Search - Alphonse Mouzon :: Mind Transplant

Very emotional.

Lambchops | Toronto | 05/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"SOme of the best guitar work ever laid down on vinyl. This CD features the late great Tommy Bolin (RIP). I first heard tracks from this LP years ago when two tracks appeared on a retrospective of Tommy Bolin. I was hooked and went and bought the CD. Just superb. Recommended for those people who loves guitars that speak without talking."

Mouzon's answer to Billy's 'Spectrum'

Jeffrey G. Stevenson | F.W.B.,FL | 06/11/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"....for me, there is no getting around the fact that AM's 'Mind Transplant' was his way of saying, "Hey, Cobham and Lenny aren't the only dudes that can Lay-it-down Funky, Greasy, and (maybe most important) VERY FAST!" When I scrolled through the other reviews written, I almost found myself getting irritated by the constant mention of this album alongside Cobham's 'Spectrum',,,,,but you know what?, now I am in complete agreeance after listening to 'Mind Transplant' again recently....especially considering 'Spectrum' had been out for over a year before this was released.



There are several things that I believe everyone can agree on concerning this album; the musicians that contribute to the tunes are ALL absolutely super-talented and have a special chemistry here. There is no questioning Mr. Mouzon's technical abilities, as well as his ability to lay down greasy, funky grooves when needed----and, straight-up high-speed fushion jams. The compisitions found on 'MT' are all well written fushion tunes (did his WIFE compose these songs!?!) that anyone who digs MO, RTF, early Jeff Beck and the like, should have a field day with. So how do I like it? Well, its right up my alley as to real-deal, high intensity fusion and I rate it with 4 solid stars.



Although I like 'MT' and rate it highly among my jazz-rock collection, I don't place it quite on the level of 'Spectrum' and others....here's why; Above all else, this album seems very contrived. Whereas 'Spectrum' was very Fresh and Inventive in its compositions and overall feel, 'MindTransplant' feels like it was produced mostly out of the competition that exsisted between several of the "Key" Fusion players....to this day, I believe that there is, at least, a hint of animosity that exists between guys like Lenny, Billy and Alphonse (and lets face it....most of these "Key" players couldn't help but to be influenced by Cobham---and rightly so!). Alphonse's drum sound and technique sounded suspiciously like Cobhams as well....he was arguably as proficient around the top-end of the kit as anybody, unfortunately, he seemed to struggle on the bottom end (i.e. double bass)----listen to the last minute or so of 'Nitro Glycerin' for a sample of double bass sloppiness. I could also pick out what band/ artist the Mouzon's seem to borrow for just about every song on 'MT'----Chick Corea/RTF, Herbie and Headhunters, and, of course, MO and Cobham. Even the song 'Some of the Things People Do', Which I thought to be original sounding at first, might well have come from EWF, The Spinners, Et Al. One thing I will say is That guitarist Lee Ritenour who was one of 3 guitarists on this recording must have been influenced from his work on this session....his early solo works sound very similar to some of the compositions here (especially Title track).



To set the record straight, I am by no means "bashing" Alphonse or 'Mind Transplant'....it is a Killer record with lots of energy, BUT, when people say this is better than 'Spectrum', I have to put in my 2-cents. As matter of fact, Cobham exceeded his debut with his sophmore effort, 'Crosswinds'. Bottom line is this is an inspired album with top-notch players and memorable tunes that I would steer any jazz/rock/fusion fan towards....get it while you can!"