It's hard to believe that this is Jean Luc Ponty's first album in
seven years. I was introduced to Ponty's music in the early eighties
while I was making my way around the world with the U.S. Navy. The
"Civilized Evil" album was an eye-opener and an exciting doorway into
the world of jazz-fusion for me. I had the pleasure of seeing Mr.
Ponty perform live at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco several
years later. It was a dream come true, and an exceptional experience
that I will never forget.
Receiving "Life Enigma" for review is an honor. After listening to
this man's music for twenty years I finally have the opportunity to
let everyone know how I feel about it, what a privilege that is. When
I think of progressive violin players there are only two names that
come to mind, Ponty and Grapelli.
The seventies and eighties were very productive for Ponty and he decided
to draw from that experience and incorporate all of the immense knowledge
he has acquired. The artist points to that developmental stage of
his career as a critical turning point, and reaching back into that
timeframe was an inspiration to create this music. Utilizing computers,
synthesizers, world music, and percussion, this long awaited release
is some of his best work to date. You will easily feel, hear, and
process all of the rich colorful textures represented by Ponty's beautiful
violin playing on every track.
The title of this CD is about the mysteries of life, I know for certain
that there is no mystery in the way Jean Luc Ponty presents his deep
understanding of music and how it relates to the human soul. The infinite
human caravan begs the question "Why can't we let the music be our
spiritual guide?" In the end the answers lie within us all and the
music tells us that we are the enigma, not life itself.
1. Two Thousand-One Years Ago
2. Signals From Planet Earth
3. The Infinite Human Caravan
4. Lonely Among All
5. Firmament
6. Pizzy Cat
7. Life Enigma
8. Even The Sun Will Die
9. Love At Last Sight
10. And Life Goes On
