GUNESH

Ex-Soviet ensemble from Turkmenistan, started from Ashgabat in 1970 as a vocal group, but establishing a unique sound during the decade, having plenty of ethnic orientations and an overall jazzy attitude.Gunesh had many line-up changes but the group was built around drummer Rishad Shafi and sax player Stas Morozov.Apparently their first work was a 7'' vinyl single, where they shared sides with Abba (!), released on Melodyia.

It contains two compositions by Gunesh in a Jazz/Fusion/Brass Rock style, the first one entitled ''Невестки'' (''Daughter'') has a nice catchy groove and a strong Eastern-Asian influence with polyphonic vocals, featuring also some fine sax performance by Morozov.Still the track has an evident late-60's feeling overall.The second track ''Девушка'' (''Girl'') follows the same path, albeit a little more complicated, with a huge brass sound but also some light flute work, again the vocals have a strong oriental approach, but the instrumental parts are longer and the performance of the band a bit more adventurous.

Considering the scarcity of this single it shouldn't be among your priorities, even if you are a dedicated fan of Eastern-influenced Jazz Rock, and the only reason to obtain it is just historical.Of marginal interest only for collectors.