MIND TRANSPLANT

So many great jazz-rock drummers out there in Progland, luminaries like Billy Cobham, Lenny White, Peter Erskine, Jack DeJohnette, Tony Williams, Vinnie Colaiuta and Michael Walden, all made quite a name for themselves in a wide variety of sessions. There are some equally brilliant ones who are, sadly not quite as famous, such as Rayford Griffin (Ponty), Leon Chancler (Santana) and Chester Thompson (Ponty, Genesis). Which brings us to Alphonse Mouzon, a hyperactive drummer who should easily qualify to thump with the legends. His sensational technical display and furious passion are fully developed on this magical recording, a delightful coalition of instrumentalists helping him achieve the perfect groove. He would eventually carve out quite a reputation with Larry Coryell's 11th House, Roberta Flack and Al Di Meola. Guitarists Tommy Bolin, Jay Graydon and Lee Ritenour are into the mood, keyboardist Jerry Peters adding his jazz vibe and bassist Henry Davis keeping things nicely fastened and bolted. I found myself focused on Mouzon's incredible technique throughout the set list, after all, it's his solo outing and he is certainly not timid nor shy.

The eight tracks presented here are relatively short, precise and often hyperactive slices of jazz-funk-rock that explodes with resounding effect. From the opening title track, the intense suggestion is both swift and dynamic, showing off Mouzon's blistering technique and leading the crew into electric rocking horizons. Tingling and vocoder effects on the guitars from Bolin makes the grade while Henry Davis does great things to his bass guitar on 'Snow Bound', a singular display of choppy control, organized chaos and creativity. On the aptly named 'Carbon Dioxide', the mood varies between harsher expanses and softer climes, a definite showcase for Tommy Bolin to rip it up, muscled by a divine bass run and Mouzon's supersonic drumming, easily recalling Cobham's burly delivery. Peters flourishes on organ, adding more punch to the fury. A track that could have gone on for another ten minutes, at the rate they were going (cough, cough)!

Drum solo intro time on 'Ascorbic Acid' and what a powerhouse this one is, the relentlessly impatient burp of the bass egging the players closer to a razor edge, dignified by a pair of tortuous guitar solos that has speed, hysteria, sizzle and substance. Both Graydon and Ritenour duel mercilessly, each a thorough 'in the zone' blast. The much- maligned Ritenour also shines on the next two tunes, the lovely 'Happiness is Loving You', for this is a respected axe man who could have made a greater name for himself then just a gifted session man. Big surprise on the choppy funk tune of 'Some of the Things People Do'. Similar to Dr. John's 'In the Right Place', this is more of a vocal driven funk number that has a nice Southern feel with Ritenour's slinky rhythm work and slippery leads pushing the surprisingly adept Mouzon vocals into the spotlight.

Highlight track unquestionably, 'Golden Rainbows' is quite the rhythmic oasis, giving a bubbly groove that is unshakeable and resolute, thus providing the platform for some serious soloing, a slower-paced steam roller that forges forward bold and confident, with perfectly positioned keys, bass and that powerful drum beat. Bolin takes it over with perhaps some of his best work, in a gritty, talkative style that emotes very obviously and hints at some Hendrixian notions of sustained bluesy notes, lush with sweat and brawn. World class track, period, worth the price of admission. Counter that with the masterful 'Nitroglycerin' , a perfect description for the detonation on display here, a blistering musical racer that careens down the sonic highway with a no-holds-barred, 'pedal to the metal' mad dash to some imaginary checkered flag. Bolin and Mouzon are simply terrifying at surpassing the level of notes and beats thrashing about, seemingly effortlessly. Short, sweet and sick.

Definitely a must for fans of the artists presented above, guitar god aficionados as well as drumming students looking for heroes. This album sits nicely among my many jazz-rock gems.

4 Awareness uproots

While I wouldn't include this in the greats of Jazz/ Fusion albums I own this was really satisfying. Most feel this is Alphonse's best solo album following his being part of Larry Coryell's ELEVENTH HOUSE and WEATHER REPORT the guy can really impress on that drum kit. Cool that he brought in Tommy Bolin as the main guitarist although it's surprising that this six piece band has three of them in total. Not a guitar album really but it's certainly the lead instrument most of the time. Alphonse also plays farfisa organ, synths and electric piano here surprisingly. Released in 1975 I get a kick out of the pictures of the guys in platform shoes and bell bottoms. Reminds me of my last years in elementary school and first years in high school.

"Mind Transplant" is a top four track with that nice drum intro as bass and electric piano join in quickly followed by guitar which takes over for the electric piano although the latter will be back later. I like the depth of sound a minute in. Synths before 2 minutes and the electric piano is back after 3 minutes as the intensity continues to the end. Nice start. "Snow Bound" is my least favourite but still good, in fact I was lying in bed this morning with this melody in my head. Crazy! The guitar from Bolin is a nice touch helping this track to be somewhat enjoyable.

"Carbon Dioxide" has so much energy to start with the guitar and drums then it settles beautifully before a minute with synths and more. Great sound here and oh this is a top four track for me as well. Check it out before 1 1/2 minutes as the guitar and drums put on a show and I like the melancholic vibe here. "Ascorbic Acid" has a cool drum intro as guitar, electric piano and more kick in after 30 seconds. Some outbursts of sound that come and go that I'm not into and they will end the song too but this is a good one.

"Happiness Is Loving You" is one I liked from the first listen. A feel good, chilled number with some nice guitar over top. "Some Of The Things People Do" is the only vocal and track and the guy can sing. Sure it's somewhat dated but man I was bouncing around to this every time it was on. Could have been a single in my opinion. "Golden Rainbows" is the longest one at almost 7 minutes and a top four. I just like the vibe to this mid paced beauty. Samples of a storm are cool that go on for some time. Some intensity after 2 1/2 minutes and Tommy lights it up a minute later.

"Nitroglycerin" is the closer and the final top four. Guitar and drums impress as usual in this energetic send off. I like the Fender Rhodes too but Alphonse's drum work takes the cake. Check out the guitar before 1 1/2 minutes as Bolin rips it up but Mouzon is on a mission here. So yeah well worth tracking down for Jazz/ Fusion fans. This one grooves pretty good and there's plenty of energy. A solid 4 stars.