THE JEAN-LUC PONTY EXPERIENCE WITH THE GEORGE DUKE TRIO [AKA: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES]

This is an unassuming album, with Jean-Luc Ponty playing with George Duke's trio (I bet you couldn't pick that up from the title). While the sound is electric (electric violin, electric piano & electric bass), the music is barely fusion. Despite the electric tones, the songs are essentially bebop.

It's not bad. All of it is pleasant listening, but most of it is not terribly memorable. In fact, the only track where the band really catches fire is Starlight, Starbright, where Duke ignites the band with a truly great keyboard solo. Ponty then takes charge on his violin. The song meanders for a bit, but at least there's a passion in the playing.