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Warning: This is by no means Canterbury prog, it is pure jazz rock/fusion. Pierre Moerlen had taken the lead of his version of the Gong tradition and continued to explore the possibilities of percussion instruments, mainly using the xylophone. This course was set on the famous Gazeuse/Expresso album.

The jazzrock presented by Gong is relaxing, with xylophone themes that seem to flow endlessly. The drums of Moelen are great as usual. The guitar solos of Bon Lozaga are good, but I kind of miss Allan Holdsworth here. The long opening section is a progression of melodies played on xylophones with some guitar backup. The bass lines aren't of the most important here, which is a pity. It might have made it a bid more adventurous. The keyboards used have an eighties feel, but for the time being they are acceptable. Only on How much better it has become the keys sound quite annoyingly eighties-like.

The best way to describe this record is as a flowing sound-scape. The music processes, some solo's are played, but nothing unexpected happens. Still this is a very nice record for the fusion fanatics among us. When the music is played loud a lot of it's hidden treasure is revealed! Details, great recording techniques and the best of percussions. The meditative approach on jazz is great and I always get relaxed when I listen to this album.

Conclusion. A nice record for those who are interested in fusion and/or great percussive arrangements. I will give it three stars, it's good but not essential for the normal progressive rock collection. You can add one star yourself if you are interested in Jazz!

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