Galashiels (6:38)
3. Voyage Vers L'Infini (3:42)
4. Les Vieilles Pierres (8:43)
5. Le Colporteur (8:12)
6. Petit Homme De La Terre (12:04)
Total time 41:29
Bonus tracks on CD release:
7. Diableries (8:49)
8. Les Vieilles Pierres (5:35)
Line-up / Musicians
- Dominique Le Guennec / lead vocals, alto sax, flute, percussion
- Christian Gallas / electric guitar, violin
- Gilles Solves / acoustic & electric guitars
- Jean-Paul Pierson / keyboards, guitar, backing vocals
- Jean-Luc Martin / bass
- Francis Poulet / drums, percussion, backing vocals
1975 - Grimaces (1994)
Tracklist
La Mauvaise Réputation 3:30
Brume 5:05
Complainte Pour Un Narcisse 4:25
Le Jardin Des Illusions 6:35
Accroche-Toi Et Suis-Moi 6:00
Au Pays Des Grimaces 6:15
Manèges Et Chevaux De Bois 7:00
Credits
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Martin Jean Luc
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Poulet Francis
Guitar, Effects [Special Effects], Vocals – Gallas Christian
Keyboards [Diverse Keyboards], Guitar, Vocals – Pierson Jean Paul
Vocals, Flute, Alto Saxophone [Sax Alto], Tambourine – Leguennec Dominique
1977 - Le Petit Violon de Monsieur Grégoire (1995)
Tracklist
Le Chant Des Glaces 4:30
Allons Z'Enfants 6:15
Le Publiphobe 2:27
Solaris 2:50
Le Petit Violon De Mr Grégoire
La Folie 5:37
De Toute Ma Haine 5:56
Plus Loin Vers Le Ciel 9:00
Credits
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Jean-Luc Martin
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Francis Poulet
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Pascal Jardon
Engineer – B. Belan*, J.P.Massiera*
Illustration, Concept By – Philippe Huart
Piano, Organ, Synthesizer – Jean-Paul Pierson
Realization – Jean-Claude Pognant
Vocals, Flute, Synthesizer – Dominique Le Guennec
1978 - Avant Qu'il Ne Soit Trop Tard
Tracklist
Avant Qu'il Ne Soit Trop Tard 3:30
La Peste 6:00
Souvenirs De Naufrageurs 7:00
Tripot 4:00
Léna 5:00
Créature Sur La Steppe (9:45)
I. Comme Dans Un Rêve
II. L'Oppression
III. Avec Le Vent
Credits
Bass Guitar – Jean-Luc Martin
Drums, Percussion – Francis Poulet
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizer – Pascal Jardon
Illustration, Concept By – Michel Lecoeur
Mixed By – Philippe Omnès
Organ, Piano, Synthesizer, Mellotron – Jean-Paul Pierson
Realization – Jean-Claude Pognant
Vocals, Flute, Percussion – Dominique Le Guennec
1979 - Vers Demain (1994)
Tracklist
Maldonne 2:00
Prélude A L'Enfer 3:26
Bla Bla Bla 2:50
Le Rat Débile Et Le Rat Déchanté 4:05
Vers Demain 3:20
Curriculum Vitae 4:50
Maria 3:15
A Tombeau Ouvert 3:20
Rien Ne Va Plus 4:00
Rétrospective 4:30
Credits
Bass, Effects [Pedal Bass], Acoustic Guitar – Jean Betin
Cover – Bob Anton
Drums, Percussion – Patrick Moriniere
Engineer – Richard Loury
Guitar, Keyboards – Jean-Paul Pierson
Keyboards, Bandoneon – Michel Grandet
Vocals, Percussion – Francis Poulet
1998 - De l'ombre à la Lumière
Tracklist
1 Captif De La Nuit 7:00
2 L´échiquier De La Vie 5:22
3 Les Guerriers 7:12
4 Passions 7:27
5 Voyage Avec Les Morts 10:28
6 Souvenirs 3:18
7 Quelque Part Sur Un Quai 6:12
8 Les Noces De Cendre 4:11
9 Comme Un Songe 5:26
Credits
Bass – Philippe Maury
Drums, Percussion – Benoit de Gency
Guitar, Flute, Vocals, Choir – Guillaume de la Pilière
Keyboards, Vocals, Choir – Alain de Lille
Vocals, Flute – Dominique Le Guennec
2000 - Mona Lisa - Progfest 2000
Tracklist
1 Captif De La Nuit
2 Le Petit Violon De Mr Grégoire
3 Les Sabots De Lena
4 Voyage Avec Les Morts
5 L'Échiquier De La Vie
6 Les Guerriers
7 Tripot
8 Les Noces De Cendres
9 Au Pays Des Grimaces
10 Comme Un Songe
MONA LISA - DISCOGRAPHY
1974-2000 / Symphonic Rock
| FLAC |tracks+.cue, image+.cue |lossless |
O Púbis da Rosa
