Café Jacques

Café Jacques - Round The Back - 1977 - Epic

Cafe Jacques were formed in Scotland as a trio of three musicians, Peter Veitch, Chris Thomson and Mike Ogletree . There is not much information available about the band, but they recorded two albums, and "Round The Back" is a very much neglected album. It's not easy to describe the band's sound. They have been called a "New Wave" band, and their music has been classified as Prog-Rock, and Art Rock. It is probably better described as jazz pop with progressive rock influences. Part of a review on Amazon describes "Round The Back" as "Chris Rea meets Steely Dan". They have also been described as a hybrid of "Roxy Music, 10 cc, and City Boy". Another review said they sounded like a cross between "Manfred Mann's Earthband, Supertramp or Roxy Music". The following interesting article appeared on the www.gepr.net/ca.html website - ["Steely Dan comes to mind and I don't know why because I really don't like them, possibly due to the vocal style. A lot of credit is given to Rupert Hine and his production. Phil Collins also lends a hand but this band is basically a trio - Peter Veitch, Chris Thomson and Mike Ogletree. Cafe Jacques, a three-piece from the UK, really only have a fleeting association with progressive rock as a genre, as their music is more similar to New Wave (although I'm reminded slightly of Brian Eno's more pop-oriented work). Phil Collins adds some percussion, while John G. Perry (from Caravan) plays bass, and Geoffrey Richardson (also from Caravan) plays an assortment of instruments. I have not heard the first album, but I have their second album, International, and there is a definite pop flavour to it all. The song, "Waiting", is somewhat funky, and Side 2 has some good songs that are quite accessible if you are more into pop music from the late 70s-early 80s period. The song "Knife Edge" (not the ELP song!) has a cool jerky rhythm to it with well-placed keyboards, and is definitely the most "progressive" song of the album. However, if you are looking for Genesis or Caravan inspired tunes, look elsewhere! You have been warned!" © Simon Karatsoreas, www.gepr.net/ca.html website].

Please note that most of that article deals with the band's "International" album, which is arguably not as good or polished as "Round The Back". John G. Perry played bass and was a vocalist with the great Canterbury Rock group, Caravan. Geoff Richardson played viola and flute with the same band. The late Peter Veitch played with the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Michael Ogletree played with Simple Minds, and Fiction Factory. Rupert Hine was one of the most successful producers of the synth-pop era. He also produced some work for the great progressive rock band, Camel, and the Thompson Twins. There is no need to elaborate on Phil Collins' achievements. As you can work out from reading this article, Cafe Jacques' had a "motley crew" working on this album, and it's an excellent jazz pop album with ten well written and brilliantly played songs. There is a definite edge of Canterbury Rock here. At times the sounds of Camel, Caravan, and even Steely Dan can be heard here along with many more influences. Cafe Jacques released two albums on Epic, and although both albums were strong and full of excellent songs, neither sold well and the group disbanded. "Round The Back" is a forgotten gem, and is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Try and listen to Cafe Jacques' 1978 "International" album

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

A1 Meaningless - Michael Ogletree
A2 Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City - Michael Price, Dan Walsh
A3 Sands of Singapore - Peter Veitch
A4 Farewell My Lovely - Peter Veitch
A5 Eberehtel - Peter Veitch

B1 Dark Eyed Johnny - Michael Ogletree, Peter Veitch
B2 Sandra's a Phonie - Chris Thomson
B3 None of Your Business - Michael Ogletree, Peter Veitch, Chris Thomson
B4 Crime Passionelle - Chris Thomson
B5 Lifeline - Chris Thomson

MUSICIANS

Michael Ogletree - Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Geoff Richardson - Guitar, Flute, Soloist, Viola [Guest]
Chris Thomson - Guitar, Vocals
John G. Perry, Colin Nelson - Bass [Guests]
Peter Veitch - Keyboards, Accordion, Polymoog, Violin, Vocals
Phil Collins - Percussion [Guest]
Rupert Hine - Bell Tree, Cowbell, Finger Snaps, Shaker [Guest]
"Three Bears" - Vocals