BiografieIt was bound to happen sooner or later. Though the trio of teenagers soon to evolve into Leger de Main had grown up in a backwater, blue collar town heavily immersed in the likes of classic rock and heavy metal, they collectively realized their musical tastes were too limiting for what they wanted, and needed to create.



"I grew up listening to thrash and heavy metal as a teenager, and that´s probably where our more aggressive side comes from," says Leger de Main member Chris Rodler, who handles the duties of guitar, bass, keyboards, and just about anything else needed to create the progressive sonic landscape of "The Concept of Our Reality", the debut release from the group. "But we quickly realized the music scene in Erie, Pennsylvania was too limiting, too confining. We had a need for music that was beyond the basics. And since we weren´t finding it anywhere, we opted to create it."



Rodler, his brother Brett and vocalist Melissa Blair, were quickly discovering, and conquering, new musical territory. Chris earned his wings in the local Erie live music scene, gigging with bands on every side of the musical spectrum, while brother Brett stayed at home analyzing the recordings of fusion greats like Chick Corea.



But it was the first time Chris and Brett heard the likes of U.K., King Crimson, Rush and the debut of Dream Theater that the beginnings of Leger de Main began to take form. Brett brought his jazz noodlings to the table while Chris upped the ante with a stronger rock influence as they tried to nurture their blossoming talents into the shape of what had been done previously, simultaneously attempting to take things another step further.



"I think a lot of bands have lost their aggression, lost the power that progressive music can have," says Chris. "That´s what I think sets us apart, what we have to offer. For example, Brett and I would rather spend long hours working out an intricate rhythm section, throwing in all sorts of weird polyrhythms than composing a long solo."



"Yet at the same time, melody is a primary importance to us," adds Brett. "We´re accused at times of throwing out melody because our songs can get so complex, but that´s just not true. It´s important to us to have a song, whether it´s five minutes or nineteen minutes long, be a song, not just noise."



Once the Rodlers started composing music, they needed a singer who could carry the weight of the music, and childhood friend Melissa Blair fit the bill. Being a fan of the female voice, Chris was thrilled at the possibilities of having a progressive band without the operatic male posing that can sometimes accompany strong music.



"There just aren´t many bands out there with female singers, and that is yet another thing that sets us apart, says Melissa. "So at times it was difficult for me, I didn´t have many influences to draw upon, just the standard rock bands like Heart and Pat Benatar. In the long run, the lack of female progressive models might have helped me, I had to create everything my own way."



"At times, Brett and I would have these weird riffs with no idea how anyone could sing over it," Chris continues. "Melissa would come in and know exactly what to sing, exactly what melody lines to add to draw the whole piece together. Melissa definitely adds something special, something totally new, to Leger de Main, as well as the whole progressive scene."

Quelle: http://www.pmm-music.net/Discografie1995 - The Concept Of Our Reality

1997 - Second First Impression

2005 - Concept Of Our Reality (10th Anniversary Re-Issue)