UPON THE WINGS OF MUSIC

It swings, it grooves, it wah-wahs: it's an electrified violin! When Jean-Luc Ponty recorded this album for Atlantic in 1975 he was a veteran of Frank Zappa's band, had toured with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and taken Stefan Grappelli's baton (should that be bow?) on the run. This is an album full of invention and melody: it really nails what jazz-rock should be about with tunes, riffs and great ensemble playing. Patrice Rushen is marvellous on keyboards: sprightly on electric piano and tasteful on synthesisers. Guitars by Dan Sawyer and Ray Parker Junior are strong but held in check by the well-structured tunes. Demonstrating more than just velocity and technique, this set of pieces shows that fusion could be stylish and entertaining. Take a flight with Mr Ponty. RATING: Vision & Innovation: 23/30; Playing and Composition: 26/30; Listener Enjoyment: 26/30; X-Factor [cover, rosin, reviewer bias]: 7/10. Total: 82/100 -> 4 Stars.