ANOMALY

The sole album of jazz-fusion from this Chicago band is an interesting eclectic mix of various unorthodox instruments which include not only the standard instrumentation but also a trumpet, tenor sax, slide whistle, a xylophone, timpani, chimes and something called a Maestro Woodwind Device. Some sources say this came out in 1971 and others 1972.

Lots of changing around on this one from slow and tender passages to full on jazz-fusion but rarely of the chaotic kind. It's always melodic and nicely done. The guitars are rather subdued and the rich brass rock reminds of early Chicago only more eccentric. The slower parts remind me of King Crimson's in their mellower moods. There's even the occasional ragtime segments.

Only four long tracks give this a proggy feel to the whole thing. Too bad they didn't stick it out because I really like this and it would have been interesting to hear how their sound would have evolved. Definately of interest for fans of Zappa, Canterbury or just anyone who loves complex and rich eclectic yet melodic jazz-fusion with occasional bombastic organs.