Jean-Luc Ponty - Enigmatic Ocean (1977)

Consistently imaginative, Enigmatic Ocean is one of Jean-Luc Ponty's finest accomplishments. The French violinist recorded his share of fusion gems during the 1970s, and this album is at the top of the list. Often aggressive but sometimes reflective and moody, this CD is as unpredictable as it is adventurous. Ponty has plenty of room to stretch out, let loose, and blow, and electric guitarists Allan Holdsworth and Daryl Stuermer contribute some inspired solos as well. Also quite impressive is the insightful and passionate drumming of Steve Smith, who went on to lead the superb fusion band Vital Information. Ponty takes one risk after another, and all of them pay off beautifully.

by Alex Henderson at All Music Guide

Style:
Fusion

Tracks:
01 Overture
02 The Trans-Love Express
03 Mirage
04 Enigmatic Ocean, Part 1
05 Enigmatic Ocean, Part 2
06 Enigmatic Ocean, Part 3
07 Enigmatic Ocean, Part 4
08 Nostalgic Lady
09 The Struggle of the Turtle to the Sea, Part 1
10 The Struggle of the Turtle to the Sea, Part 2
11 The Struggle of the Turtle to the Sea, Part 3

Line-up:
Jean-Luc Ponty - piano / keyboards / vocals / bells / violone / violectra
Ralph Armstrong - acoustic and electric bass
Allan Holdsworth - acoustic and electric guitar
Steve Smith - drums
Daryl Stuermer - acoustic, rhythm and electric guitar
Allan Zavod - organ / synthesizer / acoustic and electric piano / keyboards / clavinet