Customer Reviews

Enigmatic Ocean

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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!!!!!

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!

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."

After being turned on to Jean Luc in the summer of '75 when loaned Imaginary Voyage I was an instant fan. I loved the lineup on that album. I jumped on E.O. the second it was released. On the first listen I heard a guitar playing that was like nothing I heard before. My introduction to Allan Holdsworth. I have great respect for Stuermer but his playing pales in comparison. Just listen to the tradeoffs on "Struggle of the Turtle to the Sea". Pick up "Tony Williams Lifetime: The Collection" or "Bill Bruford One of a Kind" and you will see...there are guitarists...and then there is Allan Holdsworth (coincidentally Allan began as a child playing violin. I'm sure JLP knew that). Thank you Jean Luc for great music and talent scouting extrodaire.

I first noticed Jean-Luc-Ponty back in 1969 when he did some gigs with Frank Zappa. I saw this album in 77' and thought what the heck, and gave it a try. Not trying to classify it at the time as jazz or fusion or whatever else people try to catagorize it as, I was flat out floored. Played it strong for a few years and then never heard it again until recently as I rebuild a huge library of music from the 60's and 70's with my son. This music is as great today as it was then. A masterful piece of work with a very tight band. Playing this music today for people is humorous because they have no idea it is from the seventies. It can appear as a current piece of work by a modern progressive jazz or new age performer. It is that good. I am more impressed with this music today than I was back when I bought the original LP. This is a must have just to show the diversity of our music culture at the time. It was a very progressive period and this is one of the great by-products that evolved from that time period. Enigmatic Ocean is a true masterpiece that you will enjoy no matter what your age.

This is Jean Luc Ponty's best work. If you're tired of buying CD's for one good song, you've come to the right place. There isn't a dog to be found on Enigmatic Ocean. It's fast paced, tight, intricate, and full of great improvision. Jean Luc shares the spotlight with a host of great musicians, probably the best set of musicians found on any Jean Luc recording.

If you need only one Jean Luc Ponty recording in your fusion collection it has to be this one.

Enigmatic Ocean (1977) is another great Jean Luc Ponty album that once again features the blistering technical approach demonstrated on Imaginary Voyage (1976). As a fan of progressive rock and jazz rock, I really appreciate the mixture of progressive and jazz rock elements and especially the virtuoso performances, which are stacked floor to rafters on this album.

Joining Jean Luc Ponty (electric violin; five-string electric violin; violectra; bells; and grand piano on Nostalgic Lady) are world class guitarist extraordinaire Alan Holdsworth; former Mahavishnu Orchestra bassist Ralphe Armstrong; Allan Zavod (Hammond organ; synthesizers; electric piano; clavinet; and grand piano); Steve Smith (drums); and session player Darryl Steurmer (guitar). As I have frothed about already, these guys are out of this world and the ensemble and individual virtuosity is breath-taking. Speaking of which, master guitarist Alan Holdsworth shines throughout and it is an absolute thrill to hear his blindingly fast and distinctive legato phrasing, whether with U.K. Soft Machine, or Gong. I should note that Darryl's playing sounds a bit forced - especially in contrast with Alan's free-flowing and virtuosic flourishes (Alan makes it sound easy). Where they are featured, the solos are presented in typical jazz-rock fashion, with lead instruments (violin/synths/guitars) each getting a few bars to stretch out (on the closing section of The Struggle of the Turtle to the Sea, both bassist Ralphe and "blazing" drummer Steve join the soloing). Enigmatic Ocean however, is a very interesting jazz rock album in that solos and complete arrangements are nicely balanced.

Although purely instrumental, the music is very well arranged and there are some nice dynamic contrasts with simply fantastic (and very organic sounding) synth textures. The highlight for me however is the four - part Enigmatic Ocean suite, which bears more than a passing semblance to prog rock, although the chord structures are distinctly "jazzy" at times (just to remind the listener that this is a jazz rock album). There is a teeny tiny bit of funk too, and Ralphe simply grooves on these sections (especially on his solo) - he is a solid bassist and serves not only as excellent counterpoint, but as an anchor too.

This really is a fantastic album of progressive jazz rock and is very highly recommended along with Imaginary Voyage. Other albums that feature a similar mixture of progressive rock and jazz rock (and might also be enjoyable) include two by the German group Passport (Looking Thru, 1974; and Cross-Collateral, 1975).

I was luck enough to actually see JLP play this album live in Chicago. I didn't know the second solo on The Struggle Of The Turtle To The Sea Part III was a bass until I saw Ralph Armstrong play it live. He plays the first solo, then plugs in a wah pedal and grabs a pick and plays that thing like a lead guitar! Amazing. Daryl Stuermer really tears it up on that track also. I used to play it for garage band guitarists who thought they could play and watch their jaws drop. Alan Holdsworth gets his turn on Nostalgaic Lady, he really is incredible.

Anyway the previous reviews will tell you very well how amazing the rest of this album is. This is fusion at it's best.

I've waited a long, long time to write a review for this one. Actually, words are wholly inadequate to describe this recording. Imagine music that grabs all of your being, inside and out. Imagine music when music was not just product, but reflected the passion of outstanding musicians.

EVERYONE I know who has heard Enigmatic Ocean LOVES it. If Ralphe Armstrong's second bass solo on "The Struggle of the Turtle of the Sea" doesn't light you up, then you're dead.

I listen to this CD at least twice a week and will almost certainly continue to do so until I die or go deaf. BUY THIS CD!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this album - I adore it. If you are a fan of jazz or rock in any form, I fully recommend this album. Everything about this album is superb, from start to finish. The songs are intense, passionate, and EXCESSIVELY well played. Allan Holdsworth weaves his meandering and beautiful guitar solos throughout, Daryl Stuermer keeps it up with Rhythm guitar, Jean-Luc Ponty and his soaring violin interject bursts of colour, and Ralphe Armstrong serves up some FANTASTIC bass playing. His playing on this album, in fact, helped me decide to play Bass. I would easily set him amongst the ranks of Jaco Pastorius and Percy Jones as the greatest Jazz bassists ever - greatest bassists ever, period.

So, I guess what i'm trying to say is: Buy this CD.