Jean-Luc Ponty
Enigmatic Ocean

THE REVIEW

First listen:

The first image that naturally came to my mind was that of a cup of good prosecco. Ah! What "saudade" that freshness, that flavor, those bubbles that, born from natural fermentation, find their happy ending on the palate, giving us a delightful massage.

Second listen:

The image of the little wine has now faded away, leaving me with the sad reality of the "cerveja gelada" and the Brazilian wine with added carbon dioxide. What remains are the sonic pleasures of this fine work crafted with such mastery by these skilled sound artisans.

A lot of technique and style to spare, Jean-Luc transforms his violin into an electric guitar with the magic bow.

Third listen:

Perhaps the compositions are not masterpieces, but virtuosity abounds in the joy and pleasure these musicians experience while playing; in the carefree swinging of "The Trans-Love Express" or through a melancholic "Mirage" of incredulity that takes us into the vast expanse of an "Enigmatic Ocean" where our players chase each other like young fish.

Another moment of gathering around a "Nostalgic Lady" perhaps a siren of the past, before capturing the essence of "The Struggle Of The Turtle Of The Sea" which, with its bulk, faces the immense marine world until it encounters an ocean current that makes it feel light and insubstantial like the most agile of fish.

Fourth listen:

This very light inconsistency represents the pleasant but also the weakest aspect of the work, trapped in many solos, the work shows its expressive limits. An immediate and highly accessible album, recommendable to lovers of instrumental technique and carefree virtuosity. Simple in essence, fast and detailed.

Fifth listen:

I confirm everything... oh, I forgot, Allan Holdsworth and Steve Smith also play here. Is that enough or not?