New Age and electronic music is commonplace now, but it was an exciting new development back in the 1970s. One of the biggest influences on the genre was the French composer, Jean Michel Jarre.
His pioneering use of strange musical instruments and his dynamic live shows brought him considerable critical acclaim and commercial success. Music was in the genes, as his father was the film composer, Maurice Jarre.
The electronic music, which Jarre produces, is both futuristic and melodic in its sound. The strong emphasis on melody is probably responsible for his mainstream popularity, which other electronic exponents such as Tangerine Dream didn’t quite achieve.
The album which brought Jean Michel Jarre fame was Oxygene; even spawning a hit single, and his output has been prolific over the years. He consolidated his position by performing in concerts in unusual locations and using laser displays and fireworks. These include a concert in the Egyptian desert, in the Place de la Concorde in Paris and on the Docklands in London.
He has also performed in Moscow, Gdansk, Hong Kong, Japan, Beijing and Shanghai. There are several live albums from these performances.
Experimentation with different instruments has been a trademark of the music and some instruments have been specially built for Jean Michel Jarre. He has used a Theramin, an old electronic instrument that many rock artists were later to embrace, and a Laser Harp that uses laser beams to produce notes.
In addition to album releases, Jarre has written original film scores, following in his father’s footsteps. His existing music has also been used in films such as Gallipoli, starring Mel Gibson, and 9 1/2 Weeks, starring Mickey Rourke.
As a handsome man, there has always been a lot of media interest in the romantic associations of Jean Michel Jarre. He has been married three times, his second wife being the English actress, Charlotte Rampling. When they were together, they were pursued as a celebrity couple.
The present day popularity of electronic dance music and ambient, chill music owes a debt of gratitude to Jean Michel Jarre.
His commercial success may have declined but he is still recognized as a pioneer. His concerts were must see events, rivaling the visual splendor of any rock band before or since.Â
He also proved that you could use electronic instruments without sacrificing melody. His music sounds as if it comes from outer space but it has a soul.
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