This past weekend, I watched this short documentary film titled “Harmonium in California.” And let me tell you that I haven’t seen this film since my college days! Released by the National Film Board of Canada in 1978, this film gives you an inside on the band Harmonium touring the state of California. And I was amazed to see how welcoming the Californians were. Most of their crowd were hippie based, so it goes hand in hand. And, I’ve always been a fan of Harmonium’s music for as long as I knew the band. I can’t exactly tell you when I first heard them, but for sure that I must have been amazed since all of their records are great! Especially at a young age when you’re hearing a band that blends folk, rock, and psychedelic melodies into several songs.  And for your information my favourite release was back in 1975 called, “Si on avait besoin d’une cinquième saison.” If you’re willing to travel into a great musical voyage, then this record is for you!  From synchronized vocal harmonies all the way to catchy melodies lopping in your mind over and over again. But if we sway our way back towards this mini documentary, you could tell that this band had two purposes. One was to promote their 1976 release “L’Heptade,” while accompanying a couple of other songs from lead Harmonium singer Serge Fiori, and musician Richard Seguin’s 1979 collaboration record, “Deux cents nuits à l’heure.” But the other one was to demonstrate towards the public that yes, great music can also come from Quebec, specifically, Montreal. You can see the band performing, trying to wrap their melodies around the public. But in the end, it was the public who wrapped themselves around Harmonium.

Songs like “Viens Danser,” “Comme une Sage,”and “Aujourd’hui, je dis bonjour à la vie,” have beautiful melodies. And on top of that beautiful vocals, where the tones fit perfectly with the music. It’s almost as if you’re gonna witness another awakening, this time involved with music! I would’ve loved it if we got to see the band touring the entire United States as opposed to the state of California, but at the same time, it might’ve been too intense for the band since it’s the first time they’re leaving the province, and not sure what to expect. But in the end, it worked out great for them, performing in front of an unknown audience, and interacting with fans who are learning about their music for the first time.