ILLUSION

Probably one of the finest examples of British jazz-rock ever recorded (with all due respect to the brilliant Soft Machine, a near cousin), Isotope reaches its peak with this seminal recording, wrapped in stunning artwork, luminous production, fabulous musicianship and quirky compositions. The Canterbury (Soft Machine) connection stems from the ubiquitous presence of basso profundo Hugh Hopper , the master of fuzzy-wuzzy bass rumbling, arguably one of the prime virtuoso innovators on the electric bass (along with the usual suspects: Squire, Pastorius, Levin, Karn , Percy Jones etc.). Irish guitarist Gary Boyle is a splendid craftsman with a unique sound, very different from similar cousins Holdsworth , Etheridge or Lozaga , whose solo album "The Dancer" is an awesome piece of music. Laurie Scott is a dentist who tickles ivories (no surprise there!) and complements the others perfectly while Nigel Morris retains the dubious honor of most underrated drummer in Prog. The first three songs, "Illusion", "Rangoon Creeper" (hints of future Brand X) and the imperial "Spanish Sun" simply put the listener into overdrive. I suggest listening to this album while concentrating on one instrument, alternatively. The interplay becomes even more exhilarating when focusing on each instrument and just like the sound emanating from Hopper 4 stringer, I get a "Buzz" each time. Everlasting classic this is and its no Illusion. 5 melting earphones