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Essential Recollection

Essential Recollection

Essential Recollection is a compilation album by Jean-Michel Jarre, released in 2015. It serves as a curated selection of Jarre’s most iconic and influential tracks, offering listeners a broad overview of his groundbreaking work in electronic music. The album highlights key moments from his illustrious career, giving both new listeners and long-time fans an opportunity to experience the depth and range of his musical evolution.

The album is carefully structured, featuring well-known tracks like “Oxygene 4,” “Equinoxe 5,” and “Chronology 4,” among others. These tracks reflect Jarre’s signature style, blending ambient soundscapes with rhythmic electronic beats. The selection presents a journey through his decades-long career, showcasing both the experimental nature of his early works and the refined production of his later compositions.

– Essential Recollection –

Remastered Album

One of the defining features of Essential Recollection is its ability to distill the essence of Jarre’s pioneering sound, combining his innovative approach to synthesizers and technology with a timeless sense of melody and atmosphere. Each track has been remastered, providing a fresh sonic experience while preserving the authenticity of the original recordings.

Album Cover

The album cover features a minimalist design, echoing the sleek and futuristic qualities of Jarre’s music. This compilation is a testament to his lasting influence on the electronic music genre, serving as both a tribute to his legacy and a gateway for new generations to discover his work.

Essential Recollection Tracklist

Here is the tracklist and playing time for the album: Essential Recollection

  1. Oxygene Part 2 – 4:57
  2. Arpegiateur – 6:22
  3. Oxygene Part 4 – 4:06
  4. Souvenir Of China – 3:59
  5. Equinoxe Part 4 – 6:42
  6. Zoolookologie – 4:20
  7. Magnetic Fields Part 1 – 6:33
  8. Magnetic Fields Part 2 – 3:58
  9. Equinoxe Part 5 – 3:55
  10. Chronology Part 4 – 3:58
  11. Rendez-Vous 4 – 3:51
  12. Oxygene Part 6 – 6:00
  13. Bells – 3:48
  14. Last Rendez Vous (Ron’s Piece) – 5:48

Total length: 68:17

Discover the album on Spotify and YouTube

This album highlights a collection of Jean-Michel Jarre’s most iconic tracks, reflecting his innovative journey through electronic music over the years.

Essential Recollection Used Instruments

Essential Recollection is a compilation of Jean-Michel Jarre’s iconic tracks, so the instruments used throughout the album reflect those from various stages of his career. Across these tracks, Jarre employed a range of analog synthesizers, sequencers, and other electronic instruments that defined his sound. Key instruments include:

  • ARP 2600 – A semi-modular analog synthesizer used prominently in the Oxygène and Equinoxe albums.
  • VCS3 (Synthi AKS) – An iconic British synthesizer known for its unique modulation capabilities.
  • Roland TR-808 – A famous drum machine often used for rhythmic elements in his compositions.
  • EMS Synthi A – Another classic synthesizer that contributed to his early soundscapes.
  • Laser Harp – A custom-built instrument that became one of Jarre’s live performance trademarks.
  • Fairlight CMI – One of the first digital sampling synthesizers, heavily used in the Zoolook album.
  • Korg Polyphonic Ensemble – A polyphonic synthesizer used for layering complex harmonies.
  • MatriSequencer 250 – A sequencer for arranging and programming his intricate musical patterns.

These instruments, among others, showcase Jarre’s mastery in blending traditional synthesizers with cutting-edge technology to create his signature sound.

Curious about the iconic instruments Jarre has used?
Visit the Instruments page now!

– Studio Setting –

A Landmark Compilation in Jarre’s Career

Essential Recollection stands as an important compilation in Jarre’s discography, offering a comprehensive look at his most celebrated pieces and reinforcing his role as a visionary in the world of electronic music.

Want to explore all of Jean-Michel Jarre’s albums?
Visit the discography page now!

– Essential Recollection –

Curious to explore all of Jean-Michel Jarre’s released albums?

Go To Jean-Michel Jarre Discography

Jean-Michel Jarre’s first major album, Oxygène, was released in 1976, marking his breakthrough into international fame.
However, his very first album, Deserted Palace, came out in 1972, though it received less attention at the time.
Discover all albums from the past decades

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