ON THE FUTURE OF AVIATION

This record is released on the Private Music label, a label dedicated to the dynamic New Age music in the second half of the 80's, like Yanni, Eddie Jobson and Tangerine Dream, among others. The Jerry Goodman's sensitive violin is very appropriate for the often melancholic & melodramatic moods involved. The style of the music consists in dynamic & rhythmic New age with progressive elements. The music is sometimes lively, sometimes sad & nostalgic, but it is neither dark nor obscure. Maybe the tracks are sometimes floating, but the ensemble is certainly not linear nor monotonous. There are very good intense and relaxing modern streams of keyboards. The keyboards may also be very percussive, producing charming textures. There are lots of percussions, acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, and obviously modern keyboards that can be very melodic and rhythmic. There are some beautiful, visceral and emotional electric guitar/violin solos, truly giving a hard rock style to many passages. The overall sound seems not too artificial, despite the many modern keyboards involved: on the contrary, it amazingly sounds acoustic and natural, a bit like Andreas Vollenweider without the harp. The easy drums and the catchy melodies make this music pretty accessible.

One should not question the virtuosity of Jerry Goodman who was famous with his work in The Flock - his first band after being a roadie of the band. Later he was famous with a legendary band led by John McLaughlin: Mahavishnu Orchestra. You can find this album is dynamic in nature and in some ways indicates his style when he was with previous bands. However I was quite surprised with the opening track who also the title of the album On The Future Of Aviation as there are parts that remind me on David Cross style of fame King Crimson. Nope, I am not saying this track or this album is similar with King Crimson. In fact, they are both at different poles where King Crimson was explorative in nature while this album is pretty much predetermined in terms of its pattern. Yes, there are wonderful and stunning violin solo performed by Jerry here - but the overall composition is quite straight.

There are uses of excellent tabla sounds that create unique atmosphere for the album. I like the way Jerry performs his solo throughout the tracks featured in this second album most notably with the peaks at high register notes. As far as listening pleasure I can say that 'Orangutango' , 'Waltz Of The Windmills' and 'Sarah's Lullaby' are all excellent tracks. On Sarah's Lullaby Jerry performs its best not only his violin work but also how actually he composed this track as it comprises great musical segments.

Overal, I highly recommend you to have this album especially if you like violin sounds. That's actually one good reason why I purchased this album altogether with Jean Luc Ponty, David Cross and Didier Lockwood. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW