Jean-Luc Ponty- Cosmic Messenger (First Listen)

[@bobmessier5215]

OMG...I probably haven't heard this since 1978. Great tune!

[@delllittle5692]

"Mystical Adventures" is my jam, but this is about the same era. Taught violin by his dad, taught classical piano by his mom........so....... Played in Paris Symphony at a very early age then moonlighted in the jazz clubs over there.

[@alencar5420]

A great song for your analysis: MIRAGE BY JEAN-LUC PONTY! Simply Beautiful!!!✌️

[@Parapascal]

Thanks for the song. I've to dive deeper into his music.

[@Jaybird-zl9ve]

Civilized Evil was always my go to JLP.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

My favorite Jean-Luc Ponty album.. I wore this album out when it came out... so, so good. I haven't heard this in over a decade and it still sounds so fresh. I'm going to have to dig this out and listen to it all over again.. Thanks for the reaction, Justin... and the reminder to pull this classic out! A perfect combination of prog and jazz, with some sweet hooks. Cheers!

[@violetflame23]

I love Yes, Rush, Styx, Kansas, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Supertramp, etc. but JLP's music is another level up. It's the most sophisticated music I've ever heard. I've seen his group 7 times and am always blown away by the level of musicianship as well as JLP's arrangements of these beautiful pieces.Thanks for the reaction Justin.

[@susangonsalves9636]

Jean Luc Ponty and Jon Anderson (of Yes) toured a few years ago and I was lucky enough to see them in Boston. They were magical together. The CD they did together was also awesome. Please consider listening to their collaboration. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[@e997e]

I've heard of Jean-Luc Ponty, but never heard anything by him. This sounded really cool; I'll have to get more into him. I loved the hook and the drumming was fantastic. Thanks for the reaction: )

[@mikewoodrow5878]

When I saw Supertramp on the 1979 BIA tour, Jean-Luc was the (perfect) opening act .

[@Oldhogleg]

I still remember buying that album when it came out back in the 70's

[@withwilltheresaway3802]

JLP; true virtuoso! Will never forget seeing him in NYC mid 70's and he complained to his sound crew in between songs with his French accent Why he's getting feedback and to "get it together guys" comment. He was great and the band was too. "Don't Let The World Pass You By" is the best song on the album - in my opinion. It's Fusion 101. BTW, Sound team corrected the feedback.

[@hatsbo1]

A lot of us 70's prog heads started delving into jazz rock fusion when the critics and record companies turned sour on prog. Ponty was one of the many artists we discovered and explored. Others include Passport, Tim Weisburg, Weather Report, Chick Corea's Return to Forever, to name a few.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

Mahavishnu Orchestra, Stomu Yamashta, Sun Ra...

[@mileator]

Oh man! How did I miss this? God! This was 3 weeks ago? Glad you got to hear it 😁

[@JustJP]

Haha ty Miles!

[@jonathansmith3742]

My first listen too. I was not disappointed.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

JLP's very best song is "Renaissance" from the album "Aurora." It has a great piano solo by Patrice Rushen.

[@markvandermyde4361]

Absolute agreement. Sublime. On the playlist since '76.

[@grahamkemble3917]

I saw him on July 16, 1979. He opened for Supertramp at J. W. Little Stadium in London ON. Very entertaining opening act for an amazing show.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

Saw him open up for Supertramp on the "Breakfast In America" tour. Was a good show.

[@blackcatcentralmusic]

Ponty turned out jazz fusion of consistent high quality in the '70s. My favorite is "Enigmatic Ocean" with Allan Holdsworth on guitar. "Mirage" is a good tune from that album. "Imaginary Voyage" is another favorite album.

[@jimschroeder1176]

I can't believe you're reviewing Jean Luc Ponty. "As" is another great song by him. I saw him live with the band Rite of Strings, which is kind of a "supergroup" featuring Jean Luc Ponty, Al Di Meola, and Stanley Clark at our jazz festival. Good review, glad you liked him and this song.

[@MrPolleyr]

For the last year and a half you have been introducing a generation to some of the best music ever created. After going digital I got rid of all my albums (stupid thing to do) and my brain can’t recall all the amazing music I had in my collection. Thank you for reviving my passion for all these great artists.

[@matthewrobinson7379]

"Cosmic Messenger": the Greek god Hermes, to the Romans, Mercury. Look at the cover art. The figure looks so like it's made of mettalic mercury. Listen to all this guy's music. He's with Zappa also, on "Apostrophe/Overnight Sensation."

[@hilocus]

He has much better recordings than Cosmic Messenger. The album 'Aurora" with Daryl Stuermer on guitar, for example and Enigmatic Ocean with Allan Holdsworth are fantastic records.

[@beldin2987]

+1 to that, those were also my favorites from him.

[@benavich8]

With all due respect and this is JMO, I wouldn't say that the other albums are "much better" than CM - that's a pretty strong LP from start to finish...just different, like all of them...I sort of lump all of those earlier ones together...Imaginary Voyage, Enigmatic Ocean, Aurora, A Taste for Passion, etc. It was an incredible run for Mr. Ponty...a genius composer and violinist.

[@deanzaZZR]

I think JP needs a few more simpler songs before the epic The Struggle of the Turtle to the Sea.

[@magister8084]

Dary who later joined as the touring member of Genesis...

[@shyshift]

@@deanzaZZR That’s my favorite by him. The guitars are the stars on Turtle and the title cut. Allan Holdsworth always said Enigmatic Ocean was his favorite session.

[@2thePtBassTuT]

Ah yes... this brings me back into my foray into jazz fusion as a college student. I grabbed all I could find from Jean-Luc Ponty, Bill Bruford ("Feels Good To Me" album/cd is especially golden), Brand X (Unorthodox Behaviour A++ --you thought Phil Collins only drummed in Genesis?) , Pat Metheny, Chuck Mangione, Chase, Acoustic Alchemy, Al Dimeola, Jeff Lorber Fusion , Billy Cobham , etc. Lots of great stuff came from those groups..

[@snowdog87]

Got to see him live "in the round" back in the day Magical concert Some cat named Rayford Griffin on drums who was incredible

[@deanzaZZR]

I've been to a good number. The last time I saw him was an acoustic gig with Al Di Meola and Stanley Clark.

[@snowdog87]

@@deanzaZZR Bet that was special Sadly here we would only see these acts once in along while But remember it to this day

[@deanzaZZR]

@@snowdog87 It was an outdoors show at night and was a bit chilly for the month of March here in California. Di Meola was complaining about his fingers hurting. 😁

[@michaelbochnia5686]

First album of his I really listened to was a collaborative event Rite of Strings, Clarke, DiMeola and Ponty. Special place in my heart. Marks the year I lost my twins at age two. Enjoyed that thanks.

[@2715bunky]

I listened to this during my sophistication years in the mid 80s. Reminds me of sipping peach brandy while looking out the window at a snowscape.

[@damonramirez]

Jean-Luc Ponty!!! Go France!! Alan Zavod dose some awesome stunt keyboards on this album.

[@glenndespres5317]

Same in my neighborhood. Tough to get a good nights sleep on a Saturday night. But hey! Jean-Luc Ponty.... very nice but I keep listening for John McLaughlin?

[@TGRC]

I remember getting ready to head up to the Carrier Dome in Syracuse to see Genesis' Mama tour and while everyone was listening to the new Genesis album, this was the track I kept listening too. A sonic delight. The Genesis concert was great btw.

[@falcongal63]

This is a name I know, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard any of their (his?) music. This was interesting....nice and chill.

[@nealeger8154]

JLP had quite a run from the mid to late 70's. Killer albums.

[@damonramirez]

Oh' BTW "Don't Let the World Pass You By" is one to check out on this album!!!

[@markspooner1224]

I've always liked Ponty's playing, especially on some of his collaborations.

[@tommycanadasmobazimmer]

What the heck - first Camel, now Jean - Luc Ponty. What is going on here? All the stuff I was listening to in my late teens and early 20's. Of course the German band Grobschnitt (maybe Solar Music Live) would round that out. Greetings from Toronto

[@freddiebarber4972]

What a surprise! Just listened to this a few days ago. Seen JLP open for Renaissance at Nassau Coliseum. Interesting double bill and an enjoyable one too.

[@mrkssk8]

man you're one of my fav guys on youtube

[@jimschroeder1176]

He reviews some pretty cool music.

[@joaoemanuelmacedosouza482]

Congratulations on another excellent video. I'm a fan of Jean Luc Ponty. The gift of time, Mirage and Rhythms of hope are true classics.

[@Ferretbomber]

This has a strange feel to it reminiscent of 'Blinded by the Light' from Manfred Mann's Earth Band for some reason. I'm familiar with Mr. Ponty from years of being a Zappa fan, but I've never heard much of his own solo work. Very interesting.

[@sidecardog5244]

First listen to this artist. I really enjoyed the "layered" prog, jazz fusion feel of this song.

[@a.k.1740]

I really like Jean-Luc Ponty's musical universe and Cosmic Messenger is one of my faves from him. The two pieces i like the most on this album are this opening track with its mysterious atmosphere and the final track "Egocentric Molecules" which is way more bouncy with breathtaking solos by Joaquin Lievano on guitar, Ralphe Armstrong on bass and Jean-Luc Ponty on violin. Justin, you should do this last piece to see the contrast with "Cosmic Messenger"!

[@toshibautoob]

Ooooo! You are on a real roll for doing my kind of music lately. Jean-Luc has some great albums of his own, even exploring genres as diverse as electronica and world music. He has also played with other musicians in the jazz-fusion world like the two biggies, Return To Forever AND The Mahavishnu Orchestra. (Side note: American Idol judge Randy Jackson was in his band for several years.)

[@SpaceCattttt]

When you're good enough for Zappa, you're good enough for anything.

[@robertjewell9727]

Cool to see you checking out some Ponty. This has always been major long journey drive music for me. I've never noticed the repetitive drum moments you're speaking about really because 1) I'm not a drummer and 2) Ponty has often composed music in a way that is a sort of fusion minimalism particularly with the opening tracks because he doesn't want to exhaust anyone's ears right at the get-go.and his albums are composed in an arc form, rising and falling. It doesn't mean there aren't solo moments, but his music is based in ostinato variations. So you're right; it is a great introduction for what is to follow. Looking forward to your take on the next track.

[@67Svenski]

I've loved the album for years and have seen him in concert once (with Stanley Clarke and Bela Fleck) which was amazing in itself. I would like to know the story behind him getting into the Frank Zappa band, because with Zappa, there was always a good story behind it. I have 14 of his CD's, so there is a wealth of good music for you to check out. Thanks JP.

[@Divedown_25]

Jean Luc Ponty... his album before this was Enigmatic Ocean. The first solo album I bought from him. Fantastic

[@joaoemanuelmacedosouza482]

Renaissence by Jean Luc Ponty with Al Di Meola and Stanley Clark as amazing

[@Jaybird-zl9ve]

I love Jean Luc! His solo stuff and the early work in the fusion bands was great too.

[@bobholtzmann]

Nice little trip across the sky with the Silver Surfer. Another album of Ponty's, A Taste For Passion, has the opening song "Stay With Me", which was re-adapted for a song he recorded and performed live with Jon Anderson!

[@brucebrown73]

Lovely stuff. I never listened to him in the seventies, but I wish I would have. He had something on the radio back then, but it didn’t somehow capture me. I guess that’s what many times happened. Excellent talent puts a more typical radio song ( pop like) out, but it doesn’t represent them fully.

[@-R.Gray-]

Although I stuck with Ponty for a number of albums after this one, I prefer his earlier work. More and more he used repetitive backing ostinato keyboard figures, sometimes programed by himself. For me, his best albums were Aurora (1976) with jazz keyboardist Patrice Rushen and Dary Stuermer (later with Phil Collins and Genesis) on guitar - see "Is Once Enough". The next album "Imaginary Voyage" (1976), also featuring Daryl Stuermer, has a number of memorable songs including the rocky "Tarantula". The next album "Enigmatic Ocean" (1977) added Allan Holdsworth on some tracks. After this, more than later his later albums, check out his playing on Visions Of The Emerald Beyond from his time with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. The guitarist Peter Maunu also plays a big part on the 1977 Billy Cobham album Magic.

[@benavich8]

That's a great summary there R. Gray...I can relate to what you're saying. I heard all of this when I was in college up in Michigan....killer musicians all around. I think my favorite LP of his is A Taste for Passion...but the others you've mentioned...yeah man, stellar stuff!!

[@johnvaluk1401]

Old video but I love Jean Luc Ponty. This is my favorite albulm of his. Have owned it since the 70’s. Thank you

[@joaoemanuelmacedosouza482]

Friday night in San Francisco! This album will blow your mind. He records the meeting of three Titans of the art of playing acoustic guitar, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin Paco De Lucia. There are no words to describe what they do, it is listening to believe.

[@snuppssynthchannel]

Ahhh, love this album. This and Enigmatic Ocean are classics!

[@keithbk]

Ponty and Jon Anderson of Yes released "Better Late than Never" just a few years back. Definitely worth a listen.

[@-davidolivares]

I play this a lot, mostly at work and my Spotify knows this cuz after other albums I might have on, this will pop on and I’ll just have to listen to the whole thing. This album was one of a few a friend had and I had to buy for myself. What a blast from the past. Thx for checking it out. Had to start your video without coffee, was so excited, then I had to have coffee to go with this jewel of a song. I just woke up from a dream where I was standing next to Prince at a party, he wanted to play a certain song and I was happy at what he picked. That there were a couple songs that I didn’t care for and to say I was sorry I patted him on the back and maybe too many times, he flinched a little and I stopped... woke up. Sorry bout tha. Take care everyone, stay safe, enough life lost, please mask up, Peace and party Music

[@sprinklesthedrummer9731]

Dude, Magma, AND Jean-Luc Ponty!?!? Supreme taste in music!!

[@donaldanderson6604]

I saw JLP with Daryl Stuermer in about 75/76. The years are a bit blurry. He actually played some Zappa, as well as his own stuff. An extraordinary, life changing gig. Aurora and Imaginary Voyage are definitely worth listening to, as is Enigmatic Ocean. Ponty even pops up on some Chick Corea's later live stuff with the reformed Return to Forever.

[@williampatterson5067]

Saw this man years ago, been a fan of his music since hearing him in Mahavishnu Orchestra iin the seventies. Mystical adventures is my fave of his. Jean Luc and Eddie Jobson are my 2 fave violinist might throw in Earhardt from Kansas as well.👍✌🎻

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

Jean-Luc Ponty has some excellent tracks. I'd recommend the whole of his album "Individual Choice", especially the title track, and also "Enigmatic Oceans". Also, if you like this, try listening to Stomu Yamashta, especially his album "Go", which he recorded alongside Steve Winwood, Al Di Meola, and several other great musicians.

[@cobbycaputo3332]

Egocentric Molecules is a monster track on this album. And I'll second the Enigmatic Ocean recommendation. Holdsworth has a style that blends so perfectly with Ponty's electric violin (probably no surprise since you've heard him and Jobson in UK).

[@benavich8]

Been a long time Ponty fan and listener..seen him at least 5 times in concert. CM is an amazing LP, not a weak song on it....ya gotta do Egocentric Molecules....hands down I believe, the best bass solo ever layed down on track. You rock brother, love your reviews!

[@jonsey156]

First for me - yeah - impressed -could listen to more !!

[@rogerhennie8939]

He also has an album with Jon Anderson.

[@shyshift]

Saw Anderson Ponty live and bought 2 t shirts.

[@hongfang2508]

In 1969 Frank Zappa composed the music for Ponty's solo album King Kong: Jean-Luc Ponty Plays the Music of Frank Zappa (World Pacific, 1970). Ponty immigrated to the US at the urging of Frank Zappa where he toured with the Mothers of Invention, also appearing on some of their albums though I don't recall how many albums.

[@TmRnBn]

My dad (an old jazz-hat saxiphonist from the 50's--took me to see Basie/Hampton/Gillespie, et al) suggested Ponty to me when he heard me listening to Kansas in the mid/late 70's. I bought Aurora on his suggestion and it blew me away. Enigmatic Ocean is perfect.

[@ramoncardinali]

Enigmatic Ocean is his best imo. But this song is great too (:

[@Oldhogleg]

Bought that too back in the 70's

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

A Great Jazz Fusion artist !!! : D

[@joelliebler5690]

Interesting tune with solid drum work though I think you may enjoy reacting to his song Tarantula even more!👍🏻👍🏻

[@kellydelay18]

He also played with Zappa

[@cedricmilford5254]

I had a copy of this album on cassette tape back in the day. It’s long gone, and I haven’t heard this since (1980-ish). Wow! Great review Justin 👍🏻👍🏻, thanks!

[@JustJP]

Ty Cedric, happy to bring back good memories!

[@Bob.L.Shirley]

Peter Mauna released a pretty chill album, "Warm Sound In A Grey Field", in the early nineties that I think you'd enjoy, JP. Ponty worked with wonderful guitarists over the years: Holdsworth, Steurmer (who toured frequently with Genesis). And of course King Kong with Zappa.

[@cazgerald9471]

I've seen Jean-Luc Ponty with Chick Corea and with his own band.

[@robertjewell9727]

I would love to see him live. That's serious bucket list for me. I did converse with him via FB. I'd messaged him a video of a young jazz violinist, I think he was 12 years old who'd discovered his love for playing violin while overcoming cancer, and Jean-Luc posted it to his page thanking me and wishing the lad well-deserved luck. So he's a good guy on top of his music skills.

[@robbryant3588]

You definitely have to dig deeply into JLP. The great songs are endless.

[@murdockreviews]

Very nice - no, make that top tier. Definitely will hear more!

[@linusfotograf]

He played with Mahavishnu Orchestra at one point

[@Lightmane]

Allan Holdsworth plays with Ponty on his album Enigmatic Ocean. Great album.

[@michaelowens6533]

Have this on vinyl and still play It, along with a few of his other productions. Those were the days, I feel like I got lucky being born in '56 and being brought up on the likes of JLP, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Frampton, Crowded House, The Police and whole lot more. Great music remains just that.

[@psbarrow]

Great stuff, lots prog. and now some fusion. Love his "Imaginary Voyage" - and, of course, his recent stuff with Jon Anderson.

[@darylquintana1420]

Anything with JLP and Holdsworth together is worth a listen.

[@rk41gator]

Nice choice, again. Ponty put out some classic music. Check out Mahavishnu Orchestra (John McLaughlin)

[@sylvaindupuis5595]

I like Jean-Luc Ponty, first time I have seen him was with Frank Zappa. A few years later, he was the main part of a show where Pat Metheny was the first part. Before the show, I met some friends and they said "Didn't know that you would come to see Jean-Luc Ponty." I told them "No, I came to see Pat Metheny and you also came to see him". At the end of the show, I met them again and they told me "You where right, we came and saw Pat Metheny."

[@JustJP]

Lol!

[@kendudley3553]

Cool that someone is reacting to Jean Luc Ponty. Electric Violin, Wow. Give a try with Elephants in Love from the Fables album. I think it's the catchiest and most reachable tune of Ponty's.

[@JustJP]

Ty Ken!

[@martintayler23]

The late Allan Zavod on keyboards shines on this album as well as my favourite Jean-Luc Ponty album, Enigmatic Ocean, where I first heard the late Allan Holdsworth's guitar. You should explore Allan's music as well.

[@JianLakerson]

I recommend A Taste For Passion. You'll hear why. Songs: Life Cycle, Beach Girl, or....

[@michaelkolb5900]

Hey Justin My Man!!! Love me some JLP & JP!! Went to the comments and my favorite was- If your good enough for ZAPPA your good enough for anything!!! Absolutely!! Watched the solo of him with ZAPPA in the comments too!! Much appreciated for that person sharing that with us!!! So I've told you this story in the past but would love to share it again!! I saw JLP when I was 21yrs old at a nightclub in Tempe, AZ and he had a lazor light show coming off his bow while he was playing!!! I was awe- struck for sure!! Will never forget the one and only time I saw him!!! I believe lot a few others today that us PROG- ROCK folks also got into the jazz- fusion movement of the 70s with Weather Report, Return to Forever etc.I also agree that EO is his best album!! Would love to hear much more JLP!! Please react to MY current FAVORITE BAND- RIVER WHYLESS!! They're a PROG- FOLK BAND WITH A VERY UNIQUE SOUND!! PLEASE PLAY THEIR SONG- STONE FROM THEIR LIVE STUDIO PERFORMANCE ON AUDIOTREE LIVE!! HOPEFULLY YOU CAN JUST PLAY THE AUDIO FROM THAT WITHOUT ANY ISSUES BUT WOULD PREFER YOU PLAY THE LIVE VIDEO! I KNOW YOU DONT DO THAT SO PLEASE JUST PLAY THE AUDIO FROM SAID VIDEO!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! THE STUDIO VERSION IS MUCH BETTER THAN THE LP VERSION!! JUST SAYIN!! HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!! YOUR #1 AZ FAN MICHAEL😽😸😊😊

[@nickj5451]

That was nice!!! I would support going through the whole thing. I've never heard this, but I do know his other album "Open Mind" which is super chill.

[@murdockreviews]

And into new territory for me...

[@civilian8697]

Awesome JP! Sorry I'm a little late to the party, but very excited to see what you think. Amazing composer and soloist, enjoy 🙂 Edit: Great review! You really pointed out all of the reasons why I love this song. If you ever listen to more Ponty in the future, I would recommend the live album from 79. It's the band at their peak, and the energy and power of the performance is stunning!

[@JustJP]

Youre never late Ian! Ty

[@alencar5420]

Great song!

[@mve5225]

My favorite Jean Luc Ponty song/album is Open Mind

[@mikenielsen7008]

I listen to Jean-Luc Ponty a lot and so do my neighbors.

[@ljsites]

Definitely going to dive into this one a little deeper! By the way, you’re hosting music parties for 13.5 thousand people a lot.

[@-davidolivares]

We’re out of beer...

[@SpaceCattttt]

We need another 1500.

[@sidecardog5244]

I’ll bring some horse durvers. . You know, little stuff on crackers.

[@jaybird4093]

Atmosphere + electric violin = 😁. Four-chord songs can get a little drab, but the atmosphere and musicianship in this song make up for it.

[@geneleonard4368]

Hi JP a fusion classic LP not a bad tune on it . You got to listen to Egocentric molecules next . Or the whole album . Imaginary voyage & Enigmatic ocean are great also but he has a lot of great LPs Enigmatic .. has Allan Holdsworth & Darrel Sturmer on guitar . Ralph Armstrong is an incredible bass player , I saw the Enigmatic .. & Cosmic messenger tours ..Fantastic !!

[@renemokum]

Check out 'Armando's Rhumba,' a Chick Corea composition from his 1976 solo album 'My Spanish Heart' (which was released the same year as 'Romantic Warrior'). Jean-Luc Ponty is playing the violin on it (and Stanley Clarke on upright bass). A more Latin influenced aspect of Chick's many musical interests. Btw, Ponty would also play on a later version of Return To Forever. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eprVlpqra8p5sM0

[@benoitdesmarais2948]

Enigmatic Ocean all the way, in case you want to try some more.

[@maruad7577]

I can highly recommend his Imaginary Voyage and Enigmatic Ocean albums. The only problems might be the length of some pieces as pt1-3 or pt 1-4 are regular features on them. "Excellent opening to album" sounds like we are going to get the entire album a piece at a time! I am down for that as I don't know this album very well. At the time I started listening to Ponty, I thought of him as being one of the top three fiddle/violin players outside of classical music. The other two were Stephane Grapelli and Vassar Clements (just listen to Midnight Moonlight off of Old And In The Way*). edited to add" I first heard JLP on CBC's 90 Minutes Live with Peter Gzowski. The guys from the turtles (Flo and Eddy iirc), who spent time with Zappa, were in charge of the weekly musically segment and they made some amazing and sometimes bizarre choices. First place I heard of Tom Waits and Rough Trade as well. * Bluegrass warning

[@Patrickrivasticksdrums]

"Puppets Dance and Fake Paradise" are my favorites out this album.

[@domingohurtado4900]

If you like Talk Talk and Genesis as much as you do, you should consider reviewing Elbow. There’s a lot to choose from but you can probably start with albums like A Seldom Seen Kid, or The Taking Off and Landing of Everything.

[@murdockreviews]

Build a Rocket, Boys :-)