MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER

This album took a while to sink in, it's not as dynamic as MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA or RETURN TO FOREVER, but then there isn't that lead electric guitar or violin creating havoc. This really is about interplay, with the focus on the band over individual soloing. It just all sounds so impressive. Zawinul and Shorter must be considered among the most talented duo's to ever craft music. I just find the music here is often too subtle, and if you aren't listening carefully you will miss out on the genius that is played so flawlessly.

"Nubian Sundance" is a very good song with the crowd cheering in the background. The drums are steady as the bass, keys and sax impress. Everything seems restrained and I keep waiting for them to explode,but they never do. Vocals come and go in the form of a 5 member choir. "American Tango" starts off fairly laid back with outbursts of piano. A vocal outburst as well. Sax takes the lead 2 minutes in then keys. "Cucumber Slumber" has a nice groundwork of keys, bass and drums as sax plays over top. This is groovy man. Such a good rhythm to it, I can't help but move. Great sound after 6 minutes, then the sax joins in. What a song !

"Mysterious Traveller" is my favourite. The intro is haunting as keys come in and start to lead the way. Drums then a full sound follow. The sax is incredible before 3 minutes. "Blackthorn Rose" is simply acoustic piano and sax. Nice song. "Scarlet Woman" is quite mellow with outbursts of sound.The wind blows in around 5 minutes as the song fades out. "Jungle Book" actually has some guitar in it courtesy of Zawinul, he also plays organ for the first time on this album. Oh, and he sings too.Vocals early as different sounds come and go. Guitar after 5 minute.This one is different from the other songs.

4 stars and I would put "I Sing The Body Electric", "Sweetnighter" and "Black Market" ahead of it.