Jazz-Rock-Fusion

Reviews:
Enigmatic Ocean is Ponty's masterpiece and possibly the best Fusion CD ever. The line up is second to none; Holdsworth,Smith, Stuermer, Armstrong and Zavod all add to the amazing auditory tapestry that Jean-Luc has created. No single recording has ever combined Classical compostion, Jazz improvisation, Funky bass, and delivered it in a high energy rock context like Enigmatic Ocean has. Every tune on this disc is a highlight. "Nostalgic Lady" is Ponty and Holdsworth showcasing their talents in one of the non-suites. The music revolves around a bass line and a simple(By Jean-Luc standards)melody. Both soloists are amazing. "Mirage" features Ponty and keyboardist Zavod. The piece is one of Jean-Luc's best and both Jean-Luc and Alan are mesmerizing. "Enigmatic Ocean" is a suite and is one of the greatest things that I have ever heard. The piece opens with an intro and then a melody. From there Ponty, Zavod, Stuermer, and Holdsworth trade fours over the rhythm of the duo of Armstrong and Smith. Next a funky groove is established and Holdsworth and Ponty fly over it. Finally the original theme is brought back and the masterpiece ends. "The Struggle of the Turtle to the Sea" is another suite and is also unbelievable. The first movement contains a Zavod solo. The mood changes and Ponty does what he does so well. Next the mood changes again and Armstrong and Stuermer are both spectacular. Finally Holdsworth lends a hand in the outro. This piece is visual and one can picture the turtle reaching the beach and finally being freed into the sea. This is the best CD that Jean-Luc has released and will be until "Jean-Luc Ponty Live" is finally released by Atlantic.(The first one not Chene Park) GET THIS ONE NOW!!!!!

If you're even thinking about getting a Ponty CD, this or Cosmic Messenger is the one. This band sounds so good; it is really beautiful. This music is very satisfying; it is in my opinion some of the best fusion of the '70s. And there is no one, absolutely no one, who plays the violin like Ponty does here. His solos are fiery, passionate, virtuosic, and dramatic, and his tone itself is mesmerizing. The band surrounding him is tight, and they create a wall of electric sound that is pure ecstasy to hear. You also get two great guitarists in Daryl Stuermer and Allan Holdsworth; and Allan Zavod on keyboards is great, too. This is an very highly recommended recording (I'm not the only one who thinks so; many fusion fans would agree). Don't miss it!

Almost thirty years after its initial release, this is one album I will never tire of. The recording may sound a bit dated, but the music is timeless. Ponty has mastered the art of improvising over the same instrumental passages for long periods of time without monotony. The melodies captivate and the musicianship is top-notch. It's refreshing to hear violin as a main ingredient in any band (besides classical) so this is quite a treat. Ponty has recorded many stunning discs but this one stands out and would be a great introduction to this fabulous performer. Enjoy.

Track listing

1. OVERTURE (0:47)
2. THE TRANS-LOVE EXPRESS (3:56)
3. ENIGMATIC OCEAN
Part I (2:20)
Part II (3:35)
Part III (3:43)
Part IV (2:24)
4. NOSTALGIC LADY (5:20)
5. STRUGGLE OF THE SEA TURTLE
Part I (3:32)
Part II (3:33)
Part III (6:05)

Total Time 40:06

Line-up

- Ralph Armstrong / Bass
- Steve Smith / Drums
- Allan Zavod / Clavinet, Piano (Electric), Synthesizer, Piano, Keyboards, Organ
- Ralphe Armstrong / Bass (Electric)
- Allan Holdsworth / Guitar, Guitar (Electric)
- Jean-Luc Ponty / Bells, Conductor, Main Performer, Producer, Piano, Orchestration, Keyboards, Violectra, Vocals, Violone
- Daryl Stuermer / Guitar, Guitar (Rhythm), Guitar (Electric)

Enjoy!
Link in comments: