DISTANCE BETWEEN DREAMS

American violin player David Rose was born in 1946 in Susquehanna, USA and his early music career started at the dawn of the 70's as a member of Psych/Prog act Fred.When Fred disbanded, Rose moved to France, where he found himself on the line-up of Jazz/Prog band Transit Express, with whom he released three albums.In 1977, shortly after Transit Express split up, Rose released his first personal album ''Distance Between Dreams'' on Gratte-Ciel with the help of ex-Transit Express bandmates Jean-Claude Guselli (bass), Dominique Bouvier (drums), Basile Leroux (guitars) and Serge Perathoner (keyboards) as well as ex-Fred keyboardist Peter Eggers.

As expected, the album heavily leans on Rose's electric violin workouts but fortunately the musicianship has plenty to offer than simply violin solos.''Distance Between Dreams'' is a fully energetic example of fiery Jazz/Fusion with hints from TRANSIT EXPRESS and straight references to the works of JEAN-LUC PONTY and MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA.About half of the tracks feature the complex violin themes and solos of Rose next to a band ready to support in full shape.Deep and complex bass work, pounding drumming and smooth electric piano parts complete the great dynamic face of DAVID ROSE and his crew.The rest of the album has a smoother approach with instrumental dreamy soundscapes, where Rose playing either has strong Classical hints with light piano work on the background or he performs in a very experimental and abstract mood.Nevertheless his work on violin remains a great lesson for all young musicians both in the tight or more loose compositions.

One of the finest Jazz/Fusion albums with the electric violin in evidence, ''Distance Between Dreams'' is a more than decent purchase for all lovers of the jazzier side of Progressive Rock and a very good discovery for all the rest of the prog audience.Warmly recommended...3.5 stars.