Agharta | ru

Agharta was formed around 1978 by keyboardist/producer Jacques Mignault and sax and flute player Pierre Veniot, who had played together in Main Street Funk. They were joined by Normand Trudel on bass and Normand Cataford on drums, and produced a self titled album, released on Mignault's own label, in 1981. The music is light progressive jazz/fusion with occasional international flavourings a la Weather Report, and is very well composed. This style of music became prevalent in Quebec during the early 80's and as in other countries, and was a natural evolution from the 1970's for many musicians with progressive jazz/rock tendencies. The album also features a guest appearance by percussionist Michel Séguin (ex-Toubabou). That same year they played the Montreal International Jazz Festival, which helped to fuel Quebec's local jazz scene for years to come.
A second album was recorded in 1982 but was never released, since the first album achieved only limited distribution. One year later, Trudel and Cataford were replaced by Sylvain Gagnon and Michel Grenier on bass and drums respectively. Agharta continued giving performances until 1984. During this period Agharta also recorded some unreleased material with Séguin, with Mignault and Veniot performing occasionally with the renowned percussionist. Mignault even produced Séguin's solo album "Esprit Des Vents" in 1983. Agharta's LP, along with the unreleased material, has been digitally remastered and may be the subject of a CD reissue in 2005.


Drums, Percussion – Normand Cataford
Electric Bass – Normand Trudel
Keyboards – Jacques Mignault
Percussion – Michel Séguin
Tenor Saxophone, Sopranino Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Pierre Veniot .