The World Of Genius Hans by Moving Gelatine Plates

The World of Genius Hans by Moving Gelatine Plates, 1972 album.

Moving Gelatine Plates is a French band formed in 1968 by Gérard Bertram (guitarist) and Didier Thibault (bassist and bandleader), who met in 1966 as schoolmates at the age of 14.

Their sound is based on complex compositions and jams, influenced by jazz and heavily influenced by the British Canterbury scene, particularly Soft Machine and Caravan. This led them to be compared to other similar European bands gaining popularity on the continent, such as the Dutch band Supersister, Picchio Dal Pozzo and COS.

The original lineup included Gérard Bertram on guitar, Didier Thibault on bass, Gérard Pons on drums, and Maurice Helmlinger, a multi-instrumentalist who played saxophone, trumpet, flute, and organ.

A superb jazz-rock album, not far removed from Soft Machine,  Caravan and Hatfield and the North, it was a project by the two young guitarists, later joined by more mature musicians (six years their senior), Gérard Pons (brother of Magma bassist Dominique Pons) and Maurice Helmlinger, to form an exceptional band.

This is their second album, an instrumental jazz-rock ensemble, with a challenging structure and stellar performances from all the band members, a milestone within the Canterbury scene, despite its initial lack of commercial success.

A splendid fusion of jazz, rock, and psychedelia in the French scene, unusual for a genre that has proliferated across the Channel, with exceptional and virtuosic playing, particularly on the trumpet, saxophones, flutes, and guitar.

The rhythm changes are frequent, and the melodies are neither simple nor repetitive.

- "The World of Genius Hans," the title track, is an epic piece lasting over 14 minutes that opens the album, the masterpiece of the album and the band, with a great, heavy fuzz bass, horns, and complex rhythm changes.
- "Funny Doll" is a jazz piece with spectacular bass, horns, and flute, and beautiful vocal melodies.
- "Astromonster" is an instrumental piece with a beautiful vibraphone, flute, and distorted bass lines, offering great complexity and poignancy, a high-speed jam with a relaxed finish.
- "Moving Theme" is an uptempo piece with fantastic interplay between the instruments.

- "Cauchemar" is a piece characterized by multiple tempo changes, featuring a strong bass and excellent saxophone and drums.

- "We Were Loving Her" is an experimental piece with atmospheric organ.
- "Un Jour..." is a short, calm instrumental outro with a strong soprano saxophone and a lyrical atmosphere.

Despite great critical acclaim in France, it was a commercial disappointment due to lack of promotion, leading it to become a hidden gem. Over time, the album has gained a cult following and is now considered a staple of the Canterbury genre.

A wonderful album for all lovers of the Canterbury scene!

Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.

Tracklist

1. The World of Genius Hans (2pm)
2. Funny Doll (4:25)
3. Astromonster (6:15)
4. Moving Theme (3:46)
5. Cauchemar (3:46)
6. We Were Loving Her (3:28)
7. Un Jour... (1:25)

Duration 37:05

LineUp

- Maurice Helmlinger - Hammond & Capri Duo organs, trumpet, alto, soprano, and tenor saxophones, flute, and backing vocals (1-7)
- Gérard Bertram - electric guitar, 12-string and Leslie, vocals (1-7)
- Didier Thibault - bass, guitar, synthesizer, and vocals (1-7)
- Gérard Pons - drums (1-7)

With:
- Claude Delcloo - backing vocals (1-7)
- Jean-Pierre Laroque - bassoon (1-7)
- Michel Camicas - trombone (1-7)
- Guy Boyer - vibraphone (1-7)