Enigmatic Ocean

Jean-Luc Ponty

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 31, 1990)
• Original Release Date: June 1977
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• ASIN: B000008C0Y
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,594 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jean-Luc's masterpiece, February 7, 2002

By	Jeff Arenson (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Enigmatic Ocean is Ponty's masterpiece and possibly the best Fusion CD ever. The line up is second to none; Holdsworth,Smith, Stuermer, Armstrong and Zavod all add to the amazing auditory tapestry that Jean-Luc has created. No single recording has ever combined Classical compostion, Jazz improvisation, Funky bass, and delivered it in a high energy rock context like Enigmatic Ocean has. Every tune on this disc is a highlight. "Nostalgic Lady" is Ponty and Holdsworth showcasing their talents in one of the non-suites. The music revolves around a bass line and a simple(By Jean-Luc standards)melody. Both soloists are amazing. "Mirage" features Ponty and keyboardist Zavod. The piece is one of Jean-Luc's best and both Jean-Luc and Alan are mesmerizing. "Enigmatic Ocean" is a suite and is one of the greatest things that I have ever heard. The piece opens with an intro and then a melody. From there Ponty, Zavod, Stuermer, and Holdsworth trade fours over the rhythm of the duo of Armstrong and Smith. Next a funky groove is established and Holdsworth and Ponty fly over it. Finally the original theme is brought back and the masterpiece ends. "The Struggle of the Turtle to the Sea" is another suite and is also unbelievable. The first movement contains a Zavod solo. The mood changes and Ponty does what he does so well. Next the mood changes again and Armstrong and Stuermer are both spectacular. Finally Holdsworth lends a hand in the outro. This piece is visual and one can picture the turtle reaching the beach and finally being freed into the sea. This is the best CD that Jean-Luc has released and will be until "Jean-Luc Ponty Live" is finally released by Atlantic.(The first one not Chene Park) GET THIS ONE NOW!!!!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is pure ecstasy to listen to..., May 6, 2001

By	"jazzviolinist" (Florham Park, New Jersey USA) - See all my reviews

Can't believe there are no reviews on this recording. If you're even thinking about getting a Ponty CD, this or Cosmic Messenger is the one. This band sounds so good; it is really beautiful. This music is very satisfying; it is in my opinion some of the best fusion of the '70s. And there is no one, absolutely no one, who plays the violin like Ponty does here. His solos are fiery, passionate, virtuosic, and dramatic, and his tone itself is mesmerizing. The band surrounding him is tight, and they create a wall of electric sound that is pure ecstasy to hear. You also get two great guitarists in Daryl Stuermer and Allan Holdsworth; and Allan Zavod on keyboards is great, too. This is an very highly recommended recording (I'm not the only one who thinks so; many fusion fans would agree). Don't miss it!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Signature Jean-Luc, December 8, 2002

By	budnicky (Scottsdale, Az USA) - See all my reviews

It was Jean-Luc-Ponty who solidified my appreciation of jazz fusion and helped me to forever turn my back on the tired and noisy heavy metal garbage of the late seventies. I liked it loud and fast but wanted quality. Seeing Jean-Luc do this album in concert in October, 1977 made me an all time fan. The Enigmatic Ocean suite (especially part 3) showcases Ponty's genius as each part builds in energy to a level of musical brilliance that leaves you in awe. All the musicians on this album perform at Ponty's level and take their turn making you play the air wid 'em. Check out Ralph and Allan on the last track! This is the best fusion album of all time and is "Signature Jean-Luc."