So sorry to hear that Richenel has passed away. I felt privileged, along with Blackwing engineer John Fryer, to have had the opportunity to remix his gorgeous cover of 'L’Esclave Endormi'.
1986 was a year as far removed from rock n roll, at 4AD, as it would ever be. The Bulgarian music, Harold Budd and the Cocteau Twins, Victorialand and 'L’Esclave...' all pointed toward something quite unique, with emphasis on the power and individuality of the human voice and helped define 4AD at its most pure.
Working with him on the two songs he provided vocals for on This Mortal Coil’s Filigree & Shadow was a total joy. That voice was spectacular and he was so willing to try anything, keep singing, until I told him I was happy. It was a sweet and effortless afternoon’s work that I treasure. I know little of what became of him in the world of disco he was encouraged to pursue but am so grateful to have encountered, if briefly, such a beautiful man with the voice of an angel.
Pâleur, orphique beauté,
Garçon effeuillé sur ma couche,
Nimbé de perversité,
Un souffle innocent sur la bouche.
Vautré dans les dentelles
Ton corps évanoui
Que le désir écartèle
L'esclave endormi.
Poissé de parfums et de vin
Enroulé de guirlandes de fleurs,
Offert au vent frais du matin,
Gorgé de nerfs et de langueurs.
Vautré dans les dentelles
Ton corps évanoui
Que le désir écartèle
L'esclave endormi.
Flottant au souffle d'Eole,
Gisant dans une tempête soumise,
Que l'aile de l'aube bleue frôle,
Ton flanc qu'un frisson frêle irise.
Vautré dans les dentelles
Ton corps évanoui
Que le désir écartèle
L'esclave endormi.