ARIEL

There's not a lot known about this Jazz Fusion trio out of Chicago other than that. Released in 1985 "Perspectives" is an all instrumental affair with drums, guitar and keyboards. First and foremost these guys can really play! Love the drumming, the guitar in a few styles and the array of keyboards in play. Some have suggested that 80's RUSH and KING CRIMSON influenced this record but I never thought of either band after a week of listening. This is a 37 minute recording with seven tracks and it ends very strong with those final three tracks which are my top three and add the opener and we have a four star record.

That opener "Another Time, Another Place" is a fiery piece with killer drumming and guitar. Lots of atmosphere provided by the synths throughout this record by the way. The synths don't ruin it for me like many 80's and 90's Jazz Fusion albums lets put it that way. The next three tracks are all good but not on the same level as my top four. "Banana Blues" is so close to having a reggae sound with that guitar. Quite a bit of piano too and on "Moment Of Weakness".

Check out "Ugh Huh" for an uptempo display of talent. The drums, guitar and synths are really good over those 4 minutes. "Jupiter Whale" is an interesting 7 minute piece with lots of atmosphere early. "The Ballad Of Kid Rock" is the over 8 minute closer and it sounds awesome and I like the melancholy and depth. Drums and guitar create havoc as it picks up around 1 1/2 minutes in. The guitar will light things up a couple of times yet.

So not a lost treasure by any means but I like this one a lot.Well worth the 4 stars in my opinion.