GAZEUSE!

This is GONG ? I'm sure a lot of people have said that about this album over the last 30 years. Pierre Moerlen is the leader at this point as many of the originals have gone, including former leader Daevid Allen as well as Steve Hillage. Pierre has brought in Allan Holdsworth on guitar, and Francois Moze (ex- MAGMA) on bass and piano. Moerlen and Holdsworth compose all the songs except for the final track which was created by Moze. This would be the first all-instrumental album by GONG as well as their first Jazz Fusion release. The Psychedelic music is gone.

"Expresso" is jazzy right from the get go. Some tasteful guitar after a minute with light drums, vibes and bass. Great sound with the guitar leading the way for some time. Sax takes over for guitar after 3 minutes. Nice drum work 4 minutes in. Very good tune. "Night Illusion" opens with some heavy guitar from Holdsworth as drums pound it out. A calm comes in quickly with vibes, bass and light drums as guitar is tastefully played. This contrast continues. Another excellent song. "Percolations:Part 1&2" opens with sparse piano, vibes and a spacey mood. Gongs are hit occasionally. The tempo picks up with drums after 2 minutes, but it's brief. As the title suggests the song just sort of percolates slowly. Drums are back after 4 minutes as vibes go wild. The drums gradually take right over until we have a full blown drum solo. It isn't the type of drum solo that makes me roll my eyes either, this is amazing folks !

"Shadows Of" has Holdsworth back in the spotlight, although Moerlen is active on the drums. Flute, bass and vibes are all outstanding on this track. Guitar comes in as the tempo picks up 3 minutes in. Man this guy can play the guitar ! He just lights it up until 5 minutes in when we get a full band sound. A calm follows then flute, light drums and percussion take over. Some bass joins in and then guitar to end it. Fantastic track ! "Esnuria" opens with a catchy beat before some heavy guitar starts to lead the way. Vibes and sax come in. Just a collage of terrific sounds at this point. "Mireilie" is pastoral without much going on really. Liquid sounding keys from Moze with intricate acoustic guitar makes this a truly beautiful way to end the album.

A must for fans of Jazz Fusion.