Ponty
embarks on more experiments in the future-is-now world of synthesizers and sequencers, where the painstakingly programmed machines often seem to generate an irresistible momentum of their own. As on
Individual Choice
,
Ponty's
melodies are immediately appealing in an almost Continental manner, whether spelled out on violin, violectra, or on the sequenced synths that set up the ostinato underpinning.
has even less help than before -- no more than one or two supporting players on a few tracks. One of them is
George Benson
, who does his flavorful jazz/funk thing over
rhythm computer on
"Modern Times Blues"
; the other is
Chick Corea
, who appears on two tracks. This is almost as essential as
, and in some ways, even more confident and assured. ~ Richard S. Ginell