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

Recommended by

Suggestions
Universal Beings cover

Universal Beings

Makaya McCraven
The Path cover

The Path

Chien Chien Lu
Hearsay cover

Hearsay

David Sanborn
Sketchbook cover

Sketchbook

John Patitucci
Spaces cover

Spaces

Larry Coryell
Wisdom of Elders cover

Wisdom of Elders

Shabaka & the Ancestors
Elegant Gypsy cover

Elegant Gypsy

Al Di Meola
Infinity of Now cover

Infinity of Now

The Heliocentrics
Fever Tree cover

Fever Tree

Fever Tree
Anywhere cover

Anywhere

Flower Travellin' Band