No Absolute Time

Jean-Luc Ponty | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 3, 1993)
• Original Release Date: August 3, 1993
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Atlantic
• ASIN: B000002IVX
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,331 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Innovative, visionary, ahead of his (no absolute) time .., November 6, 1999

By 

Jawara ([e-mail]) (Tokyo) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No Absolute Time (Audio CD)

Remarkably, I (Mr. Ponty's biggest fan) did not care for this recoridng initially. Because I expected (exactly WHAT I expected is hard to say,but I did "expect") I was not able to accept the recording for what it was. That was very unwise on my part.

Needless to say, I learned to appreciate "No absolute time" for its conceptual and compositional brilliance. This is his second recording with the African "all-stars" (my little nickname), and although Tchokola was good in its own right, it seemed to be mostly African with a guest violinist. No Absolute Time was more of a culmination of a musical bonding between Ponty and his newfound cohorts. Simply put: they melded. They stirred together and blended like warm broth.

If you enjoyed Storyteller, Civilized Evil, and Mystical Adventures (still my personal favorite) you will love the versatility Ponty shows here. Just don't "expect" anything. I've always enjoyed his freedom to explore time and rhythm. His play with time signatures is a staple in a gereat deal of his work to date and he certainly doesn't disappoint here. "No Absolute Time" may be stating just that. But, don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. If you'r e a JLP fan who doesn't already own this CD, you'll be glad you did.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cool Runnings, April 17, 2009

By 

Bicycle Day - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: No Absolute Time (Audio CD)

The world music rhythms and cool rhymes makes this 1993 release by Jean-Luc Ponty a brilliant and picturesque, with a healthy dose of electronics in the steady mix.

The 10 tracks - clocking in at 56:53 - each have smooth grooves that are paced by the percussion of Abdou M'Boup, Moustapha Cisse, Kemo Kouyate, Mokhtar Samba and Sydney Thiam. And as with Ponty's work, the guitar, bass and keyboards are vital, with Martin Atangana, Guy N'Sangue and Wally Minko, respectively, holding down those roles.

Ponty's use of synthesizers and electric violin brings impressive artistry to his vision that marks a return to Atlantic Records. The standout cut is Blue Mambo, but close behind are Savannah, The African Spirit and The Child in You.

The album peaked at #5 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Album chart. It earned the solid ranking due to the wonderful textures and expressiveness of each number

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exhilarating Introduction to Ponty, December 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: No Absolute Time (Audio CD)

This was my first foray into the world of Jean-Luc Ponty. I was so enamored, I immediately purchased a couple more. While the others were very nice, this has been my absolute favorite. Lifts my spirits when I'm down.