A true fusion classic
Bodhi Heeren | Copenhagen | 04/11/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This forgotten gem, originally released at the adventurous MPS-label is certainly fusion at its best. Progressive, experimental, virtuosic. Featuring the dynamic rythm section of basslegend Jack Bruce and masterdrummer John Marshall, who played on Jack's classic "Harmony Row" supplemented by percussionist Nippi Noya.
The music ranges from Indian-like fusion, showing Mariano's deep interest for South Indian music - besides sax and flute he also plays the nagaswaram - to the tender sax/piano duet "Charlotte", featuring Jan Hammer in an unusual tender moment.
But of course Hammer also plays his trademark superfast guitarlike synth-lines, trading solos with Mariano and Polish violonist Zbigniew Seifert, a stunning player who unfortunately passed away in 1979, only 33. Here he shows some beautiful and electrifying playing.
Highly inventive and transcendental. Great players concentrating on making pure and intense music."
Taste and imagination and talent= Helen 12 trees
rick from Boston | 12/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I stumbled across this album back in the 70's because I had to have anything with Jack Bruce on it. Turns out it is one of the few jazz/rock/fusion albums I still listen to. Many bands back then were playing as fast and loud as they could, but this music is played with real taste and imagination. Mariano also put out a couple of other albums in this style. And NO guitars! Just sax,violin, and keyboards over a solid rhythm section of bruce and John Marshall. If you like this album, be sure to check out Mariano's other 2 from this period:"reflections",recorded in Finland, and featuring Jukka Tolonen on guitar, and "october", recorded in Germany. His style of jazz/rock/fusion may not be as loud and frantic as some of the other bands of that era, but I find it more rewarding."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1