Jean Luc Ponty : Aurora, Atlantic

Jean-Luc Ponty is the man who, for me, made Mahavishnu Orchestras "From the Emerald Beyond" such an exemplary contemporary record The violinists stay with the Orchestra was a short and stormy one; he once commented to New Musical Express that the thing he disliked about John McLaughlin and his orchestra was that everything and to be played at such a pace as to make a cheetah seem slow!

So it comes as no surprise that on this, his second solo effort, there is an infusion, of quiet and serene music, (much like "Pastoral" from "The Emerald Beyond") and much quicker up tempo music.

Ponty was born in 1942 in Normandy, the sone of a violinist, so it is no wonder that young Jean should find interest in that instrument. His interest has blossomed to find him now in the enviable position of No.1 violinist in Jazz/Rock circles today. But he was originally a classically trained violinist, and the classical feel shines through in his well bred playing.

The problem of playing in a jazz group with a violin has been overcome by utilizing electric amplification. The result of his classical training fused together with electric jazz is to perform some of the most joyful music.

Around him, Ponty has a band of considerable talent; Parryl Stuermer is an accomplished guitarist, Patrice Rushen, the new keyboardist, finds plenty of room and versatility within the framework of Ponty's music. Tom Fowler (bass) and Norman Fearrington from the nucleus of a most flexible rhythmn section.

The many varying talents of Ponty and his backers are best displayed by contrasting the first two tracks of this record, "Is Once Enough" and "Renaissance"; "Is Once Enough" starts a cracking pace that features a particularly fine solo from Stuermer with Ponty's violin offering many differing high and low points; the contrast being sharp while the music continues at a blazing pace.

"Renaissance" on the other hand is serene and peaceful relying heavily on Ms Rushens electric piano to underpin it. Ponty's violin is quiet and complements beautifully the tender acoustic playing of Darryl Stuermer. Here the acoustic guitar is strummed and picked quickly and yet it fits in with the very happy feel which the piece radiates. This is a piece of ensemble playing that is so tight in its unity yet so fluid in that it allows perfectly for the solo.

"Aurora - Part 1" sees a return to the wailing plaintive violin, perfectly controlled, that made Ponty such a vital musician on Mahavishnus "Emerald Beyond"; his playing here is not just a return to that style, but an improvement on it; the never ending search for perfection it you wish.

Yet to me, much of this music has a familiar ring to it, "Passenger of the Dark", which opens side two, has a definite Mahavishnu Orchestra feel. It's as definite as the rising sun. So it seems that even though Jean-Luc Ponty and John McLaughlins personalities weren't exactly compatible, that two are of such stature, that a little bit of each other couldn't help but have rubbed off on both.

Yet at the same time Ponty has also stuck to his guns and written some more melodically quieter numbers. "Lost Forest" in particular is in this mould; it is an almost intense number and yet, through Patrice Rushens keybaords in particular, a warm feeling is radiated.

"Between you and me" is more into the realms of contemporary Jazz/Rock and the room it offers for improvisation is vast. Once again Ponty uses his imaginative violin work to evoke various feelings through both fast and quiet bow work. "Waking Dream" brings Aurora to a close in a most serene manner.

There are some intriuging points to "Aurora". There is definitely a strong Mahavishnu feel, and one gets the clear impression that Jean-Luc Ponty went through many changes during his stay with John McLaughlin. But I don't think that is at all bad. In fact, if you're in for listening changes may I suggest "Aurora"? Just put up your feet, boil some coffee, relax and listen ....

- Grant Cairncross

Jean Luc Ponty performs tonight in the Town Hall with the musicians used in "Aurora". This should be a spectacular and unique opportunity to see the world's best rock violinist.

Public $7 Students $6 Book at DIC and maybe door sales.