ONE-ARMED BANDIT

If you've read some of my previous reviews, you'll know I'm always on the lookout for bands that combine the wit of the Canterbury scene with the lyricism of Bill Bruford's Earthworks and the orchestral prowess of early 1970s Frank Zappa. And if there's one Zappa album I return to again and again, not just for the expert soloing, but especially for its wonderfully bright ensemble playing, it's THE GRAND WAZOO, surely one of the best "progressive fusion" albums - far more exciting than the comparatively monochrome HOT RATS.

I'm not familiar with anything Jaga Jazzist did before ONE-ARMED BANDIT... I simply bought this album because I kept seeing glowing reviews, and I wasn't disappointed. The Norwegian band have clearly taken a leaf out of Zappa's book. They've actually resurrected that gorgeous WAZOO sound, combining it with 21st century electronics (never too much!) and with exuberant Steve Reich-type minimalism. (Perhaps it 's more appropriate to speak of Reichian "pastiche", since the band take minimalism by the scruff of the neck, using repetitive phrases without embarrasment but still working themselves into a frenzy.)

When seen purely as compositions (in which unexpected things tend to happen!) most of these tracks are a delight; and for the discerning prog lover it's even better news that instruments as diverse as tuba, vibraphone and electric guitar sometimes detach themselves from the "orchestra" in order to execute neat little phrases and elegantly compact solos. A brilliant band; I can't wait to find out what they do next.