Le Temps - Ailleurs Avec... Le Temps (Reissue) (1977/1999)

Le Temps was formed by songwriting duo Pierre Cloutier (guitar/vocals) and René Grimard (guitar/vocals), with Andy (NDG) Grober (guitar). They released a self-titled album in 1975, on which they were joined by Fernand Durand and Philippe Bech (bass and piano, respectively), at the time on hiatus from Dionysos, as well as Pierre Daigneault (flute). Also appearing on the album are a chamber music ensemble comprised of members of the Ottawa Philharmonic Orchestra, led by music director David Hildinger. The music is mellow, acoustic guitar-led folk, much in the same vein as Harmonium's debut album which had just been released just a year prior. Because of the proximity of the two releases, combined with the popularity of the Harmonium album, some critics therefore accused Le Temps' music of being derivative. A second record was released in 1977, called "Ailleurs Avec...", more electric in nature while remaining similar in style to the first record. Only Cloutier remained from the first LP (although Grimard wrote and played on several tracks). Alain Grenier (bass) and Jean Desautels (drums) now completed the trio. The band faded into obscurity soon after this second offering. Both are relaxing, pleasant albums with some progressive moments, and were reissued on CD and are still in print.