Enigmatic Ocean, parts I-IV

Enigmatic Ocean is an album by French Jazz-Fusion artist Jean-Luc Ponty, released in 1977. It reached #1 on the Billboard Jazz album chart in 1977.
Jean-Luc Ponty -- electric violin, five-string electric violin, violectra, bells
Allan Holdsworth -- lead electric guitar
Daryl Stuermer -- lead and rhythm electric guitar
Allan Zavod -- organ, synthesizer, electric piano, grand piano, clavinet
Ralphe Armstrong -- electric basses, fretless bass
Steve Smith -- drums and percussion

[@kwoods1960]

The staccato of Stuermer balanced with the legato and both staccato of Holdsworth is magic. Never to be repeated in our lifetime. It was another time

[@mushbone]

I've told my family that I want them to play Part IV at my funeral. I'm confident it'll bring me back to life.

[@inakidelvalle5580]

Yo también deseo que en mi funeral suene el ultimo tramo de All in a mouse,s night de Génesis de su álbum Wind and Wuthering

[@DenPay]

I'm glad there's people out there who still "DIG" this great music.

[@Mr1967flyingv]

Oh yes!!

[@pangeaproxima3681]

What? What?

[@user-ut3ij5ji3n]

I'm more into classic rock and metal, but this music influenced those genres in some ways so I want to get into it more and explore its greatness ;)

[@MrWindflight]

Bassist Ralphe Armstrong is a standout here also, deep in the groove!!! He is the anchor for this cosmic tripping!!! He and Steve Smith are locked!!!

[@rembeadgc]

One of the greatest fusion masterpieces ever from one of the greatest fusion player/composers ever. Everyone's playing is stellar on this landmark recording, but I have to mention Allan Holdsworth separately. Yes, I am a huge Holdsworth fan, and his playing here is gorgeous and sometimes sublime. Hats off to Ponty for respecting Holdsworth's talent and putting it to proper use on this recording. Pure joy.

[@islandguy9380]

they just don't make music like this anymore, sadly

[@greatmusic382]

heavily agree, thanks

[@Charlie67131]

Donaldbyrd

[@greatmusic382]

totally right on

[@Guitfiddlejase]

What a wonderful comment..and yes.Holdsworth is undoubtedly the standout..and of course Ralphe Armstrong..one of the finest bassists in the world.. Holdsworth will remain a hero on the instrument..a hero to the music..

[@donmilland7606]

The harmonic build up until that final release to that Dmaj9 chord in Part I is indescribably beautiful

[@mushbone]

I have listened to this at least once a month for almost 40 years. It never gets old. It's magnificent.

[@greatmusic382]

me too, totally agree

[@ntesslafan]

I know what you mean. I listen to this and it sounds timeless.

[@veblenrules]

while not racking up that record. this a go to for 70's fusion and just amazing playing. it is magnificent. Ralphe is on fire.

[@mikegustafson58]

Wandered into a Luc Ponty concert not knowing what to expect in college. Incredible. Blown away. One of the best group of musicians ever.

[@TallSomeone]

Go to 6:00 people and hear what Allan Holdsworth gave this world in 1977. He did it on top of Ralphe simply bringing PLUTO to EARTH on the bass. It is a gift that will live for many decades, as have things from Bach, Coltrane and others.

[@michaelalderete9622]

Yeah, Ralphe, funky, but so smart about the melody he's plucking. Egging Allan on.

[@TallSomeone]

@Kenneth Liburd It's not held to doing such.

[@dimitryos5254]

Well said.

[@TallSomeone]

Steve is killing the drums.

[@robbyrob0723]

I thought it was Casey Scheuerell. I just looked it up though and your right. Does have his sound. I used to play to this album a lot in high school. The rest of my friends weren't into anything more complex than Rush. But, for me Rush just played in 7/8 a lot. Not very challenging. So, along with this album I graduated from prog to fusion. Led me down a rabbit hole for the next 40 years.

[@Voltage335]

You won't believe how long I have searched for this. Used to play this stuff in the 70's. Thanks.

[@stillphil]

4:13 goosebumps 5:01 taking flight 6:17 getting funky on another planet 11:38 that TONE. Man oh man. * I pretty much used to do this with my album . . . seek out and REPEAT the Holdsworth parts.

[@wkehl2011]

;-D

[@locustmaster7773]

Amazing comment !!!

[@michaelalderete9622]

Nice breakdown of a multifaceted song. I gotta try the same thing on the song of my choice.

[@michaelalderete9622]

No Sh&t "goosebumps", those lines are genius! Holdsworth!

[@zatoichi3134]

moments like that ya gotta step back and wonder was he just visiting earth... he's off again.

[@dealsbetweenfriends]

Rock had to catch up on this one................................ALan H takes his guitar to heaven on this one..! literally.. RIP!

[@PasadaP]

This album was my first introduction to the hurricane of sound that is Allan Holdsworth. I've been a fan ever since. One of my very favorite albums of all time.

[@toddehrman2179]

I never tire of hearing this ever.....eternal brilliance...

[@islandguy9380]

I've got this album on vinyl. it's kick ass and killer played on my analog system.

[@motohead342]

I believe that is the great Daryl Stuermer on guitar, swapping with Holdsworth. This album, and Brufords One Of A Kind are timeless masterpieces! Both had Holdsworth.

[@deepkeel65]

Jean-Luc Ponty - electric violin, five-string electric violin, violectra, bells, grand piano on Nostalgic Lady Allan Holdsworth - lead electric guitar Daryl Stuermer - lead and rhythm electric guitar Allan Zavod - organ, synthesizer, electric piano, grand piano, clavinet Ralphe Armstrong - electric basses, fretless bass Steve Smith - drums and percussion

[@joycesweeting3211]

deepkeel65 you are correct. Thanks. Darryl is also an excellent guitarist!!

[@islandguy9380]

yep, it's Daryl

[@robbyrob0723]

Yes it is Daryl. He shreds next to anyone unless anyone's name is Allan Holdsworth.

[@ricknichols7609]

Yes- It really was! Saw this at Great Southeast Music hall. Sitting right up front Sept. 1977. Watched Daryl Steurmer in Milwaukee at the Bull Ring '74- '75 before he made it "big" so much talent! Unreal memories!

[@EmmyandMax]

Listen and feel the solos on these pieces and you may understand the greatness of Allan Holdsworth. This is incredible. No one can touch this level of musicianship in any genre.

[@TallSomeone]

Such respect you have! But: Allan would say, in his unearthly humility, that plenty of artists can touch this level of worth and accomplishment. He would be saying that the tone and flavor variances are infinite, and that talent and depth are subjective.

[@dimitryos5254]

Shawn Lane was genius also.

[@TallSomeone]

The best bass performance ever in any fusion or other genre I can think of.

[@enejka]

ponty ..1977 holdsworth brillantes , asombrosa musica que hoy sigo amando ...bravoo....¡¡¡

[@anthonybranch4712]

Thank you SO much for putting this together as one unit, instead of having it broken up. THIS is how this masterpiece was MEANT to be enjoyed!

[@SKarlsson]

Holdsworth's work on part 3 is some of the most sublime guitar I've ever heard.

[@joycesweeting5675]

hell yes

[@greatmusic382]

agree

[@greatmusic382]

Holger has got it !!! thank you !!! ... this is it ... !!! ....

[@salviadivinorum1762]

ditto , RIP Allen

[@herveponcin7508]

Gong "Gazeuse " great too

[@AndrewLA52]

I was in grad school from 1977-1978, and i played this song every saturday morning to get my day started right. My neigbors never complained but I think they enjoyed it. This series of songs just spoke volumes about the talent of JLP. AndrewLA52

[@Physics072]

Oh yes, Jean Luc! I saw him like 10 times live in the late 70s. He sounds better live than the record. I use to take some of my rock n roll buddys to see Ponty and they were not into Jazz. They all walked away with jaws dropped. He always had great musicians. Ralph Armstrong, Steve Smith, Daryl Stuermer on guitar. Saw Stuermer do that intense solo from Imaginary Voyage Part IV. I still listen to Ponty..

[@billharris1133]

I seen him 3 times in Pittsburgh. Twice at the old Syria Mosque and once at Sandcastle. Met him after the show there. What an honor. The greatest jazz violinist in my time.

[@chrissquire8542]

...me too. Fortunate enough to see & hear 5 times. Most recently in St. Louis with Jon Anderson. Amazing....

[@davidparry8514]

me too...saw him several times in Santa Cruz and in Hawaii.he (they) gave a fantastic concert.

[@pierre-louisguenette3905]

Goodbye Mr Holdsworth, fly safe peacefully to what's next...

[@fluxdust]

Holy cow, I learn this now. wow.... a real loss...

[@josephbruno2998]

ALAN HOLDSWORTH SOLOS ON PART 2+3......brilliant!!!!

[@10jact]

Love this even more after all these years! Brilliant! Still!

[@chinawilder]

I'll never forget seeing and hearing Jean Luc Ponty for the first time, it was intoxicating! I was told by a "fellow concert attendee" that I appeared to be "one with the music" and indeed I certainly did feel that was the case. In Corvallis I forget the year, late 70's maybe. The concert ROCKED me!

[@hutley58]

1 of the greatest fusion albums ever made. Fantastic musicianship

[@amsedelm]

Love love love this tune! this whole album is a classic for eternity! What a time that was!

[@t.o.miller2000]

Thank you, Lord, for Allan Holdsworth...

[@dealsbetweenfriends]

2018 we lost the GreaT Alan Holdsworth....! heaven on Rock n Fusion!

[@THESTIG5954]

A great album never dates has to be one of the very best examples of jazz rock fusion to date.

[@GiorgiAkhalaia]

I was 16 years old when I first listened to this incredible music, it was in 2006, I was searching some new stuff, and I'm really thankful that I found Jean luc Ponty, part two and three was my favourite ones, fell in love from the first listening

[@pappy439]

heard this for the first time on an FMStation out of North Texas University in 77 and was hooked, still have LP..

[@louisemaggs4589]

Ralphe armstrong !! absolutley fab!!

[@greatmusic382]

WOW!!!!! ... album cover photo taken near a favorite surfing location of mine... i was an 18 year old Pro Surfer living in Malibu, California, at the time..... met Allan 5 years later.... talked to Tony Williams on the phone a few years later ... THIS SONG,,,,,, THIS ALBUM, 1977,,, PUSHED ME !!!! on and on and on..... this is rocket fuel for the soul..... amazing musicianship from every player.

[@THESTIG5954]

Jazz fusion at its very very best so tight the arrangements....Top Draw

[@davidgreen1504]

I don't care who you are an average music listener or a season listener once you hear Holdsworth play you hook you know right then it's beyond human playing RIP thank you.

[@MegaCarli12]

high energy great stuff

[@jeffsmart110]

Among his best...so lucky to have seen him live 4x!!!!-the best was NYC with Ralphe Armstrong on bass--Ambrosia was the opening act--what a show!!!

[@MegaCarli12]

this album never gets old sounds great every tme wonderful stuff

[@greatmusic382]

( 5:41 ) through 7:41 - two minutes, all we ask -- Not familiar with guitar legend Allan Holdsworth? here he is !!!!!!

[@ricaard]

Steve Smith has long been a very respected drummer in JAZZ circles, not just the rock/Journey fans...

[@andrewj4442]

ricaard Yes, he certainly is. 👍👍

[@joecrowaz]

I had the pleasure and the honor of mixing him live with Vital Information, at Chuy's in Tempe Az. Bonus, Tom Coster's amazing stories about the road with Santana!

[@ricaard]

@@andrewj4442 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@ricaard]

@@joecrowaz wow, that's cool as hell!

[@ricaard]

@@joecrowaz are you a venue mixer, or a road one?

[@xtendedline]

just so goood after all the years, his smile says it all... ;-)

[@ChicagoBeaver]

I was the only kid in high school or even years after that before I knew anybody that knew JLP! I saw an ad for Cosmic Mssgr in a Creem magazine. That did it, after that I bought all of his earlier albums including this one. Hooked since 1978. My life is not complete without seeing him in concert. I hope he comes to Portland Oregon!!!!!

[@fortheloveofgoodmusic..4549]

One of my favorite albums of all time.. I wish that they would remaster it the right way... they never did (too Bright, and Ralphie is always lost in the mix/remastering) So I always find myself pulling out the original vinyl.. and blasting it..

[@dbmay1975]

Seek out the 4-disc out-of-print box set “Electric Fusion” and you will hear Ralphe much better.

[@fortheloveofgoodmusic..4549]

@@dbmay1975 Interesting, thanks

[@JMJM244]

What else can you say but AMAZING

[@greatmusic382]

AMAZING !!! thank you for the comments thread

[@locustmaster7773]

Exactly amazing comment !

[@TallSomeone]

Ralphe killing the bottom for us and the band. So, so immortal.

[@rofanolubis]

Gem .. atmospheric ...Enigmatic one from Jean Luc Ponty ! Great Album ! Thanks for share !

[@noternunstoned]

when the 4 musicians were trading 8's, Stuermer was playing his rapid fire double picking solo, then Holdsworth counters with a simple, whammy bar legato that's heavenly, Mozart would be proud

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

This entire album is a prime example of a group of musicians at the top of their games bringing it together in a perfect package. JLP gives everyone an opportunity to shine and they don't just shine, they blaze like the sun.

[@FreddieMaranzano]

I've no idea of how is it possible to write and play music like this... It's so beautiful that it seems possible only in dreams!

[@TheGurner1]

Steve Smith - Alan Holdsworth outstanding here

[@rembeadgc]

Still loving this music with every listen. Let's not forget Steve Smith on drums, who later became the drummer for Journey and the jazz fusion groups Steps Ahead and Vital Information. His playing here with Ponty is immaculate and passionate. He was the perfect drummer for this landmark recording.!

[@greatmusic382]

wicked heavenly rippin amazing guitar solo,,,, frkkn over the top.... love you Allan

[@paulsimon6544]

Holdsworth is absolutely incredible on this and plays better solos than anyone else on the record.

[@glennkrzywicki4954]

Wow, I haven't heard this in about 30 years. Love it.

[@10jact]

Jean Luc Ponty's music is brilliant!

[@scottsmith8509]

I saw them play this song live with Alllan in LA, I think the bass player was either Abe Liboriel or Nathan East was the most insane concert I have ever seen . Miss those times

[@greatmusic382]

Holdsworth.... still, as always, on FIRE++.......

[@wagnergitirana]

When I think about Allan and Jean, I think about light! They were ahead of their time... space-time continuum; and I don’t use these words vaguely. Jean still keep going and Allan sure will be missed!

[@kfsfkakf]

Just the thought of a Jazz Violinist is badass. The fact he made a Fusion masterpiece like this is even more badass

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

I'd suggest part of the reason JLP got Allan Holdsworth in for this record was due to AH also being a more than handy violinist himself.

[@minjoem]

you can't help but smile and the goose bumps!

[@diressantana3132]

Anos 80 e 90 ouvia JLP pensando na cidade onde moro e trabalho numa Fazenda de Produção de Leite (morava em São Paulo - Brazil) hoje vivo e trabalho em Corumbataí -SP Brazil e tenho o prazer de ouvir suas musícas, gosto demais, única asuencia é meu pai que também gostava. Sou feliz em ouvir suas musicas, levam -me ao passado.

[@lgbm777]

Love JLP. Without a doubt Enigmatic Ocean is one of the very best Jazz/Fusion albums of all time.

[@TheDanielBaden]

what a sensational piece of music

[@greatmusic382]

truly

[@ferrywever]

IMHO his best made ever recording, thank you fluxdust

[@inakidelvalle5580]

El duelo entre Daryl Stuermer y Allan Holdsworth es increíble....no se quien es mejor.....que recuerdos me trae este disco tan divino....👍

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

They both bring their A games that's for sure.

[@minjoem]

whichever one you are listening to at that moment is the best

[@alienlovecharm]

8:25 - Ralphe's nod to Stanley Clarke! His bass COOKED!

[@ntesslafan]

Ralphe Armstrong played amazing bass guitar on this one and many others. Love to hear him play.

[@octofish]

Excellent. Great memories of some damn good times.

[@DogCatchersBand]

When Holdsworth busts out with the legato style @ 6:16 it kills me every time!

[@ericsteadman6687]

Incredible Song and Album

[@SeerTrulth]

Bass players unite: Ralphe Armstrong on this. He taught bass at Oberlin Conservatory recently.

[@enricocasasola7708]

I love this album...everyone's on fire ..yea

[@christtransformers8438]

God bless my spiritual brother Jean-Luc

[@kwoods1960]

at 6:15 arguably the greatest lead solo ever recorded. It sparked a generation of emulators to this day who've never come close

[@garymcaleer6112]

Throughout my years @ The Peabody Conservatory, Jean-Luc's music gave me joy amidst the classical literature I had to learn to audition for my symphony career. Fond memories. Thanks, bro!

[@greatmusic382]

Holdsworth Ponty Stuermer Smith Armstrong Zavod tight as can ever be - oh yeah oh yeah

[@ricknichols7609]

Saw this upfront at Great Southeast Music Hall Atl. Sept. 1977 What a rush!! The earlier days '74 - '75 watched Daryl at the Bull Ring in Milwaukee .

[@ricknichols7609]

The expertise of these great musicians-talent, timing will never be repeated on this original level. Love it to this day at age 70! Super exciting!

[@edgreen8140]

Was excellent when it came out and stand the test of time!

[@radio.m.i.x]

don't forget allan zavod on keys!

[@srb-ef3zs]

radiomix impossible to forget him!

[@whisk941]

Zavod's doing such a fantastic job here, the interplay in the middle blows my hair off every time.

[@foumfidis]

Jazz Fusion at its best !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rrapzz]

Also we need more likes and more views here!

[@johndoe1765]

THIS ALBUM MADE MY HIGH SCHOOL DAYS A LOT BETTER TRUST ME.

[@joycesweeting3211]

The second part to this song is great! sounds like Frank Zappa's "Going to Montana, then the 3rd part comes in with the funky beat, bass and of course Alan Holdsworth on guitar. What a classic! Oh! and part one is great ,too

[@adamflax2012]

This is music of the spheres...badass beyond belief. Holdsworth is Godzilla dancing ballet...takes down the whole city

[@Bluesdirections]

@Voltage335 Same here. I searched for Mirage for a long time. It reminds me of a certain stretch of road just before reaching Hanoi International Airport.

[@lgbm777]

My favorite fusion-jazz album. Love JLP !

[@joaojuca]

I'm crying lunatic tears.

[@BeeKay308]

Checked my iPod, it's in the top 10 of most played songs in my 4,600+ collection . Go figure. Great music!

[@greatmusic382]

ALLAN HOLDSWORTH SOLO ON PART 3 ---- ( 5:58 ) TOTALLY MIND BLOWING.... YOU HAVE TO ADMIT? COMMENTS ?.....

[@greatmusic382]

sexual, gentle, fiery, fierce, powerful, gentle, totally there... altered consciousness... total consciousness!!

[@plexiseagull]

Amazing!

[@anthonyvoneckstein18]

This album is a flurry of the best instrumentalists in jazz rock fusion coming together to record one of the best concept albums of all time. Notable is Steve Smith on drums who went from this type of delivery....and then dumbed down to play for Journey....however he most definitely earned an upgrade in his paycheck for his type of talent. As well....Holdsworth's solo's and tones are just classic throughout the album. A top ten desert island choice!

[@PabloAcevedoTorres]

Dis is central in a music lovers diet, hush hush keep listening to the emmys

[@Manwdaplan]

The intro of Enigmatic Ocean Pt III alone (6:00 to apprx 6:20) sets the stage for one of the greatest jazz/funk groves ever performed: drummer Smith kickstarts and then maintains the steady heartbeat between Bassist Armstrong, Streumer’s rhythmic guitar licks and Zavod’s dashes of keyboard that anchor otherworldly solos by Holdsworth and Ponty . . . timeless greatness!!!

[@chriscollins570]

Thank you for this post, fluxdust!

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love it!!

[@Periphery830]

11:22 Incredible drop followed by one of the best melodies I've ever heard. What a fucking song.