Jean-Luc Ponty Experience - Open Strings (1972/2015) [Official Digital Download 24/88]

Jean-Luc Ponty almost single-handedly brought the violin into the modern jazz era. Open Strings, recorded in 1971, presents Ponty at his pre-fusion best: after working together for over a year, this quintet of world-renowned musicians plays on the creative edge, notably German pianist Joachim Kühn who displays his technical mastery, sense of humour and sheer inventiveness.The three parts of Flipping form a triptych of connected pieces with ever-changing tempos, moods and modes, as the musicians exchange places and combinations.

Gifted with astounding technique, Frenchman Jean-Luc Ponty single-handedly brought the violin into the modern jazz era. Critic Joachim Berendt wrote, “Since Ponty, the jazz violin has been a different instrument.” Open Strings presents Ponty at his pre-fusion best. Recorded in 1971 after working together for over a year together, this quintet of world-renowned musicians play on the creative edge. Pianist Joachim Kühn is something of a German legend, and American bassist Peter Warren has played with just about everyone from Dionne Warwick to Don Cherry. Flipping Parts I, II and III are a triptych of connected pieces with ever-changing tempos, moods and modes, as the musicians exchange places and combinations. The interplay ranges from melodic to aleatory explorations. Open Strings has the musicians playing off each other – there’s a lot of risk-taking here, and Kühn’s technical mastery, sense of humor, and sheer inventiveness is mind-boggling. Sad Ballad builds in intensity before subsiding into a melancholy melody juxtaposing chaos and simplicity. Fascinating and exciting music on the edge.

Tracklist:

01 - Flipping, Pt. 1
02 - Flipping, Pt. 2
03 - Flipping, Pt. 3
04 - Open Strings
05 - Sad Ballad

Produced by Jean-Luc Ponty & Joachim E. Berendt.
Engineered by Rolf Donner & Willi Fruth.
Recorded in December 1971 at MPS-Studio, Villingen, Germany.
Digitally Remastered.

Musicians:
Jean-Luc Ponty - violin
Joachim Kühn - keyboards
Philip Catherine - guitar
Peter Warren - bass
Oliver Johnson - drums


Thanks to the Original customer!