JEAN LUC PONTY & HIS BAND: THE ATACAMA EXPERIENCE

When you played all notes on the violin and as fast as physically possible for that many decades, what's more left to do?

This album has a very Retro feel to it as if Ponty had returned to earliest roots of Jazz, Swing approach of about 45 years ago. But there are no fireworks here, no impossible gyrations on the violin this time, only surprisingly laid back, unhurried notes.

It's not for me to speculate if Ponty grew tired, or have only opted for some nostalgia. Suffice to say, it's a pleasant enough, but not very strong release. No trace of epic suites, groundbreaking improvisations, or any obvious highligths, but still a nice listen if you relate to the style represented here. The one exception is "Point of no return", the only track with Holdsworth guesting and his fluid licks on the guitar are as pleasant as always..