Les Variations
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Les Variations | |
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Variations |
| Origin | France |
| Genre(s) | Rock and roll Hard rock Rhythm and blues Blues Middle Eastern |
| Years active | 1968 — 1975 |
| Label(s) | Magic, EMI/Pathé Records |
| Website | Les Variations |
| Members | |
| Robert Fitoussi Marc Tobaly “Petit Pois” Grande Isaac “Jacky” Bitton |
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| Former members | |
| Joe Leb | |
Les Variations was a French rock band from the 1960s and 1970s that sang in English and was known for its rock guitar based music. Often, their songs and compositions contained hints of North African and Jewish Sephardic melodies as well as the Hebrew songs of the band members’ youth.[1]
Contents |
[edit] History
All three members were Moroccan Jews. Joe Leb was on vocals, Marc Tobaly played guitar, Jacques “Petit Pois” Grande played bass, and Isaac “Jacky” Bitton was on drums.[2] Leb was later replaced by Tunisian born Robert Fitoussi.[3]
Les Variations signed with EMI/Pathé Records in 1969. Some argue that Les Variations is one of the best known rock groups from France, largely in part to commercial successes during their decade-long span.[4] Between 1969 and 1973, they released the bulk of their albums. They often mimicked traits of the Rolling Stones, The Who and Led Zeppelin.
By 1974 they adopted a more popular style and signed with an American label. It was then that they introduced sounds and styles taken from their Moroccan heritages, exemplified in the album Moroccan Roll. The band broke up in 1975.
Over the course of their career, Les Variations opened for Bachman Turner Overdrive, Kiss, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, Taste, and Aerosmith, among other well-known bands of their era.
[edit] Albums
- Nador (1969)
- Take It Or Leave It (1971)
- Moroccan Roll (1973)
- Cafe de Paris (1974)
[edit] Trivia
- Proud of his Jewish heritage, Bitton wore a noticeable Star of David around his neck[5] during concerts.
