Enigmatic Ocean cover

Enigmatic Ocean

Released

French jazz-rock violinist Ponty — who worked with Frank Zappa, John McLaughlin, and Elton John before going solo — had a substantial hit with his fourth Atlantic Records album, which reached #1 on the Billboard jazz chart in 1977. The three-part title suite prominently features guitarist Allan Holdsworth, who shreds up a storm, but the whole thing is centered around the leader’s rich, full melody lines and propelled by Journey drummer Steve Smith’s taut, snapping rhythms and Ralphe Armstrong’s thick, churning bass.

Phil Freeman

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