ZOOMA

Zooma has been criminally overlooked on this site. Maybe it's because not many cared to check out a John Paul Jones album released in 1999 or just that most people don't know that his discography is on Prog Archives. Personally I really hope that it's the latter and I'm looking forward to reading many more reviews in the near future!

After listening to this album I have finally realized why Robert Plant / Jimmy Page-solo albums never sounded as good as their work in Led Zeppelin. All of the best songs were actually contributed by Mr. John Paul Jones! And this instrumental album actually proves it one crunchy bass line at a time!

Zooma is one really heavy album that will most likely put many of Led Zepplin compositions to shame. I'm not talking about the production values which are understandably superior to Zeppelin's 70's records but Zooma is dominated by the heavy sounding bass which really makes these compositions almost sound like the later King Crimson material. This can actually also be contributed to Trey Gunn soloing on some of the tracks with a Crimsonesque type of vibe.

This is truly a must have album for fans of heavy prog music. So if you are lucky enough to find this album, grab it and never let go!

***** star songs: Zooma (5:52) Goose (4:58) B. Fingers (5:26) Tidal (4:20)

**** star songs: Grind (5:20) The Smile Of Your Shadow (5:50) Bass 'N' Drums (2:32) Snake Eyes (7:32)

*** star songs: Nosumi Blues (5:48)