Christian Vander, Offering – Offering Part 1 - Part 2 (1986, CD, France)

Tracklist:
1 Offering (1) 7:57
2 Earth 10:29
3 Joïa 18:00
4 C'est Pour Nous 8:05
5 Love In The Darkness 10:39
6 Tïlïm M'Dohm 2:34
7 Mazur Kujiawiak Oberek (Triptyque) 4:56
8 Solitude 4:07
9 Ügüma Mà Mëlìmëh Gïnġeh 3:44

Musicians:
Electric Piano, Piano – Simon Goubert
Lead Vocals, Maracas, Bells – Stella Vander
Lead Vocals, Electric Piano, Piano, Drums, Bells, Tambourine, Other – Christian Vander
Percussion – Pierre Marcault
Trombone – J Bolognesi
Trumpet – C Martinez

Bass – J.Marc Jafet
Drums – Marc Delouya

Vocals, Flute, Electric Piano, Piano – Guy "Zu" Khalifa

Offering came to the world as one of Christian Vander's post Magma projects, functioning throughout the later half of the 80s up till the early 90s Offering ventures into territory where only Magma's 'Merci' dared the tread. While the 70s Magma revolved around a more classical interpretation, Offering shows Vander's fascination with Coltrane's acoustic inspired Jazz blossom into full realization. Offering is sited by many as Christian Vander's most praised post-Magma project.

Offering takes a step aside from Magma's tight formulas, introducing compositions of a much looser, improvisational design. Vander's drumming expertises sadly take to the bench, while focusing more specifically on vocal experimentations alongside his wife Stella. We hear an evolution of the soul-scat vocals utilized throughout Magma's 1984 album 'Merci'. Offering went on to record 3 albums, which hold many draw backs for most listeners. Much of the time the musical insights become quite unfocused and produces a patchy final product

Their latest recording 'A Fiieh' is their most concise document; bring in a full line-up including the likes of Isabelle Feullebois, Philippe Dardelle and Emmanuel Borghi. The usually suspect are augmented by four other percussionist, four vocalist and one Keyboardist. The style becomes dark, minimalist and even a little more symphonic. While the epic 'Purificatem' reverts back into the familiar vibe of the two prior albums.

Boasting as one of Vander's most accomplished post-Magma projects, this will appease Christian Vander fans, but could still facilitate your average listener's enjoyment. (progarchives)