JEAN LUC PONTY & HIS BAND: THE ATACAMA EXPERIENCE

Jean-Luc Ponty is legendary violinist, participated in Frank Zappa's "Hot Rats" album and former member of Mahavishnu Orchestra. But few last decades his works weren't too attractive, often containing kind of new-age world fusion.

This album is possibly firs his stronger work in few last decades. The musician returned to more acoustic, jazzy sound. His violin sound is absolutely dominated on this record, and all other band is mostly back-up team to support JLP soloing.

The music generally is competent, but quite conservative. Mostly post-bop with some classical elements and world fusion. Violin sound is so front-placed during the mixing, that listener can miss some rare but interesting bass lines.

Possibly, attractive work for JLP violin sound fans, this album in whole is more his report from long career, than even small step ahead. Could be recommended for electric violin lovers and fans of contemporary jazz and post-bop.

I got this album a few months ago, and have been quite disapointed at first listening, i tried two or three spins and then put it on the shelves and forgot it.Finaly, i decided to give it a last chance and tried a new listening,god bless me! i was wrong ! Of course it doesn't peak at prior releases level as enigmatic ocean ,for instance, but , in fact it's a very pleasant and tasteful album filled mainly with classical melodies.The back band is the same as on the fantastic dvd release from 2003 (IN CONCERT )consisting of LECOMTE,ARPINO,NSANGUE,CISSE incrased for a few tracks with two guests HOLDSWORTH and CATHERINE on guitar.This recording's sound is very clear and accoustic oriented on violin except one track (ACATA EXPERIENCE) that experiences with electronic effects, inpired by a visit at canyons in acatama deserts in nothern chile.The band has a great musical interraction acquired by playing on stage for many years and it's quite obvious listening to this record.A must have album for all PONTY fanatics and a fitting introduction for others.I hesitate between 3 and 4 stars and finnaly give 3,5 stars

When you played all notes on the violin and as fast as physically possible for that many decades, what's more left to do?

This album has a very Retro feel to it as if Ponty had returned to earliest roots of Jazz, Swing approach of about 45 years ago. But there are no fireworks here, no impossible gyrations on the violin this time, only surprisingly laid back, unhurried notes.

It's not for me to speculate if Ponty grew tired, or have only opted for some nostalgia. Suffice to say, it's a pleasant enough, but not very strong release. No trace of epic suites, groundbreaking improvisations, or any obvious highligths, but still a nice listen if you relate to the style represented here. The one exception is "Point of no return", the only track with Holdsworth guesting and his fluid licks on the guitar are as pleasant as always..