Lazuli has been building their name in the progressive rock scene for many years now and their music has found a way to many progressive rock fans and Francophiles. No wonder, for the French quintet really is an extraordinary band whose influences reaches far beyond the progressive rock world to find their inspiration. Including the use of uncommon instruments like the French horn and the amazing self-developed Leode; which is the improbable mix of a guitar, a synthesizer and a melodic saw.
 

Dominique Leonetti

Lazuli has been a regular visitor to the Dutch stages for many years now, this Sunday afternoon was their debut in a sold out 't Blok; a smaller venue, but with an intimate, friendly atmosphere where visitors are treated like mutual friends. Our French friends felt at home right away, mainly because of the very warm welcome they when they entered the stage.
Although highlighting their previous release Saison 8 (2018, see review), Lazuli also played a fair collection of tracks from previous albums. For sure, I love those songs, but what really stands out is the combination of incredible musicianship as well as the huge amount of fun and energy the band displays on stage, which absolutely is absorbed and returned by the audience.

On this friendly afternoon Lazuli was amazing, despite the fact, the band only had two hours of sleep, they took their time to interact with the audience. It is always great to watch vocalist Dominique Leonetti giving his best attempt to explain the songs in a funny French English combination. "Please keep introducing the songs the way you do, it just makes them more special" Keyboard player Romain Thorel seemed to have a great time behind his keys; left hand playing the bass parts, the other one playing fantastic melodies. Occasionally

Claude Leonetti & Gédéric Byar (r)

taking the effect laden French horn to the centre of the stage to add the amazing sounds to the beautiful songs. Drummer Vincent Barnavol regularly stepped away from his drum kit, to enhance the overall sound with nice marimba parts, giving the compositions that typical Lazuli touch. Claude Leonetti keeps on amazing me with his self-developed leode, an instrument that I think, has been the basics where keyboard players like Jordan Rudes and Diego Tejeida have taken it to the next level. On the other side of the stage Gédéric Byar was having a great time, interacting with both Leonetti brothers as well with the audience. Both Gédéric and Dominique even ended up in the middle of the audience during one of the songs.
For me the highlight was the seemingly improvised keyboard vs drums part, where Romain combined the aforementioned fun and incredible solid playing in a wonderful solo part.
As an encore, the band moved their marimba to the centre of the stage to close with their 9 Hands On The Marimba part, followed by their interpretation of The Beatles Michelle.

Lazuli is one of those bands that live to play live, interact and just have a good time. This in a time where other (better paid) bands play the obligated hour and a half, displaying their hits for the fans and disappear when the final note had sounded. I am so happy bands like lazuli exist and are there to have a great time with the audience. A big Merci and I hope to see you soon again.


Pedro Bekkers (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen)