Waving memories (Jean-Luc Ponty) (LP 2854 - 2855)

Jean-Luc Ponty  Upon the Wings of Music (Vinyl, Atlantic Records, 1975) ****  

Choir of the Monks of the Abbey of Saint Pierre De Solesmes  Gregorian Chant Easter (Vinyl, Decca Records, 1975) ****  

Genre: Jazz fusion; Classical

Places I remember: The Little Red Bookshop (Hastings)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Now I Know (Jean-Luc Ponty)

Gear costume: Upon the Wings of Music (Jean-Luc Ponty)

Active compensatory factors: I picked up these two from recent visits to The Little Red Bookshop in Hastings. There was a news clipping inside the Ponty record from '75 when he was touring NZ. The gig cost $7!! A great little addition to the record.

While with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jean-Luc was working on this fabulous solo record. He surrounds himself with some brilliant musicians for his first album on Atlantic - namely: keyboardist Patrice Rushen, Dan Sawyer or Ray Parker on guitars, bassist Ralph Armstrong and drummer Ndugu (Leon Chandler).

It's a terrific set of jazz fusion/ prog rock songs in various guises and tempos with Ponty the star. His playing is exceptional.

The Gregorian Chant album was really bought with Jacky in mind as she loves this stuff. So do I, actually. It's meditative and relaxing. Side one in particular (the use of bells starting off side two is a bit jarring). It's on a lovely mid-fifties album with a great period Decca label. Fully worth $15! Even if that is twice the cost of a 1975 concert ticket!

Where do they all belong? Still looking for other Ponty records, most notably Individual Choice.

Le chant grégorien est un chant sacré anonyme (LP 126)

The Deller Consort  Gregorian Chants - Wedding of Cana (Vinyl - Everest Records, 1979) *** 

Genre: Classical

Places I remember: Marbecks Records (Auckland)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles/Gear costume: It all morphs into one extended ambient sound collage.




Active compensatory factors: Incredibly calming sounds these; bought after hearing something similar at Roger Marbeck's place.

This form of chanting goes back to the 9th and 10th century. For me, it's similar to Buddhist chanting and Brian Eno's ambient albums - meditative and refreshing after listening to 'modern' music. 

Best listened to on a Sunday morning or late at night. 

Where do they all belong? This album stands alone. Every home should have one!