Jean-Luc Ponty - Enigmatic Ocean

I really like Enigmatic Ocean. The violin jams are scorching hot, and absolutely exciting. The album feels like a mid 70's Jeff Beck album in terms of sound and style (of course Beck focuses on the guitar, not the violin- must be the production of the album that sounds the same). Can't pick a favorite song when every single moment of Enigmatic Ocean features lots of energy, beauty and challenging violin and guitar playing. It's quite an album.

This is one of those rare cases where EVERYTHING comes together and feels so right. I found myself playing certain songs over and over just so I can remember them. It was a pleasure to do so, because every time you hear these songs, you remember a little bit more each time. Interesting how there's a moody atmosphere throughout the album, while violin solos can be used as a challenge for people who are willing to take that challenge. This is just great great stuff.

My son plays the violin and just started playing with a jazz band. He's 16 and appreciates all types of music. But, now that he's focusing on jazz violin... he really likes Jean-Luc Ponty. I bought a couple for his Christmas stocking!

I am surprized and delighted to see the rare unanimous 5-star rating on this album, and I am happy to join in and continue the trend!!! I have been a Jean-Luc fan since the release of the incredible Imaginary Voyage in '76, and this is arguably Ponty's best album ever!!! This is a stand-out album even among the fusion classics!!! Keyboardist Allan Zavod was a standard member of the band at the time, and he really shines on this album. British guitarist Allan Holdsworth adds his remarkable talent and personality in perfect form. Session guitarist Darryl Steurmer (who is now playing guitar for Genesis) does an excellent job on this album. Jean-Luc's friend from his days in The Mahavishnu Orchestra, Ralphe Armstrong on bass, is marvelous. And Steve Smith (who joined Journey a year later in time to enjoy their fame in the late '70s, and later started Vital Information) is supurb as well. The music is inspired and astronomical throughout!! One of the loftiest, best examples of the fusion movement!!! This is an energetic, vital and necessary album!!! It's easy to want to over-talk about this album and go into details that you can read in other reviews on this site. I won't impose that on you here. If you've ever tried to compile or compose an artwork such as a music album as I have (believe me, I'm no real musician and I'm not claiming that I am of a professional calibre), but if you have tried to do such a thing, you may have realized that sometimes the right collection of tunes comes together and inadvertently, a masterpiece comes out...a piece of magic that is something special and is much greater than the sum of its parts. Believe me. Enigmatic Ocean is such an album. This album is such a masterpiece! Even in the glorious realm of fusion, this album stands out as one of the greats!

I've never seen an album so unanimously loved here at Amazon! But it is nice confirmation for those of us who place it among our top 5 albums of all time. There's no question that all the musicians here were top-notch, and just worked so naturally together on this album. But the dazzling solos would have gone unnoticed had it not been for Ponty's incredible compositions supporting them, and the unique voice of his electric violin. This was the type of album in the 1970's that caught your attention immediately, and stretched your musical tastes into a whole new and exciting style of contemporary music. For a young man (at that time!) who was just learning to appreciate the bass guitar in much of progressive music, I found Armstrong's jazzy but progressive fretless bass a source of endless creativity and fun.

Really, there is little I can add to the gushing reviews that others have already posted, but I needed to acknowledge this album's brilliance if only for reasons of posterity. This was indeed JLP's best, and one of the greatest albums ever - fusion, jazz, rock, prog...whatever. Absolutely essential for those stranded on a deserted island surrounded by...ocean.
(Bring extra batteries!)

I value interesting music that is played and recorded well. This cd's rating was based on:
Music quality = 9.7/10; Performance = 9.5/10; Production = 8.5/10; CD length = 8/10.
Overall score weighted on my proprietary scale = 9.3 ("5 stars")

I experienced this music when I was 20, back when Enigmatic Ocean was originally released, while smoking pot with a group of friends. I've always disliked smoking pot, and never had a good experience with it EXCEPT for that night -- it felt so wonderful being tossed around in all that sound. I haven't heard EO again until tonight, and it's every bit as incredible as I remembered it to be... now THAT's what I call transcendental.

Like the others, I agree that this is JLP's best (IMHO) -

I have a cool story that can be used as trivia:

Last year (2006) I saw a Vital Information show here in L.A., and Steve Smith was as phenomenal as ever. After the show, I had the opportunity to meet him, and I always had one question for him: "Are you the same Steve Smith on Jean Luc Ponty's 'Enigmatic Ocean'...?" He smiled and said (very humbly) "...yes... it was my first album recording. I was a teenager then..." -he said it with a big grin, too.
Yep, this is THE album to get.

The reviews here show that people are passionate about this recording. Most feel this is not only JLP's finest but also one of fusion's best. I agree. What really sets this apart and gives it such lasting power are the musicians. Yes, the compostins are great but this would not have been the classic it is if JLP had gathered other players. After buying this you should check out the follow-up works by these briliiant artists...

Drummer Steve Smith's Vital Information
Guitarist Allan Holdsworth (anything - he is truly a living legend)
Allan Zavod - hard to find but worth it, the band New York Mary
Daryl Stuermer's work with early Phil Collins, Daryl's the weakest on this date but he's still great.
Ralphe Armstrong with Mahavishnu Orch.

This recording introduced me to Holdsworth. I thought he was playing wrong but I could not stop listening to his solos. Then I "got it" and wrong became oh so right! Thank you JLP for this revelation!

I'm a huge fan of Ponty. Have quite a few of his recordings. This is the best of the lot (although Cosmic Messenger ranks a close second). Everybody was in their right place during the making of this disk. With bassman Ralphe Armstrong at his side,this man and his band have it turned up all the way with their ability to play music beyond those of most mortal men.

Enigmatic Ocean (1977) is another great Jean Luc Ponty album that once again features the blistering technical approach demonstrated on Imaginary Voyage (1976). As a fan of progressive rock and jazz rock, I really appreciate the mixture of progressive and jazz rock elements and especially the virtuoso performances, which are stacked floor to rafters on this album.

Joining Jean Luc Ponty (electric violin; five-string electric violin; violectra; bells; and grand piano on Nostalgic Lady) are world class guitarist extraordinaire Alan Holdsworth; former Mahavishnu Orchestra bassist Ralphe Armstrong; Allan Zavod (Hammond organ; synthesizers; electric piano; clavinet; and grand piano); Steve Smith (drums); and session player Darryl Steurmer (guitar). As I have frothed about already, these guys are out of this world and the ensemble and individual virtuosity is breath-taking. Speaking of which, master guitarist Alan Holdsworth shines throughout and it is an absolute thrill to hear his blindingly fast and distinctive legato phrasing, whether with U.K. Soft Machine, or Gong. I should note that Darryl's playing sounds a bit forced - especially in contrast with Alan's free-flowing and virtuosic flourishes (Alan makes it sound easy). Where they are featured, the solos are presented in typical jazz-rock fashion, with lead instruments (violin/synths/guitars) each getting a few bars to stretch out (on the closing section of The Struggle of the Turtle to the Sea, both bassist Ralphe and "blazing" drummer Steve join the soloing). Enigmatic Ocean however, is a very interesting jazz rock album in that solos and complete arrangements are nicely balanced.

Although purely instrumental, the music is very well arranged and there are some nice dynamic contrasts with simply fantastic (and very organic sounding) synth textures. The highlight for me however is the four - part Enigmatic Ocean suite, which bears more than a passing semblance to prog rock, although the chord structures are distinctly "jazzy" at times (just to remind the listener that this is a jazz rock album). There is a teeny tiny bit of funk too, and Ralphe simply grooves on these sections (especially on his solo) - he is a solid bassist and serves not only as excellent counterpoint, but as an anchor too.

This really is a fantastic album of progressive jazz rock and is very highly recommended along with Imaginary Voyage. Other albums that feature a similar mixture of progressive rock and jazz rock (and might also be enjoyable) include two by the German group Passport (Looking Thru, 1974; and Cross-Collateral, 1975).

I also own Imaginary Voyage and love this type of music. If you like this type of music, you should love Jean-Luc Ponty. His style is unique and ingenius. This is a must for any decent collection.

The Holdsworth solos on this CD are out of this world. This CD is probably the most complete work by JLP. Worth the price. Great band. Good songs. Excellent concept. There's not too much synth-work on here so don't worry, it does not sound dated.

Because other reviewers have basically said the same things about this wonderful album, I'll keep this one short. This is one of a handful of jazz/rock releases that anyone calling themselves a "fusion-head" should already own. For anyone just getting into the genre, this is a MUST as it is considered JLP's greatest achievement and is more acssesable(and less dated) than other acts that were producing similar music at the time. The musicians on EO are all top shelf players(you know them by now) and they KILL on this album. And if you only know drummer Steve Smith from his Journey years, you are in for a big surprise here.
I rank EO among my top 5 favorite fusion albums, and the title track among my top 3 fusion tracks. For me, this album epitomizes everything I know to be jazz-rock fusion....consistent 5-star ratings is no coincidence and should be testimony enough to BUY NOW if you are unfortunate enough not to have this CD in your "stash". Strongest recommendations along with his greatest hits package, "Le Voyage"

Jean Luc Ponty got his start playing insanely technically challenging classical riffs with Frank Zappa. Go from there,
add equal parts jazz and extended jam rock and you've got a very
unique (historically) album now remastered for beautiful CD
sound: Ponty's soaring electric violin with a smokin' back up
band - Enjoy!

There are other "fusion" recordings that are more important than Enigmatic Ocean from a purely historical perspective: Miles Davis' Bitches Brew broke new ground and John McLaughlin's Inner Mounting Flame paved the road. But neither of these can hold a candle to this JLP masterpiece.

JLP pulled off the enviable and created a timeless masterpiece that it's both intense and MUSICAL! Something, that in my opinion, most other fusion recordings fall FAR short of achieving; including both of the aforementioned recordings.

This is just a GREAT, GREAT recording. There is very little else that I can add that hasn't already been said. It is flawless in every sense.

Almost thirty years after its initial release, this is one album I will never tire of. The recording may sound a bit dated, but the music is timeless. Ponty has mastered the art of improvising over the same instrumental passages for long periods of time without monotony. The melodies captivate and the musicianship is top-notch. It's refreshing to hear violin as a main ingredient in any band (besides classical) so this is quite a treat. Ponty has recorded many stunning discs but this one stands out and would be a great introduction to this fabulous performer. Enjoy.

I first noticed Jean-Luc-Ponty back in 1969 when he did some gigs with Frank Zappa. I saw this album in 77' and thought what the heck, and gave it a try. Not trying to classify it at the time as jazz or fusion or whatever else people try to catagorize it as, I was flat out floored. Played it strong for a few years and then never heard it again until recently as I rebuild a huge library of music from the 60's and 70's with my son. This music is as great today as it was then. A masterful piece of work with a very tight band. Playing this music today for people is humorous because they have no idea it is from the seventies. It can appear as a current piece of work by a modern progressive jazz or new age performer. It is that good. I am more impressed with this music today than I was back when I bought the original LP. This is a must have just to show the diversity of our music culture at the time. It was a very progressive period and this is one of the great by-products that evolved from that time period. Enigmatic Ocean is a true masterpiece that you will enjoy no matter what your age.

I've waited a long, long time to write a review for this one. Actually, words are wholly inadequate to describe this recording. Imagine music that grabs all of your being, inside and out. Imagine music when music was not just product, but reflected the passion of outstanding musicians.

EVERYONE I know who has heard Enigmatic Ocean LOVES it. If Ralphe Armstrong's second bass solo on "The Struggle of the Turtle of the Sea" doesn't light you up, then you're dead.

I listen to this CD at least twice a week and will almost certainly continue to do so until I die or go deaf. BUY THIS CD!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this album - I adore it. If you are a fan of jazz or rock in any form, I fully recommend this album. Everything about this album is superb, from start to finish. The songs are intense, passionate, and EXCESSIVELY well played. Allan Holdsworth weaves his meandering and beautiful guitar solos throughout, Daryl Stuermer keeps it up with Rhythm guitar, Jean-Luc Ponty and his soaring violin interject bursts of colour, and Ralphe Armstrong serves up some FANTASTIC bass playing. His playing on this album, in fact, helped me decide to play Bass. I would easily set him amongst the ranks of Jaco Pastorius and Percy Jones as the greatest Jazz bassists ever - greatest bassists ever, period.

So, I guess what i'm trying to say is: Buy this CD.

I was barely 5 when this album was released. I hadn't heard this until I was in my twenties. Although the synthesizer sounds are slightly dated, it doesn't matter. The musicianship is extraordinary and I can only imagine what it was like hearing him play this material live in the day. This is one of those rare albums that has the ability to take me away to some distant place that is indescribable in words. It transcends time. Quite frankly I'm surprised there aren't more reviews for this album. Buy this now.

It was Jean-Luc-Ponty who solidified my appreciation of jazz fusion and helped me to forever turn my back on the tired and noisy heavy metal garbage of the late seventies. I liked it loud and fast but wanted quality. Seeing Jean-Luc do this album in concert in October, 1977 made me an all time fan. The Enigmatic Ocean suite (especially part 3) showcases Ponty's genius as each part builds in energy to a level of musical brilliance that leaves you in awe. All the musicians on this album perform at Ponty's level and take their turn making you play the air wid 'em. Check out Ralph and Allan on the last track! This is the best fusion album of all time and is "Signature Jean-Luc."