In 1972 Columbia released Upon Velveatur, a little-known album by Roger Rodier that aligned closely with the folk-rock singer-songwriter style then in vogue. Its sound drew equally from British and North American sources within that genre, relying on gentle breathy vocals, a subdued melancholy tone, mostly acoustic guitar arrangements, understated string parts, and occasional female backing voices. Before the album appeared, Rodier had already placed two singles with Montreal’s Pax label, the earlier of which was performed in French. Although Lester Bangs hailed its “timeless grace” in Rolling Stone, Upon Velveatur received scant attention after its autumn 1972 release. Early the following year Rodier began recording a second Columbia album, yet the project remained unfinished, and he withdrew from music altogether a few years later without issuing further material.
