SHAMAL

After much of the core lineup left after "You", Pierre Moerlen decided to keep the band going. Steve Hillage guests on two tracks but Smyth, Allen and Blake are gone. Pierre also changed the musical direction of the band to a more Jazz style, and they were very successful in this transition.

"Wingful Of Eyes" has a relaxing and jazzy start. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes, flute too. A fuller sound with guitar (Hillage) 3 minutes in. It then settles back before 4 1/2 minutes. This is a moving section as flute joins in. "Chandra" opens with xylophone, drums and bass. It's kind of funky, sax joins in. Love the distorted organ, very Canterbury-like. Violin after 4 minutes then vocals. "Bambooji" opens with atmosphere as wind and flute blows. Female vocal melodies around a minute. Drums and guitar (Hillage) after 2 minutes with flute. Flute leads late then it ends with the wind blowing.

"Cat In Clark's Shoes" has a nice bass / drum intro. Keys and sax join in. Great sound ! It changes after 2 1/2 minutes as the rhythm sort of stops and starts. Violin too. It picks up after 7 minutes. "Mandrake" is led early by xylophone, flute and drums. This sounds beautiful. Sax 2 1/2 minutes in as it gets fuller. It settles back late. "Shamal" is kind of funky and jazzy. Love the bass, keys and sax here. Vocals before 3 1/2 minutes. This is great. The bass comes in throbbing away then we're back to that funky groove.

Recommended more for Jazz / Fusion fans than Psychedelic sailors although fans of Steve Hillage's solo works should dig this. It was produced by Nick Mason by the way.