Consistently imaginative,
Enigmatic Ocean
is one of
Jean-Luc Ponty
's finest accomplishments. The French violinist recorded his share of fusion gems during the 1970s, and this album is at the top of the list. Often aggressive but sometimes reflective and moody, this LP is as unpredictable as it is adventurous.
Ponty
has plenty of room to stretch out, let loose, and blow, and electric guitarists
Allan Holdsworth
and
Daryl Stuermer
contribute some inspired solos as well. Also quite impressive is the insightful and passionate drumming of
Steve Smith
, who went on to lead the superb fusion band
Vital Information
.
takes one risk after another, and all of them pay off beautifully. ~ Alex Henderson