STANLEY CLARKE | BIRÉLI LAGRÈNE | JEAN-LUC PONTY — D-Stringz (2015) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The occasion for this trio to work together was a 2010 concert that celebrated violinist Jean-Luc Ponty's 50th anniversary as a recording artist. Both the violinist and Stanley Clarke had collaborated before (a previous electric trio set with Al Di Meola, The Rite of Strings was issued in 1995), but neither had collaborated with French jazz guitarist Biréli Lagrène prior to that evening. In playing for a mere 20 minutes, they created the impetus for D-Stringz -- though it took two years for them to clear their schedules and get into a Brussels studio. These ten tunes are an assortment of standards and originals. The album is an acoustic, straight-ahead date that employs flawless swinging bop and post-bop, as well as 21st century takes on gypsy and soul-jazz and funk. John Coltrane's "Blue Train" is offered in cut time. Ponty covers the horn lines while Lagrène plays choppy, meaty chords and Clarke redefines the bass' role in a walking 12-bar blues. Ponty's solo offers the right amount of flash and punch, touching on both gypsy and modal jazz traditions. Lagrène syncopates his butt off in the changes. The reading of Joe Zawinul's Cannonball Adderley vehicle, "Mercy Mercy Mercy," is a showcase for Lagrène's gorgeous chord voicings. Ponty's solo nearly sings, and further, a call-and-response exchange between Clarke and the guitarist -- before the latter's slippery solo -- is gritty and tight. In another Coltrane reference, the reading of Jimmy McHugh's and Harold Adamson's "Too Old to Go Steady" (that the saxophonist rendered so beaut-fully on Ballads in 1963) offers a lovely conversation between the guitarist and violinist, but it's Clarke's counterpoint that steals the show. Given the trio's collective love of Django Reinhardt, it makes sense they would cover his iconic "Nuages." Ponty moves it along the ledge by rendering it contemporary; he provides a simmering bossa lilt in the melody. The bassist's "Bit of Burd" is fleet, driving bebop; everyone is on fire, but Lagrène's arpeggios are on stun. The guitarist's "Strech" binds progressive jazz, modernism, post-bop, and gypsy swing. Ponty's "To and Fro," built on a four-note riff, allows the trio to really stretch out and get their funk on. In the latter, Clarke's bassline is fat, woody, and hard-grooving. The closer, "One Take," is built on a simple two-chord vamp. Loping violin and guitar lines twist, turn, and soar, creating a lithe, breezy, funky feel but Clarke whomps down hard, binding them to the tune's groove. The sound on D-Stringz is warm and bright, but so pristine, it lends an intimate living room feel to the proceedings. All the playing is relaxed, inquisitive and inventive. D-Stringz is the sound of musical invention and delight put on offer directly. It is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist:
1 Stretch 3:30
Composed By – Biréli Lagrène
2 To And Fro 6:15
Composed By – Jean-Luc Ponty
3 Too Young To Go Steady 7:30
Composed By – Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics By – Harold Adamson
4 Bit Of Burd 3:29
Composed By – Stanley Clarke
5 Nuages 5:16
Composed By – Django Reinhardt
6 Childhood Memories (Souvenirs D'Enfance) 5:39
Composed By – Jean-Luc Ponty
7 Blue Train 6:17
Composed By – John Coltrane
8 Paradigm Shift 6:14
Composed By – Stanley Clarke
9 Mercy, Mercy, Mercy 6:31
Composed By – Joe Zawinul
10 One Take 4:03
Credits:
Acoustic Guitar – Biréli Lagrène
Double Bass – Stanley Clarke
Percussion – Steve Shehan (tracks: 8)
Violin – Jean-Luc Ponty

JEAN-LUC PONTY - Jazz Long Playing (1964-2000) Jazz In Paris 43 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

These 1964 sessions marked jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty's recording debut as a leader. In spite of his choice of instrument, he was mainly influenced by bop musicians (especially saxophonists and trumpeters) rather than fellow Frenchmen, swing violinist Stéphane Grappelli. At this stage in his career, he chose mostly compositions by European musicians of his generation, along with tunes American jazz compositions that had stood the test of time. His angular playing in Martial Solal's "Une Nui Au Violon" contrasts with his later venture into jazz fusion, while his dash through Charlie Parker's "Au Privave" is almost immediately halted to first showcase drummer Daniel Humair then flautist Michel Portal before he takes center-stage with a blazing solo. He also is quite comfortable in a ballad setting, with a warm treatment of Django Reinhardt's "Manoir de Mes Reves," though it is on his own turf, as it isn't played anything like Grappelli's recording with the legendary guitarist. The violinist's sole original is "YTNOP Blues," which opens with a pizzicato vamp then showcases bassist Guy Pedersen and pianist Eddy Louiss before Ponty finally opens things up with a slash-and-burn solo that evokes a bit of Stuff Smith influence for a moment. The only misfire is a dull treatment of "I Want to Talk About You" which is plagued by Louiss' dated sounding organ. Reissued as a part of the Jazz in Paris series in 2000, this valuable introduction to Jean-Luc Ponty has already lapsed from print.  by Ken Dryden  
Tracklist  
1 Une Nuit Au Violon 4:43
Written-By – Martial Solal
2 Modo Azul 4:38
Written-By – Jef Gilson
3 Spanish Castles 3:40
Written-By – George Gruntz
4 Sniffin' The Blues 3:28
Written-By – Jef Gilson
5 Postlude In C 3:21
Written-By – Raymond Fol
6 Au Privave 3:45
Written-By – Charlie Parker
7 Manoir De Mes Rêves 3:05
Written-By – Django Reinhardt
8 YTNOP Blues 3:10
Written-By – Jean-Luc Ponty
9 I Want To Talk About You 3:48
Written-By – Billy Eckstine
10 A Night In Tunisia 3:02
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie
11 Satin Doll 4:20
Written-By – Duke Ellington
Credits
Double Bass – Gilbert Rovère (tracks: 1 to 4, 6, 9), Guy Pedersen (tracks: 5, 7, 8, 10, 11)
Drums – Daniel Humair
Flute – Michel Portal (tracks: 2, 6)
Organ – Eddy Louiss (tracks: 4, 9, 11)
Piano – Eddy Louiss (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 8, 10)
Violin – Jean-Luc Ponty
Nota :
Recorded June And July 1964 in Paris.
Reissue of the Philips LP 77 810 Jazz Long Playing.  

JEAN-LUC PONTY - Imaginary Voyage (1976) WV (image+.cue), lossless)

As of 1976, Jean-Luc Ponty's variations on the Mahavishnu Orchestra theme were still fresh and imaginative, cast in a distinctively different, more lyrical, more controlled framework. For Imaginary Voyage, Ponty's instrumental lineup is identical to that of Mahavishnu -- electric violin, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums -- but he turns the emphasis on its head, with all commands coming directly from the violin (his) and less competitive crossplay emanating from his colleagues. For starters, "New Country" is a lively jazz-rock hoedown, one of those periodic C&W side trips that some fusioneers attempt for a lark, and "The Gardens of Babylon" is a wonderfully memorable tune, the beginnings of which grow out of "New Country." The last half of the LP is taken up by the title composition, a strong four-part suite that hangs together with barely a snag in interest over its 20-minute span. by Richard S. Ginell

Tracklist:

1. New Country (3:07)

2. The Gardens Of Babylon (5:06)

3. Wandering On The Milky Way (Violin Solo) (1:50)

4. Once Upon A Dream (4:08)

5. Tarantula (4:04)

6. Imaginary Voyage

Part I (2:22)

Part II (4:05)

Part III (5:28)

Part IV (8:00)

Total Time 38:10

Line-up / Musicians

- Jean-Luc Ponty / Electric and acoustic violins, organ and background synthesizers

- Marc Craney / Percussion

- Tom Fowler / Electric bass

- Daryl Steurmer / Electric and acoustic guitars

- Allan Zavod / Electric keyboards and acoustic piano

STALEY CLARKE | AL DI MEOLA | JEAN-LUC PONTY — Rite of Strings (1995) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Any time the likes of Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola and Jean-Luc Ponty are assembled, there is a good chance the results are going to be impressive. Clarke and DiMeola had played together in the legendary Return to Forever, producing some of the most intense playing in all of fusion; Jean-Luc Ponty had also made several excellent, very diverse recordings. The chops of these three musicians are pretty much unsurpassed in the industry, which in itself makes Rite of Strings worthy of a listen. The real treat, however, is in the song selections. Three of DiMeola's more recent compositions are here, including the uplifting "Chilean Pipe Song." On this song, Clarke and Ponty's dual-bow sound provides a nice backdrop to DiMeola's introduction before DiMeola and Ponty state the melody together. Ponty has always been one of the more interesting violinists, mostly because he experiments with the instrument's tonal possibilities. His plucking introduction to "Renassaince" and the strumming on "Change of Life" are evidence of this. Clarke's finest moment comes on his own beautiful "Topanga," on which his bow playing is enough to evoke tears. This is a classic recording that should not be missed; the integrity, musicianship, compositions, and improvisations are all first-rate. Robert Taylor  
Tracklist:

1 Indigo 7:15

Written-By – Al Di Meola
2 Renassaince 4:32
Written-By – Jean-Luc Ponty
3 Song To John 6:00
Written-By – Chick Corea, S. Clarke
4 Chilean Pipe Song 6:12
Written-By – Al Di Meola
5 Topanga 5:50
Written-By – Stanley Clarke
6 Morocco 5:45
Written-By – Al Di Meola
7 Change Of Life 5:30
Written-By – Jean-Luc Ponty
8 La Cancion De Sofia 8:30
Written-By – Stanley Clarke
9 Memory Canyon 6:00
Written-By – Jean-Luc Ponty
Credits:
Band, Acoustic Bass – Stanley Clarke
Band, Acoustic Guitar [Acoustic Guitars] – Al Di Meola
Band, Violin [Acoustic] – Jean-Luc Ponty
Producer – Al Di Meola, Jean-Luc Ponty, Stanley Clarke

FRANK ZAPPA - You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 6 (1992) 2CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The last volume of the series You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore is one of the strongest, especially for those who prefer Frank Zappa's sex-oriented songs. There is not much complex material or instrumental pieces in this collection, but catchy humorous songs abound, along with more of that stage craziness the series tried to capture. Live incarnations of Zappa's band from 1970 up to 1988 are represented (the original Mothers had a whole disc devoted to them on Vol. 5). Most of disc one revolves around sex, starting with "The M.O.I. Anti-Smut Loyalty Oath," where the 1970 Mothers solemnly swear not to show their private parts on stage. Disc two is more varied, but tracks like "Catholic Girls" and "Crew Slut" make it fit right in. "The Poodle Lecture" and "Lonely Person Devices" reveal important Conceptual Continuity Clues. The "Camarillo Brillo"/"Muffin Man" medley provides a highlight, as does the frantic rendition of "Dirty Love." Lisa Popeil, who sang the 1982 track "Teen-Age Prostitute," makes her only other Zappa-related appearance in "Lisa's Life Story." Most of all, the music from the movie 200 Motels -- still unavailable on CD when this album came out -- was given special attention. Even today, the renditions of "200 Motels Finale" and "Shove It Right In" stand out as important tracks. This volume is less focused on the die-hard fan craving rare material. It will appeal to a wider range of casual listeners, while portraying with much fidelity the atmosphere of Zappa's concerts. by François Couture   
Tracklist:
1-1 The M.O.I. Anti-Smut Loyalty Oath 3:02
Bass – Jeff Simmons
Drums – Aynsley Dunbar
Engineer [Recording] – F.Z.
Engineer [Remix] – Bob Stone
Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Keyboards – George Duke
Keyboards, Alto Saxophone – Ian Underwood
Vocals – Howard Kaylan, Mark Volman
1-2 The Poodle Lecture 5:02
Bass – Patrick O'Hearn
Drums – Terry Bozzio
Guitar, Vocals – Adrian Belew
Keyboards – Peter Wolf, Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Percussion – Ed Mann
1-3 Dirty Love 2:40
Bass – Arthur Barrow 
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Engineer [Recording] – Mick Glossop
Engineer [Remix] – Bob Stone
Guitar – Warren Cucurullo
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis
Keyboards – Peter Wolf (3)
Keyboards, Vocals – Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Percussion – Ed Mann
Slide Guitar, Vocals – Denny Walley
1-4 Magic Fingers 2:21
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
uitar [Stunt] – Steve Vai
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards, Vocals – Bob Harris, Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
1-5 The Madison Panty-Sniffing Festival 2:44
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar [Stunt] – Steve Vai
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards, Vocals – Bob Harris, Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
1-6 Honey, Don't You Want A Man Like Me? 4:02
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Paul Carman
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Contrabass Clarinet – Kurt McGettrick
Drums, Percussion [Electronic] – Chad Wackerman
Electric Bass, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog] – Scott Thunes
Keyboards, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Lead Guitar, Synth [Computer-synth], Vocals – F.Z.
Rhythm Guitar, Synth, Vocals – Mike Keneally
Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis
Tenor Saxophone – Albert Wing
Trombone – Bruce Fowler 
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Synth – Walt Fowler
Vibraphone, Marimba, Percussion [Electronic] – Ed Mann
1-7 Father O'Blivion 2:22
Bass – Tom Fowler
Drums – Ralph Humphrey
Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Keyboards – George Duke
Percussion – Ruth Underwood
Trombone – Bruce Fowler 
Violin – Jean-Luc Ponty
Woodwind – Ian Underwood
1-8 Is That Guy Kidding Or What?  4:03
Bass – Patrick O'Hearn
Drums – Terry Bozzio
Guitar, Vocals – Adrian Belew
Keyboards – Peter Wolf, Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Percussion – Ed Mann
1-9 I'm So Cute 1:39
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar [Stunt] – Steve Vai
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards, Vocals – Bob Harris, Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
1-10 White Person 2:07
Bass – Patrick O'Hearn
Drums – Terry Bozzio
Guitar, Vocals – Adrian Belew
Keyboards – Peter Wolf, Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Percussion – Ed Mann
1-11 Lonely Person Devices 3:14
Bass – Roy Estrada
Drums – Terry Bozzio
Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Keyboards – Andre Lewis
Saxophone, Vocals – Napoleon Murphy Brock
1-12 Ms. Pinky 2:00
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar [Stunt] – Steve Vai
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards, Vocals – Bob Harris, Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
1-13 Shove It Right In 6:46
Bass, Vocals – Jim Pons
Drums – Aynsley Dunbar
Guitar – F.Z.
Keyboards – Bob Harris 
Keyboards, Alto Saxophone – Ian Underwood
Vocals – Howard Kaylan, Mark Volman
1-14 Wind Up Working In A Gas Station 2:32
Bass – Patrick O'Hearn
Drums, Vocals – Terry Bozzio
Guitar, Vocals – Ray White
Keyboards, Vocals – Bianca Thornton
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
1-15 Make A Sex Noise 3:11
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Paul Carman
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Contrabass Clarinet – Kurt McGettrick
Drums, Percussion [Electronic] – Chad Wackerman
Electric Bass, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog] – Scott Thunes
Keyboards, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Rhythm Guitar, Synth, Vocals – Mike Keneally
Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis
Tenor Saxophone – Albert Wing
Trombone – Bruce Fowler 
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Synth – Walt Fowler
Vibraphone, Marimba, Percussion [Electronic] – Ed Mann
Vocals – F.Z.
1-16 Tracy Is A Snob 3:52
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar [Stunt] – Steve Vai
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards, Vocals – Bob Harris, Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – Frank Zappa
1-17 I Have Been In You 5:05
Bass – Arthur Barrow, Patrick O'Hearn
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Keyboards – Peter Wolf 
Keyboards, Vocals – Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Percussion – Ed Mann
Slide Guitar, Vocals – Denny Walley
1-18 Emperor Of Ohio 1:31
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar [Stunt] – Steve Vai
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards, Vocals – Bob Harris, Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
1-19 Dinah-Moe Humm 3:16
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards – Allan Zavod
Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals – Bobby Martin
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
1-20 He's So Gay 2:34
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards – Allan Zavod
Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals – Bobby Martin
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
1-21 Camarillo Brillo 3:10
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards – Allan Zavod
Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
1-22 Muffin Man 2:25
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards – Allan Zavod
Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
2-1 NYC Halloween Audience 0:46
2-2 The Illinois Enema Bandit 8:05
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis, Ray White
Keyboards – Allan Zavod
Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
2-3 Thirteen 6:09
Bass – Arthur Barrow, Patrick O'Hearn
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Violin – Shankar
Keyboards – Peter Wolf 
Keyboards, Vocals – Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Music By – FZ, Shankar
Percussion – Ed Mann
Slide Guitar, Vocals – Denny Walley
2-4 Lobster Girl 2:21
Bass [Solo], Vocals – Patrick O'Hearn
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Words By, Music By – FZ, O'Hearn, Colaiuta
2-5 Black Napkins 5:22
Alto Saxophone – Lou Marini
Baritone Saxophone – Ronnie Cuber
Bass – Patrick O'Hearn
Drums – Terry Bozzio
Guitar, Vocals – Ray White
Keyboards – Eddie Jobson
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Percussion – Ruth Underwood
Tenor Saxophone [Solo] – Michael Brecker
Trombone – Tom Malone
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
2-6 We're Turning Again 4:57
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Paul Carman
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Contrabass Clarinet – Kurt McGettrick
Bass, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog] – Scott Thunes
Drums, Percussion [Electronic] – Chad Wackerman
Keyboards, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Lead Guitar, Synth [Computer-synth], Vocals – F.Z.
Rhythm Guitar – Ike Willis
Rhythm Guitar, Synth, Vocals – Mike Keneally
Tenor Saxophone – Albert Wing
Trombone – Bruce Fowler (3)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Synth – Walt Fowler
Vibraphone, Marimba, Percussion [Electronic] – Ed Mann
2-7 Alien Orifice 4:16
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar [Stunt] – Steve Vai
Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis
Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Keyboards, Vocals – Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Percussion – Ed Mann
2-8 Catholic Girls 4:04
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Paul Carman
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Contrabass Clarinet – Kurt McGettrick
Bass, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog] – Scott Thunes
Drums, Percussion [Electronic] – Chad Wackerman
Keyboards, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Lead Guitar, Synth [Computer-synth], Vocals – F.Z.
Rhythm Guitar – Ike Willis
Rhythm Guitar, Synth, Vocals – Mike Keneally
Tenor Saxophone – Albert Wing
Trombone – Bruce Fowler 
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Synth – Walt Fowler
Vibraphone, Marimba, Percussion [Electronic] – Ed Mann
2-9 Crew Slut 5:34
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Paul Carman
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Contrabass Clarinet – Kurt McGettrick
Bass, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog] – Scott Thunes
Drums, Percussion [Electronic] – Chad Wackerman
Keyboards, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Lead Guitar, Synth [Computer-synth], Vocals – F.Z.
Rhythm Guitar – Ike Willis
Rhythm Guitar, Synth, Vocals – Mike Keneally
Tenor Saxophone – Albert Wing
Trombone – Bruce Fowler 
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Synth – Walt Fowler
Vibraphone, Marimba, Percussion [Electronic] – Ed Mann
2-10 Tryin' To Grow A Chin 3:33
Bass – Patrick O'Hearn
Drums – Terry Bozzio
Guitar, Vocals – Adrian Belew
Keyboards – Peter Wolf (3), Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Percussion – Ed Mann
2-11 Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance 3:47
Bass – Arthur Barrow, Patrick O'Hearn
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Keyboards – Peter Wolf
Keyboards, Vocals – Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Percussion – Ed Mann
Slide Guitar, Vocals – Denny Walley
Violin [Electric] – Shankar
2-12 Lisa's Life Story 3:05
Bass – Scott Thunes
Conductor – F.Z.
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar – Ike Willis, Ray White
Guitar [Stunt] – Steve Vai
Keyboards – Tommy Mars
Music By – FZ
Saxophone – Bobby Martin 
Soprano Vocals [Dramatic] – Lisa Popeil
Words By – Lisa Popeil
2-13 Lonesome Cowboy Nando 5:09
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Paul Carman
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Contrabass Clarinet – Kurt McGettrick
Bass, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog] – Scott Thunes
Bass, Vocals – Jim Pons
Drums – Aynsley Dunbar
Drums, Percussion [Electronic] – Chad Wackerman
Guitar – F.Z.
Keyboards, Alto Saxophone – Ian Underwood
Keyboards, Electronics – Don Preston
Keyboards, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Lead Guitar, Synth [Computer-synth], Vocals – F.Z.
Rhythm Guitar, Synth, Vocals – Mike Keneally
Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Ike Willis
Tenor Saxophone – Albert Wing
Trombone – Bruce Fowler 
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Synth – Walt Fowler
Vibraphone, Marimba, Percussion [Electronic] – Ed Mann
Vocals – Howard Kaylan, Mark Volman
Vocals [Guest] – Jimmy Carl Black
2-14 200 Motels Finale 3:48
Bass, Vocals – Jim Pons
Drums – Aynsley Dunbar
Guitar – F.Z.
Keyboards, Alto Saxophone – Ian Underwood
Keyboards, Electronics – Don Preston
Vocals – Howard Kaylan, Mark Volman
Vocals [Guest] – Jimmy Carl Black
2-15 Strictly Genteel 6:56
Bass – Scott Thunes
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar [Stunt] – Steve Vai
Guitar, Vocals – Ray White
Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals – Bobby Martin 
Keyboards, Vocals – Tommy Mars
Lead Guitar, Vocals – F.Z.
Percussion – Ed Mann
Composed By – FZ (tracks: 1-1 to 1-22, 2-1, 2-2, 2-5 to 11, 2-13 to 2-15)
Producer, Arranged By, Edited By – Frank Zappa

MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA - Visions of the Emerald Beyond (1975-1991) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

As the second album to document the second Mahavishnu Orchestra, this one isn't as, well, apocalyptic as its predecessor, yet it does focus more intently on the band itself. Jean-Luc Ponty's curling electric violin lines help give this Mahavishnu band a more European sound than its predecessor, and some of the orchestral concepts of Apocalypse work their way into the picture via comments by a string trio and trumpet/sax duo. This band also had some interest in a bombastic funk direction that may have been borrowed from Mr. "Chameleon" Herbie Hancock, and would later be followed by Mahavishnu Two's drummer, Michael Walden. Gayle Moran's ethereal vocals don't date as badly as those on many jazz-rock records; at least she can sing.

Tracklist:

1. Eternity's Breath Part 1 3:10

2. Eternity's Breath Part 2 4:48

3. Lila's Dance 5:34

4. Can't Stand Your Funk 2:09

5. Pastoral 3:41

6. Faith 2:00

7. Cosmic Strut 3:28

8. If I Could See 1:18

9. Be Happy 3:31

10. Earth Ship 3:42

11. Pegasus 1:48

12. Opus 1 0:15

13. On The Way Home To Earth 4:34

Musicians

Mahavishnu John McLaughlin - 6 & 12 String guitars, vocals

Jean-Luc Ponty - electric violin, electric baritone violin

Narada Michael Walden - drums, percussion, vocals, clavinet

Ralph Armstrong - bass guitar, contrabass, vocals

Gayle Moran - keyboards, vocals

String trio:

Steven Kindler - 1st violin

Carol Shive - 2nd violin, vocals

Philip Hirschi - cello

Bob Knapp - trumpet, flugelhorn, flute, vocals

Russel Tubbs - alto sax, soprano sax

MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA - Apocalypse (1974-1990) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The first recording of the second Mahavishnu Orchestra was a real stretch for John McLaughlin, an encounter with Michael Tilson Thomas and the London Symphony Orchestra. The union wasn't taken seriously at the time, and it ended up harming the reputation of Thomas -- a remarkably adventurous young conductor who defied the stuffy classical powers-that-be and thus probably delayed his eventual rise to the top -- more than McLaughlin. But those with ears, then and now, beheld a remarkable series of pieces that neatly juxtapose and occasionally combine the combustion of McLaughlin's group with rich, tasteful symphonic statements orchestrated for McLaughlin by Michael Gibbs. The new Mahavishnu-ites, electric violinist Jean-Luc Ponty and keyboardist/vocalist Gayle Moran, have their moments, but the real focus of this disc is the quality of the symphonic conceptions and how well McLaughlin blends his lyrical and fiery guitar into the mixture. The best stretch is the breathtakingly ethereal opening of "Hymn to Him"; the promise of fusing rock, jazz, and classical elements had never been executed so alluringly before -- and wouldn't you know, an old experienced hand at introducing classical textures into rock, the Beatles' George Martin, is the producer. Don't let old, outworn preconceptions on either side of the fence prevent you from checking out this beautiful record. by Richard S. Ginell 
Tracklist 
1 Power Of Love 4:36
2 Vision Is A Naked Sword 14:16
Piano – Michael Tilson Thomas
3 Smile Of The Beyond 7:56
Lyrics By – Mahalakshmi
4 Wings Of Karma 6:12
5 Hymn To Him 19:23
Credits
Bass, Vocals, Bass Guitar – Ralphe Armstrong
Cello, Vocals – Philip Hirschi
Composed By – John McLaughlin
Conductor – Michael Tilson Thomas
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Michael Walden
Guitar, Vocals – Mahavishnu
Keyboards, Vocals – Gayle Moran
Leader [London Symphony Orchestra] – Hugh Beau
Orchestrated By – Michael Gibbs
Viola – Marsha Westbrook
Violin [Electric], Violin [Electric Baritone] – Jean-Luc Ponty
Violin, Vocals – Carol Shive

MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA / JOHN MCLAUGLIN - Inner Worlds (1976-1994) RM / FLAC (tracks), lossless

The state of the second Mahavishnu Orchestra continued to be volatile in 1975, with violinist Jean-Luc Ponty out, keyboardist Gayle Moran replaced by Stu Goldberg, and all string and horn backings removed, leaving just a steaming quartet and this lone remarkable album. The addition of Goldberg, a more interesting musician than Moran, is significant, but the biggest charge is provided by the leader who, in tandem with the latest electronic equipment, turns in some of his most passionately alive playing of the whole Mahavishnu series. The leadoff track, "All in the Family," has fantastic energy and drive, pushed on by Narada Michael Walden's drums and marimba. "Miles Out" has John McLaughlin doing some inspired jamming with his guitar hooked into a "360 Systems Frequency Shifter" (an electronic device with the wildly fluid sound of a ring-modulator), and he moves over to an early guitar synthesizer on "Morning Calls," "Lotus Feet," and the streaking title track. There is some funk residue from Visions of the Emerald Beyond on "Planetary Citizen," yet oddly enough, the so-so soul vocals from Walden on several tracks, and one by bassist Ralphe Armstrong, do not harm the cause, as the playing of the quartet is so fiery. But this somewhat overlooked album would be the last hurrah for the Mahavishnu concept for nearly a decade -- and when it returned, the sounds it produced would bear little by Richard S. Ginell 

Tracklist:

1 All In The Family 6:00
Bass Guitar – Ralphe Armstrong
Drums, Congas, Marimba [Bass], Shaker – Narada Michael Walden
Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer – John McLaughlin
Organ, Piano – Stu Goldberg
Written-By – John McLaughlin
2 Miles Out 6:44
Bass Guitar – Ralphe Armstrong
Drums – Narada Michael Walden
Guitar, Effects ['360' Systems Frequency Shifter] – John McLaughlin
Synthesizer [Mini-Moog (Customized Mini-Moog, Steiner-Parker Synth)] – Stu Goldberg
Written-By – John McLaughlin
3 In My Life 3:20
Backing Vocals – Stu Goldberg
Bass Guitar – Ralphe Armstrong
Piano, Lead Vocals – Narada Michael Walden
Twelve-String Guitar [Acoustic], Backing Vocals – John McLaughlin
Written-By – McLaughlin, M. Walden
4 Gita 4:23
Bass Guitar – Ralphe Armstrong
Drums, Lead Vocals – Narada Michael Walden
Guitar Synthesizer, Backing Vocals – John McLaughlin
Organ, Piano – Stu Goldberg
Written-By – John McLaughlin
5 Morning Calls 1:20
Guitar Synthesizer – John McLaughlin
Organ – Narada Michael Walden
Written-By – John McLaughlin
6 The Way Of The Pilgrim 5:14
Bass Guitar – Ralphe Armstrong
Drums, Timpani [Tympani] – Narada Michael Walden
Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer – John McLaughlin
Piano, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog (Customized Mini-Moog, Steiner-Parker Synth)] – Stu Goldberg
Written-By – M. Walden
7 River Of My Heart 3:37
Acoustic Bass – Ralphe Armstrong
Lead Vocals, Piano, Percussion – Narada Michael Walden
Lyrics By – Kanchan Cynthia Anderson
Written-By – M. Walden
8 Planetary Citizen 2:14
Bass Guitar, Lead Vocals – Ralphe Armstrong
Clavinet, Backing Vocals – Stu Goldberg
Drums, Backing Vocals – Narada Michael Walden
Guitar, Backing Vocals – John McLaughlin
Written-By – Ralphe Armstrong
9 Lotus Feet 4:22
Congas, Bells [Sleigh Bells] – Narada Michael Walden
Guitar Synthesizer – John McLaughlin
Synthesizer [Mini-Moog (Customized Mini-Moog, Steiner-Parker Synth)] – Stu Goldberg
Written-By – John McLaughlin
10 Inner Worlds Part 1& 2 6:33
Bass Guitar [Brassmaster Bass] – Ralphe Armstrong
Drums, Gong, Timpani [Tympani] – Narada Michael Walden
Guitar, Effects [Frequency Shifter], Guitar Synthesizer, Synthesizer [E-mu Synthesizer/Sequencer] – John McLaughlin
Synthesizer [String], Synthesizer [Mini-Moog (Customized Mini-Moog, Steiner-Parker Synth)] – Stu Goldberg
Written-By – John McLaughlin to this power-packed music.

JEAN-LUC PONTY - Imaginary Voyage (1976) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless)

As of 1976, Jean-Luc Ponty's variations on the Mahavishnu Orchestra theme were still fresh and imaginative, cast in a distinctively different, more lyrical, more controlled framework. For Imaginary Voyage, Ponty's instrumental lineup is identical to that of Mahavishnu -- electric violin, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums -- but he turns the emphasis on its head, with all commands coming directly from the violin (his) and less competitive crossplay emanating from his colleagues. For starters, "New Country" is a lively jazz-rock hoedown, one of those periodic C&W side trips that some fusioneers attempt for a lark, and "The Gardens of Babylon" is a wonderfully memorable tune, the beginnings of which grow out of "New Country." The last half of the LP is taken up by the title composition, a strong four-part suite that hangs together with barely a snag in interest over its 20-minute span. by Richard S. Ginell

Tracklist:

1. New Country (3:07)

2. The Gardens Of Babylon (5:06)

3. Wandering On The Milky Way (Violin Solo) (1:50)

4. Once Upon A Dream (4:08)

5. Tarantula (4:04)

6. Imaginary Voyage

Part I (2:22)

Part II (4:05)

Part III (5:28)

Part IV (8:00)

Total Time 38:10

Line-up / Musicians

- Jean-Luc Ponty / Electric and acoustic violins, organ and background synthesizers

- Marc Craney / Percussion

- Tom Fowler / Electric bass

- Daryl Steurmer / Electric and acoustic guitars

- Allan Zavod / Electric keyboards and acoustic piano

JEAN-LUC PONTY - King Kong : Jean-Luc Ponty Plays the Music of Frank Zappa (1970) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Not just an album of interpretations, King Kong: Jean-Luc Ponty Plays the Music of Frank Zappa was an active collaboration; Frank Zappa arranged all of the selections, played guitar on one, and contributed a new, nearly 20-minute orchestral composition for the occasion. Made in the wake of Ponty's appearance on Zappa's jazz-rock masterpiece Hot Rats, these 1969 recordings were significant developments in both musicians' careers. In terms of jazz-rock fusion, Zappa was one of the few musicians from the rock side of the equation who captured the complexity -- not just the feel -- of jazz, and this project was an indicator of his growing credibility as a composer. For Ponty's part, King Kong marked the first time he had recorded as a leader in a fusion-oriented milieu (though Zappa's brand of experimentalism didn't really foreshadow Ponty's own subsequent work). Of the repertoire, three of the six pieces had previously been recorded by the Mothers of Invention, and "Twenty Small Cigars" soon would be. Ponty writes a Zappa-esque theme on his lone original "How Would You Like to Have a Head Like That," where Zappa contributes a nasty guitar solo. The centerpiece, though, is obviously "Music for Electric Violin and Low Budget Orchestra," a new multi-sectioned composition that draws as much from modern classical music as jazz or rock. It's a showcase for Zappa's love of blurring genres and Ponty's versatility in handling everything from lovely, simple melodies to creepy dissonance, standard jazz improvisation to avant-garde, nearly free group passages. In the end, Zappa's personality comes through a little more clearly (his compositional style pretty much ensures it), but King Kong firmly established Ponty as a risk-taker and a strikingly original new voice for jazz violin. by Steve Huey   

Tracklist:

1. King Kong (4:54)

2. Idiot Bastard Son (4:00)

3. Twenty Small Cigars (5:35)

4. How Would You Like to Have a Head Like That (7:14)

5. Music for Electric Violin and Low Budget Orchestra (19:20)

6. America Drinks and Goes Home (2:39)

Total Time: 43:42

Personnel

    Jean-Luc Ponty – electric violin, baritone violectra

    Frank Zappa – guitar

    George Duke – piano, electric piano

    Ernie Watts – alto and tenor sax

    Ian Underwood – tenor sax

    Buell Neidlinger – bass

    Wilton Felder – Fender bass

    Gene Estes – vibraphone, percussion

    John Guerin – drums

    Art Tripp – drums

    Donald Christlieb – bassoon

    Gene Cipriano – oboe, English horn

    Vincent DeRosa – French horn, descant

    Arthur Maebe – French horn, tuben

    Jonathan Meyer – flute

    Harold Bemko – cello

    Milton Thomas – viola