For those not in the know, Pierre Moerlen's original Gong was an instrumental jazz fusion outfit led by French drummer and percussionist Pierre Moerlen, which developed as an offshoot of the psychedelic progressive rock band Gong, founded and led by Daevid Allen.

PM’s Gong was a major branch of the massive Gong tree. In the mid ’70’s drummer Pierre Moerlen separated from Daevid Allen marking an end to the Flying Teapot period and a powerful jazz/rock unit was formed and signed to Virgin Records. Pierre’s brother Benoit Moerlen, Hansford Rowe, Francois Causse, Allan Holdsworth were core members.

Many major guests joined them both on albums and touring. Mick Taylor, Mike Oldfield, and French violinist Didier Lockwood were key participants. Mike Oldfield occasionally used the PMG rhythm section for touring also calling on members for albums such as Ommadawn, Incantations, Exposed and Platinum.

Now Gong alumni Francois Causse and Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe join HRIII guitarist Julien Sandiford for the recording of the new album by Gong Expresso titled Decadence.

Featuring: Hansford Rowe – bass; Benoit Moerlen – vibes, marimba; Julien Sandiford – guitar; and Francois Causse – drums, percussion, this new 8 track album (which was also launched using a Pledge Music campaign) is, for my money, already one of the best albums of 2018!

1. 'Decadence'
2. 'Zephyr'
3. 'Toumani'
4. 'Talisman'
5. 'The Importance of Common Things'
6. 'Eastern Platinum''
7. 'Frevo'
8. 'God Knows'

This delightful, atmospheric 8-track album brings us some very strong pieces, some great moments of what one can only assume to be improvisations, and all nurtured sweetly within the loving embrace of jazz fusion / jazz rock.

Says Hansford himself, “Decadence is the title tune on the new Gong Expresso album. Here the word means 'falling away.' I hope this tune and all the music on the album somehow addresses this in an unadorned, direct way."

"When I play with these 3 musicians I am convinced there is something special happening. Benoit Moerlen (vibes, marimba) and Francois Causse (drums, perc) and I began playing together in early 1977 in PM's Gong and our rapport is of the kind only long term relationships can provide."

"On the other hand Julien who is 25 has been alive less time than I have been playing with the others. Yet our musical relationship feels infinitely long. We are recording in two cities, Paris and Montreal."

"Francois' studio in Paris is a tuned percussion church and Piccolo Studios in Montreal is owned by Denis Savage who is co-producing with the band. He is known for his work with Celine Dion.”