ZOOMA

AHHH! Timing; being there at the right time and place. In a Prog-perfect world this "jewel" would not be buried in "oblivion land". This effort will be by far more appreciated by "Russian Circle, "Lite", kind of people and followers. Instrumental based (no vocals), solid, daring, creative; non-stop and yes perfectly executed by post/Rock X-Monster band: bassist, keyboardist and arranger John Paul Jones, or plain J.P.J. (If we come to terms; that he was the prog-oriented guy in the "ZEP" machine). Some songs of course are heavy-prog oriented; but in the long run it is more than evident the weight he carried of the "LED". Musical diversity was always attributed to him by fellow members; he brought along different flavors and spices to Led Zeppelins's kitchen. Well skilled multi- instrumentalist; composer with classical training. He was, to be clear the soul of that band (alongside long gone drummer John Bonham) and that soul was transposed into this, his first album outside the Zeppelin. (Skipping of course the "Scream" o.s.t project). ZOOMA makes you realize how well defined his language is. A sum of the parts, made the Zep what they were, and JPJ was more than just a perfect bass player for Jimmy Page or the band.

He also hid some "big tricks" under the Zep's big hat.!!.. If the "riffs" were not Jimmy's they were "Jonesy's". But, as a well versed multi-instrumentals, he is also well aquainted with less prog oriented flavors like country, rag, funk and also the Renaissance-like styled compositions. (Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy" prog-funk orientation is one of his evident contributions to the band, as "No-Quarter"; one of the most prog oriented, Zeppelin songs.) ZOOMA, Is a sum of all his talents freed into a self owned and titled album. The experience is quiet a thrill, being for starters, that JPJ stands outside the "Zep's" enormous shadow, but would not sacrifice his own language and intention, in the way. So this project is more directed towards un-structured experimentations-like songs, (very un-Zep), within a limited range, of course.

The use of opposite styles, prog and not, are wisely used, as not to become the songs themselves but part of the "whole" song. So with a touch of different styles in some songs, the "transitition", turns out more like a "Jonesy" project than Zep's.

ZOOMA has well structured solid Heavy-Prog songs, but also different directions and flavors in some others. ****4 "Daring good-excellent album" Stars. Prog and not, but kind of HEAVY..