MISSUS BEASTLY

Missus Beastly reconvened after their earlier split to record a new self-titled album (with absolutely grotesque cover art, imposed by the record company). On offer here is an extremely competently performed and exquisitely composed set of mid-1970s fusion, taking into account the latest from Weather Report, Return to Forever, Mahavishnu and other greats of the genre. A funk influence creeps in here and there, especially in the rhythm section, but for me the highlight of the album is the exceptional performance by the group's two saxophonists, who are a joy to behold, especially when they both leap in and start playing off each other. With enchanting and delicate flutework and driving electric piano on top of that, the group attain a technically proficient sound with compositions which retain a lot of emotional warmth, making this one of the better fusion albums of the era. It's not quote on the level where I'd suggest it for someone's first dabbling in fusion, but I would say fusion fans should check it out.