CHRISTOPHE LEBLED

(Guest Arranger, Keyboards, Soundscapes)

“The future of humanity will certainly go through the conquest of new planets far from our solar system. Proxima Centauri b is certainly the exoplanet most suited to accommodate a human colony in the course of the 22nd century… But before embarking on this wonderful space adventure we need everything possible to preserve the balance and the majesty of which has greeted life for millions of years. This is the land of our ancestors and it deserves that we respect it as they have done for thousands of years. Some tribes all around the globe still know how to use the treasures it contains for food or medicine. Our ultra-consumer appetite pushes us to gradually destroy our environment. Soon 10 billion people will seek to feed themselves and draw in the final resources; a single drop of water and the slightest ears of wheat to survive. Before reaching the point of no return we must teach to future generations the importance of preserving our natural environment and find sustainable solutions to living with the animal and plant Kingdoms. This musical project is proof that united together we are able to awaken our consciences.”

Christophe Lebled has worked with ‘YES’ singer Jon Anderson a number of times over the years, more recently providing instrumentals for Jon Anderson’s prized concept album Survival & Other Stories. Jon again requested Christophe to collaborate on ‘Race to the End’ for the Olympic Games in London 2012.

Chris plays a big tribute to Vangelis while keeping within the same melody and intricate harmony structures of Vangelis compositions; the sound and atmosphere are uniquely his own, which makes a masterful re-creation to compliment the graceful soundscape of composer Vangelis. Christophe Lebled not only re-creates the sound of Vangelis, but rivals the composer in effect with some areas on this fine tribute release.

Jon Anderson, who had joined with Vangelis years ago going by the musician title ‘Jon & Vangelis’ had this to say about Christophe Lebled’s release Tribute to Vangelis:

“It has been almost impossible to find a musician who can make music as Vangelis does, and here we have Chris Lebled, a wonderful music man very capable of morphing into many styles of music, and sound very unique at the same time. I have a wonderful energy with Chris, and feel blessed to enjoy a rich working relationship.” – Jon Anderson.

Christophe Lebled from France began training on classical piano and then keyboards when he discovered progressive rock music, and the most influential and popular artists of the time period which, as you might have guessed were Jon Anderson of Yes and the band, Genesis. Their influence in music during this time period cannot be overstated.

During the 1980’s when new wave was popular Christophe instead chose the direction of Jazz-Fusion and took up formal studies of harmony and arranging at the American School of Modern Music. He also studied jazz piano with artists Barry Harris and Kenny Barron.

Christophe then intermixed a new cultural sound to his repertoire and entered the world of Latin music during the 1990’s in Paris France. It was during this period the Vox Terrae label enlisted him on several projects. Christophe Lebled’s first release in his own name was About Us (2007), and Tribute to Vangelis (2011).

Chris began to compose music for TV shows in 2004 with the album ‘Cycles’ for Kokamedia/Universal. In 2012 Chris wrote an entire concept album for the label Encore Merci. ‘Special Investigation’ is a 20 track album of Action/Investigation inspired music for TV & radio Shows. Christophe has also composed hundreds of tracks for French label Kaptain Music. His music features on Ninja Warriors, The Bachelor, The Island, Political and many other kinds of TV shows in France. He also composed original music for TOTAL / L’Oreal & GSK Laboratory.

Christophe is playing keyboards on the upcoming album of California singer Joanna St. Claire, ‘Naked Kiss’ alongside Jimmy Haun (Yes) and Dave Meros (Spock’s Beard ) .

Chris has joined the United Progressive Fraternity by adding his arrangement for the opening theme which is part of the upcoming ‘Planetary Overload’ double set during summer 2016. He is also playing keys on ‘What Happens Now’.

Christophe Lebled is honored to be a member of the professional society ‘Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music’ (SACEM).