Search - Jean-Luc Ponty :: Mystical Adventures

One of Jean-Luc's overlooked classics

11/14/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm surprised that this is the first review of one of JLP's finest recordings ever. While JLP's classic '70's works like "Enigmatic Ocean" and "Cosmic Messenger" get most of the attention (and, yes, they are good records), this vintage 1982 record, IMHO, tops them all.For starters, it is a much better produced effort, with Ponty's violin recorded better than ever, and backed up by a very tight band. They pick up the tricky chord and time changes in the opening Mystical Adventures Suite with no apparent effort at all. The other songs (side 2 of the original LP) includes some pretty decent bass licks by Randy Jackson in "Rhythms of Hope" and energetic violin playing on "Final Truth, Part I" backed forcefully by Billy Cobham disciple Rayford Griffen on drums. To this day I'm still puzzled by the decision to cover the minor Stevie Wonder hit "As", but Ponty does nothing to disgrace the tune.Looking back, "Mystical Adventures" was sort of an end of an era for Ponty's music; throughout the rest of the eighties he experimented with different instrument lineups with mixed results. He also ended the pattern of stringing together songs into a suite every other album. It was a shame that he changed his style somewhat after "Mystical Adventures" just when he just starting to get the old style down to near perfection."

Randy Jackson's best bass work!

Tall Paul | San Diego, CA United States | 02/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you don't already know, the bassist on this album is Randy Jackson the American Idol judge. since he is an incredible bassist he picked up right where Ralphe Armstrong (Ponty's former bassist) left off and didn't miss a note. Incredible bass work on Rhythm Of Hope and Final Truth. As far as compisitions and musicianship this is one of Ponty's greatest efforts. This is my personal favorite Ponty album also. This album won best Jazz album Grammy in 1983."

Ponty's Best

T. Ray | Joplin, Mo | 11/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered JL P in 1984 and bought his then current album and worked my way back in time. I've only owned about seven of Ponty's works and Mystical Adventures is his formost work of these. Catagorizing it is the hard part unless you're already familiar with his work: pre-elecronica, fusion jazz, new age, or all of the above. One thing that helps set this collection apart is they way it comes together as one work. Each track (with the possible exception of #9 Final Truth Part II) is complimentary and thematic. These songs come together and form an evocative environment that can be engaged or ignored. In the foreground of your consciousness MA (Mystical Adventures) is ripe for study by music majors and thoe who value emotional/spiritual content. If left in the background MA is great during meditation, study, sleep, light housework or reading. It doesn't demand your attention or force an emotion but lingers nearby and subtly accentuates empathy. MA is a little drowsy for a mainstream audience but is a must have for fans of new-age, fusion and Ponty"