NO MYSTERY

They actually won a Grammy for this album in 1975 for "Best Performance by a Jazz Group". I do prefer the previous album more, but I tell you, with this lineup it's just a joy listening to all four guys play. This one is definitely more funky than "Where Have I Known You Before".

"Dayride" is a great opener with lots of energy and incredible band interplay. Lots of synths and even some brief vocals 2 1/2 minutes in. Of course White is all over this one. "Jungle Waterfall" is funky man. White and Clarke dominate with Corea adding his synths here and there, while Al plays along. "Flight Of The Newborn" is DiMeola's first recorded composition. And what a song ! More funk with keys to open. The guitar starts to light it up a minute in. Check out the bass after 4 minutes. The drums are just outstanding all the way through. No surprise there. Nice work from Chick before 6 minutes. This song is just a pleasure to listen to. "Sofistifunk" is just as the title suggests...complex funk. This is intricate and funky. "Exerpt From The First Movement Of Heavy Metal" opens with some outstanding piano melodies. Before a minute DiMeola comes in tearing things up. Drums follow with bass. Ripping guitar in this one before it ends as it began with piano.

"No Mystery" opens with piano and a jazzy flavour. Clarke chose to use his double bass on this one, and gets the bow out 2 1/2 minutes in. Intricate guitar a minute later. Chick really leads the rest of the way from 4 1/2 minutes on. Cool track. "Interplay" is really the interplay between Corea and Clarke throughout. "The Celebration Suite" is next. "Part I" opens with a machine gun like drum roll. Marching style drumming will come in around 2 minutes. A Spanish flavour follows. I like when it settles down after 6 1/2 minutes, and also the sound 8 minutes in as it's still calm. Very reflective and meaningful for me. "Part II" opens with a collage of sounds, so much going on it's fantastic ! Guitar starts to take the lead with some blistering melodies. Nice. A change 2 1/2 minutes in as it calms right down. Drums and keys lead the way. The drumming is brilliant.That Spanish flavour is back before 4 minutes. Like the previous album they end it with the longest track.

Easily 4 stars for me. I'm not worthy guys.