Jaguars, Les - Vol-2

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	Solitude	02:19
	2	Melle YeYe	01:54
	3	Guitare Cha-Cha	02:18
	4	Dors mon amour	02:28
	5	Honky Tonk	02:29
	6	Tourbillon	02:43

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	Jaguar Shake	01:46
	2	Souvenirs Hawaiens	02:10
	3	Guitare Jet	02:30
	4	Course au bonheur	01:50
	5	Guitare Strip	02:12
	6	Guitar Esquire	02:23

Photos

Videos

No Video

Information/Write-up

Les Jaguars – Quebec’s Wild Guitar Instrumental Kings
Emerging from Jonquière, Quebec, in 1962, Les Jaguars became one of the most electrifying instrumental rock bands of the 1960s. With their high-energy performances, bold experimentation, and reverb-drenched guitar sound, they helped define Quebec’s garage and surf rock movement.

The Band’s Signature Sound
Les Jaguars were known for their creative and experimental approach to instrumental rock. Lead guitarist Jean-Guy "Arthur" Cossette was a true innovator - he pierced his own speakers to create a unique distortion and fuzz effect, blending the melodic tones of The Shadows with the raw energy of Link Wray. Their hard-driving instrumentals were some of the most powerful recordings of their era, fusing surf rock, garage, and rock ‘n’ roll into something uniquely their own.

In their early years, the band’s sound incorporated horns and trumpets, catering to the dance club circuit that dominated Quebec’s nightlife at the time. However, their growing popularity allowed them to shift to a pure rock ‘n’ roll style, which became their trademark.

The classic lineup included:
Jean-Guy "Arthur" Cossette: lead guitar
Gilles Morissette: guitar
Doris Thibault: bass
Reynald Morissette: drums

Albums & Legacy
Their self-titled debut album in 1964 introduced their now-legendary sound, featuring some of the most over-the-top reverb and guitar effects of the decade. Their second album, Vol. 2 (1965), has since become a highly collectible release, valued at over $200 among vinyl enthusiasts. Their third album, Pour la danse (1965), continued to push the boundaries of instrumental rock.
Les Jaguars’ best-selling singles convinced their label to record a full-length LP packed with originals and covers, solidifying their place in Quebec’s music scene.

Key Tracks:
'Jaguar Shake': A surf-rock classic, later featured on Early Canadian Rockers Vol. 11-12
'Tourbillon': A swirling, hypnotic instrumental
'Guitare Jet': A high-speed, tremolo-heavy guitar explosion
‘Supersonic Twist’: A mix of rhythm and blues raunch and dancefloor grind, showing off their versatility.

Their leopard-print suits and frenzied stage presence made them supersonic recording stars, pushing the boundaries of Quebec’s instrumental rock scene.

The Shift & Breakup
By 1965, vocal rock ‘n’ roll was overtaking instrumentals in popularity. Although Les Jaguars continued recording for Tournesol Records and even released a second LP, their audience was thinning. By early 1966, it was clear they needed to either evolve or disband. In the spring of 1966, Les Jaguars called it quits.

Arthur’s Solo Career
After Les Jaguars disbanded, Jean-Guy "Arthur" Cossette embarked on a solo career, permanently adopting the name Arthur—a nod to the long-haired, rebellious French singer Antoine. From 1966 to 1971, he recorded four singles, featuring garage rock riffs and socially charged lyrics inspired by the hippie movement.

His first solo 45 RPM, "Dites-moi pourquoi" b/w "Maîtres de la guerre", fused gritty guitar work with the defiant spirit of French chanson, reflecting the rebellious energy of the era. Listen here: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/328033-arthur-dites-moi-pourquoi-b-w-maitre-de-la-guerre

In 1971, Arthur released his only full-length album, Long Jeu Ouest Turn, on RCA Gala. The album was a psychedelic oddball masterpiece, showcasing a mix of garage, folk, and experimental rock. The back cover famously featured a Wanted poster of Arthur, adding to his mystique.isten here: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/328032-arthur-long-jeu-ouest-turn

Despite his underground status, Arthur remained a respected figure in Quebec rock, later gaining recognition for his work with Lyse & The Hot Kitchen.

A Resurgence in Popularity
In 1996, Les Jaguars' music was reissued by Disques Mérite under the title Appalaches, reintroducing their sound to a new generation of fans. Over the years, Arthur revived the Jaguars name several times, ensuring that their pioneering rock ‘n’ roll spirit lives on in Quebec’s music history.

Today, Les Jaguars remain a cult favorite, celebrated for their wild energy, technical prowess, and unmistakable instrumental rock legacy.

A Resurgence in Popularity
In 1996, their music was reissued by Disques Mérite under the title Appalaches, reintroducing their sound to a new generation of fans. Over the years, Arthur revived the Jaguars name several times, ensuring that their pioneering rock ‘n’ roll spirit lives on in Quebec’s music history.

Today, Les Jaguars remain a cult favorite, celebrated for their wild energy, technical prowess, and unmistakable instrumental rock legacy.
-Robert Williston

Jean-Guy (Arthur) Cossette: lead guitar
Gilles Morissette: guitar
Doris Thibault: bass
Reynald Morissette: drums

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