GUNESH

After two decent singles Gunesh would finally cap their own space for a full-length self-titled debut, always under the support of Melodyia.The legendary line-up appearing on the album was Stan Morozov on flute/sax, Rishad Safi on drums, Vladimir Belousov on bass, Mikhail Loguntsov on guitar and Shamamed Byashimov on keyboards.Yusif Aliev appears on trumpet, Alexander Stasukevich and Shamil Kurmanov on trombones and Ilyaz Redzepov, Khajiriza Ezizov on vocals, but I am not really aware if they were permanent members of the band.The album was released in 1980.

Some tracks of the previous singles of the band made it to the final cut of Gunesh'es debut and even them sound a lot better in the enviroment produced by the band over a full-disc performance, combining elements from Ethnic Music and Jazz Fusion in an impressive execution of technical accomplishment, composing talent and vocal passion.Shafi has to be one of the most underrated drummers of the genre, extremely fast and flawless, reminding a bit of ARTI I MESTIERI'S Furio Chirico.The music is mainly instrumental with a few excellent vocal explosions of Eastern Asian-styled lyrics (which of course I do not understand), but you should focus on the music, which is surprisingly energetic, technically amazing and extremely balanced between Ethnic tunes and super-tight Fusion, or if you like between complex twists and more dramatic overtones with a folky flavor.Fantastic guitars parts and solid bass work with Jazz, funky and Eastern influences, complemented by a discreet keyboardist, performing on his sole organ, and a huge brass and wind section with lots of sax and very cinematic display of a small trombone/trumpet orchestra.For the most of its length the album is fast-paced without singificant flaws, a good production and featuring endless interplays and solos with a slight sense of melody and a heavier amount of mourning vocal parts.

One of the well-hidden gems of 80's Jazz Fusion.Ethnic-oriented Fusion with melodramatic vocals and dense executions, definitely one of the most genuine and personal works of Fusion performed by an ex-Soviet group.No less than highly recommended, even if an original copy is pretty rare.