Record Reviews

BENNIE MAUPIN ~ SLOW TRAFFIC TO THE RIGHT / MOONSCAPES VOCALION 8485 (Barcode: 765387848521) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2011 This fantastic reissue brings back to life two excellent albums recorded in the 1970s by the great American saxophonist Bennie MaupinFind albums by this artist. Sadly mostly neglected and forgotten, Maupin was at the very centre of great revolutions in Jazz as a member of the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist ensemble and later the Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist "Mwandishi" group between 1971 and 1976. Both of these albums were recorded shortly after Maupin left Hancock and stylistically are very close to the work he was doing in Hancock groups, combining Jazz, Funk and Fusion. Supported by a dreamy cast, which includes among others keyboardists Patrice RushenFind albums by this artist and Patrick GleesonFind albums by this artist, bassist Paul JacksonFind albums by this artist and Abraham LaborielFind albums by this artist, drummers Ralphe ArmstrongFind albums by this artist and Harvey MasonFind albums by this artist and many others, Maupin presents his beautiful compositions, which sound today as fresh and innovative as they did at the time of the recording. Excellently remastered by Michael J. DuttonFind albums by this artist the sound quality is simply stunning. In retrospect this is classic stuff, which should be appreciated by many and hopefully this reissue will create a new interest in this excellent music.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JEAN-LUC PONTY ~ COSMIC MESSENGER ATLANTIC 81550 (Barcode: 075678155024) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1978 Released: 1990 Great album by the French virtuoso violinist Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist and his Fusion group, which included such brilliant players as Allan ZavodFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Ralphe ArmstrongFind albums by this artist (bass). This is elegant and sophisticated music, combining the best of American Fusion with the European music tradition. Ponty`s brilliant composition serve as a perfect vehicle for extended improvisations by all players.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend