MIND TRANSPLANT

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.