Jean-Luc Ponty Live 1976

Five songs from the performance in Chicago on "Soundstage".
1. Tarantula --------------------------------------- 0:00
2. Wandering On The Milky Way -------- 3:11
3. Aurora, Part I ---------------------------------- 4:45
4. Aurora, Part II --------------------------------- 7:17
5. The Gardens of Babylon ---------------12:56
Jean-Luc Ponty -- Violin
Daryl Stuermer -- Guitar
Tom Fowler -- Bass
Allan Zavod -- Keyboards
Steve Smith -- Drums

[@theresa42213]

l'm SO blessed to have a dad that was into ALL the great jazzers of that era! From Weather Report, to Oscar Peterson, to Ponty, and all in between! l went to see Jean Luc in '82 when l was 16! l was underage, and if l didn't get in my friends would have missed it, but the doorman was convinced that l was there for the music ....or he thought l was cute ....and he LET ME IN! l thought l had won the lottery!! ln a sense l did! lt was one of the best nights of my life! l even got to chat with Alan Zavod! What an _AMAZING_ era of music!

[@BarrySmithviolin]

Yes, I can totally imagine your excitement! I’ve experienced that in all 8 times I’ve seen Ponty and his INSANE bands. Zavod was my fave of all his keyboard players, Patrice Rushen my second favorite. Zavod’s (R.I.P.) piano solo here on Babylon always sends me to a different universe, some far away, some deep inside. 🌹

[@MsKDennaetheDiva]

Awesome story!

[@JonKern]

Wait, I didn't think I had a daughter named Theresa!

[@timmoran8389]

He was at a bar called Dulleÿs in Arizona and saw him bout 78 er 79...wow what a show ....a once in a lifetime experience....however saw him when the opportunity arose after that . .outstanding musician and the people who played played with him.

[@JamieGlaserpage]

Love playing guitar with Jean Luc

[@bradalker5332]

Enjoyed your playing Jamie with JLP in Austin last year. What a show you guys put on. Thanks for all the great music.

[@JamieGlaserpage]

Thanks much Brad!! Love playing Austin!

[@waynewaite2643]

I saw you play with JLP back around 80 I think and you guys were to me the best band on the planet ! Right on Mr Glaser !

[@leitemagal]

You are phenomenal!!! Thanks for continue playing with the master Jean-Luc Ponty!

[@knust2329]

I really enjoy your playing with JLP's band. How do you rate Daryl as a guitarist? Thanks.

[@wladimirdecastrosilveira9672]

THANKS JEAN LUC PONTY FOREVER

[@FusionHowie]

Love Steve Smith with the mismatched Slingerland Gretch drums before the Journey $$$$ and dbl bass ! Daryl Stuermer , before he made is big with Genesis! This is amazing! THANK you for posting this gift! Peace from Detroit MI.

[@intradibles]

He switched to Sonor after joining Journey. 🥁

[@64dartgt273]

AND Steve is playing awesome Paiste 2002 cymbals!

[@javying]

melodies, scales, beautiful passages, steve smith with long hair, daryl is technic jazz guitarrist , jean luc forever!

[@Rocket_scientist_88]

Need more recognition for Tom Fowler's excellent bass work... just fantastic!

[@petermaxwell2965]

He's great bass player ..

[@Tontonscalp]

Life after Zappa !

[@gfunkk]

@@petermaxwell2965 i saw he was living in vegas a few years back and tried to contact him for lessons but to no avail :(

[@petermaxwell2965]

Oh well you tried ..ya don't try ya never know ..Vegas huh ?

[@EarthMedia2009]

Some of his lines in this period are my all time favourite Such a great player, also everything with Zappa 👍

[@thasupremeoverlord]

I'm now fulfilled. Ready to die in peace, completely alone, and it's okay. Thank you Jean Luc.

[@BillySargent]

All right!! This is the first time I’ve see this video (where the hell have I been) and I couldn’t be happier!! I was fortunate enough to have a producer/promoter back in the early 70s, and worked with JLP and THIS group in a production at (what was then) the ADA Theatre in Boise, Idaho. That said, there are people in Boise, my home town, who still vividly remember the show. It was stunning! And this is a great find for me, personally. In 2010, I wrote a comment on Jean-Lucas website, marking the 35th anniversary of his show in Boise. He most graciously wrote back to me at my email address, saying that he remembered the show well! He recalled that there was an attractive young woman backstage who could open beer bottles with her teeth. I remember her!! She was beautiful! But JLP was promoting Aurora, having released Upon the Wings of Music and had yet to go on to the acclaim and Grammys and so much fame since thereafter. All of the stage crew, band members and as many people as could possibly cram into a large room at a very unique hotel room, (rented just for the “after” party) celebrated an extraordinary performance and evening in Boise freakin’ Idaho. Good Heath Jean-Luc, Tom, Daryl and Steve. And RIP to a wonderful keyboardist…. Sarge

[@davidmckay9552]

excellent sound thanks so mutch

[@rasmusrytter2377]

What a wonderful concert, back in 1976. This is music 🫶 bravo

[@JimmerJamesKM]

Pretty Amazing to see this all these years later!!! I was most fortunate to have seen this line up a few times back in the day! It was always magical!!!

[@donaldanderson6604]

I saw these guys in London in 76 and it is still one of my favourite gigs. Thanks for posting, even if I feel very old.

[@devannaidu3379]

..and u ain't no slouch yrslf mr.glaser...i enjoyed yr mastery on the guitar,brother...peace

[@speedviolin]

Master of violin, inspiration.

[@stevenbardsley2489]

A whole lot of talent on that stage right there!!!😋

[@Geraint3000]

I can't get tired of music like this.

[@garyoleyar]

Jean Luc Ponty and this era of his music was probably the biggest influence on my playing. I can, to this day, play every note of this album. I wish I was anywhere near (both physically and technically) this apex of musicianship and movement when it was at its peak. Love you guys, everyone!....and thank you for posting!

[@alencar5420]

Incredible Ponty and Daryl Stuermer together in solos. Thanks for sharing it.

[@paulm749]

Didn't recognize Stuermer here. Respect him for his playing with Genesis later in his career, but not a huge fan. Here, with Ponty, he's off the chart. Just incredible.

[@thomasbridges7323]

Yep here we go again listening in the year of 2022 band is hot

[@JMJM244]

This band is funky as hell! Tom Fowler is the man!

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

What an amazing capture of this amazing lineup. Absolute fire.

[@petermaxwell2965]

We were really spoiled, in the 70's

[@danielnatter7466]

seriously

[@DavidDudley-yy2ui]

yes indeed and thank goodness there is so much quality video recording of this artist in particular.

[@jazmenwalker]

Yup y’all were

[@birage9885]

Yes we were! Somehow I knew back then when all this was happening that it wouldn't last forever, where do you go when you are at the top?!

[@DrummerKen85]

Such a full sound ! This is true musical ear candy. Young Steve Smith on the drums too!

[@krusher74]

thanks for that, i did not know it was him.

[@rodparisst]

I wish I could have been there. What an awesome experience!

[@micheleserio2061]

Saw him play at a club in Buffalo, in the 80s,truly a great player!

[@diegocamus6267]

I herd this guy for first time at my 10.. now I¨m 30 and this song still drives me crazy.. I love this songs.. I really fucking love it..

[@BarrySmithviolin]

Love Zavod’s (R.I.P. 🌹) piano solo during Babylon, it just sends me away...

[@applecourier3966]

Lucky enough to see these live ....so good

[@helmutross6077]

Este es uno de los mejores videos que he visto de Ponty de esa época. Toca el violín con toda la fuerza y pasión del Jazz rock los músicos le siguen con la misma fuerza . !! Genial estupendo maravilloso !!!!

[@paulm749]

Absolutely. Smokin'. Hot.

[@haroldt101]

Was introduced to Imaginary Voyage back in the mid 70's - wow! Still play it today,40 years later.

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Priceless! On the Drums the Great Steve Smith! In 78' He would join Neal Schon's Band Journey On Guitar! Daryl Stuermer, He would be come a hire hand for Phil Collins & Genesis, Jean is World Class

[@drumtavo]

GREAT BAND, COMPOSITIONS AND VIOLINIST

[@luisguedes7590]

Allan Zavod was a fantastic musician.

[@CarlosMisael1964]

This is a music !!! Thanks Jean Luc

[@Elise-xf8ev]

Seen Jean Luc Ponty many times and he a favorit of mine! Thank you for posting this amazing video for us to view. This was the year I actually wrote to him in France and he sent me his 8X10 glossy with some words to me and his signature. It's still in frame. I love his depth and unknown adventure in his music always have....

[@victormusic01x]

..I remember seeing Daryl playing at Pooh’s Pub in Boston Kenmore Square..Spontaneous Combustion..group of former Berklee folks, maybe Steve Smith on drums, not sure now..an amazing time in Boston then..Mike Stern, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Kevin Eubanks, Victor Bailey RIP, Barron Browne, Randy Roos, Jeff Berlin and many more...those days changed my life..a great gift for musicians to learn from, thank you

[@davidflinn4521]

The first concert my parents let me drive to on my own. 1976. Mil-Run Playhouse. the MC was Terri Hemmert from WXRT, who is still there. Must be a record(!) for a DJ

[@greenman7612]

I loved Terri! She is from Piqua, Ohio!

[@timothytobin3911]

This tour was my first ever concert , 15, at hollywood bowl , 10th row, haven't stop listening jlp since

[@alejandroluisfigueroa472]

Maestro extraordinario!!jean luc ponty un virtuoso!!! Epoca brillante.la de los 70 !!!ponty tambien brillante en la mahavishnu de john mc laughlin

[@ianbarclay6991]

it is hard to believe that he started in the U.S. w/ Frank Zappa & the mothers of invention, but he is simply put, the best. saw him back when this stuff was new, & was blown away. THANKS!

[@josequiero1118]

Nope, he was kicking ass during all the 60's in Europe.

[@antonioromanoneto7054]

I liked all albuns of Jean luc Ponty. My favorites: Aurora, Enigmatic Ocean, Voyeger and Mistical Adventures

[@greatgooglymoogly]

So great! Great music played by superb musicians.

[@hoploci881]

!!!!! JEAN-LUC PONTY or HEAVEN ON EARTH !!!!!

[@enriquehernandezhevia6817]

¡SUBLIME! Gracias, magnífica banda de nivel estratosférico...

[@pequeuxdarleux1480]

Wooow steve Smith young man !

[@rodrigoguzmanleroy4915]

Steve Smith!! great drummer

[@BoscoBoots]

I remember this show being taped at WTTW (PBS) Studios in Chicago.

[@EarthMedia2009]

What a band Tom Fowler, Daryl,etc

[@pjlouarda2494]

The best music

[@Maks2Art]

Universal 🎸🎻 🏅

[@hardtruth4459]

Living proof that jazz-rock, rocks harder than straight Rock ..up to 50% more rock per song. This performance also proves the seventies was the most creative period in musical history.

[@darrylguerrant5101]

You're damned right it was! Every one worth their salt was experimenting musically...Never mind the other experimentation going on!

[@hardcorehouse]

Most creative late 70s-early 80s. 70s largely a hangover from great 60s music that included a whole lot of banal (often formulaic fusion-fuzak/arena rock/billy Joel) until reactions against same fueled late 70s thru early 80s explosions that are with us to this day.

[@petermaxwell2965]

To quote an old rock and roll hack, you took the words right out of my mouth ..they did rock out on this one ..killer band !!

[@dukeyoung4723]

@@hardcorehouse Sounds like we grew up in the same era, WIlL D?

[@hardcorehouse]

Same era means that part of this is an emotional bias imprinted into our youth. But only partially. Sound/production/musicianship was far better, up till about the end of that time mid-late 80s. Since then it’s either been downhill sound wise, or somewhat back up based largely on emulations of what we took for granted.

[@Edmouk]

It's an "all-star" band ! Amazing !

[@FrankVillavicencio]

Great Video!! Thanks for share it!!

[@wreckingrow6566]

Hell yes! Some of the most creative fusion ever. So much fun to watch an extraordinary gathering of musicians!

[@jeffsmart110]

Yes!! That is DARYL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@michaelellingson9282]

LOVE

[@jerrybeller790]

very cool Steve Smith on drums saw them in 77' killer show Santa Monica civic

[@edmagal4254]

Um gênio, fenomenal as músicas são lindas e os músicos são de primeira.

[@helmutross6077]

Pucha no hay como el violin eléctrico de madera, el violin de acrílico más reciente le arrebató un sonido especial y vivo con más matices y efectos más alucinantes en la década del 1970 es mi opinión personal.Que viva el violín de madera !!!

[@pedrocastillovilches7947]

Eximio,violinista,genial,lo escucho,desde que aparecio,de su violin,salen notas musicales,para soñar,y viajar,con su musica,excelente

[@fileundergood2955]

Steve Smith nailing it, then on to Journey playing what the music called for. Great drum clinics over the years too. . .

[@wolfganglonien2093]

That was the time when I was in the studios the first time - and after hearing this I knew that I knew nothing at all...

[@pedrocastillovilches7947]

Mensajero cosmico,preciosa musica,es un viaje astral espacial,buenissimo

[@rubenleal6346]

El año q nací , saludos desde Uruguay

[@philshzilla]

i saw jean luc in nashville,tn at the exin/inn!!! this same year! they played 2 nights!! good times! :) philsh

[@adalbertocruzjhonson7129]

I saw them in convocation hall in Toronto in 1976. I love them

[@linkone11]

JLP is hypnotizing, can't stop watching him

[@jlguitarman7102]

I think this was my favorite sound from him....not too electronic with serious jamming from all members of the group!

[@rosariomeza2715]

tremenda formacion rompieron la liga

[@tomproctor.archive]

Fantastic video! Wow.

[@fairweatherbird]

Wow. Thank you. I saw this band in late 76 at Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley. Never thought I'd ever see a video. Highlight for me was when Tom Fowler gave his bass to Steve Smith and picked up a violin to do a duet with Ponty on Renaissance. Smith played bass and drummed with his feet!

[@mikemikey4668]

+sekander3 I saw the 76 tour in Santa Barbara. I'll never forget that. or the 77 or 78 tour, which was louder and more psychedelic with that great album - I forget the name. Anyway I am glad you were transported like I was. Late, Mike

[@stephaneg9591]

This is one of the greatest menber for JLP.

[@michaelnunn3707]

Five supreme virtuosos !

[@rigelmoon9030]

Jean-Luc and his band are the Pat Metheny Group of the violin.

[@yesterdayswafflez2823]

I remember this broadcast! Awesome post! Thanks!

[@jlguitarman7102]

Me too...I was in the 7th grade...my first taste of Jean-Luc!

[@Rocket_scientist_88]

JL - hah, me too! Seventh grade. This was the first time I saw him perform - I had "Aurora" then saved up (cutting grass, etc) to buy every one of his records when they were released. I was so surprised to see this on the local PBS station, wish they still had programming like this (and music like this!).

[@jeffsmart110]

great music!!-video looks like 3 hits of ---------------

[@markryan5238]

Holy Jesus!

[@victorcoral]

Thank you so much for this concert. Aurora was the first album I bought by Jean-Luc and I would go on to buy the next five also. I had admired his work with The Mahavishnu Orchestra but Tom Fowler's picture in the back cover probably influenced the decision since I'm a huge Frank Zappa fan, specially the "Roxy and Elsewhere" period when Tom played for him so this particular J.L.P. band is very special to me and at the time I had them up there with Mahavishnu, Return to Forever and the best of the best (and Jean-Luc would play with those musicians in different ensembles as time went on.) As a guitar player myself I love Daryl Stuermer and it's so awesome to see his virtuosity playing this music, not just backing up Genesis (no disrespect intended at all ..... lol ..) ... and I wonder how many "Journey" fans even know that Steve Smith could also do this :)

[@manes9041]

Daryl is so much more than a backing Musician in a Band with Genesis !

[@JohnMR126]

He did some great guitar work with Phil Collins and Genesis, but I liked him better with JLP. I saw Ponty in concert with Daryl in 1977

[@bernarddzialach6751]

oh ! steve Smith

[@bassturkey]

Yeah. I just love this. For me it's Tom Fowler on bass. It drives me crazy with jealousy listening to Tom effortlessly cranking off melodic 10ths and then abruptly/smoothly shifting to getdown/funk mode. Tom made it look greasy easy. Great bassist supporting a great artist...Ponty!

yes i like it alot

[@haroldt101]

Kinda like Stanly Clarke did for Return Forever

Yes. They are gret

[@davidjames1858]

Oh I love Tom. His comping behind Frank's Inca solo at the Helsinki '74 concert blows me away

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

Owen McCaffrey There’s Just no one like Tom Fowler on Bass. He’s a rare and precious gem.

[@user-tw3hr1fs9y]

Jean.luc..ponty.un.gran.musico.con.un.talento.de.alto.nivel.cultural.su.musica..son.poemas.musicales..

[@sancho8521]

...my first time was the Imaginary Voyage tour. Los Angeles in I believe it was in 1976. Four times since, the latest in 2017 or 18. Him and Jon Anderson together - awesomely amazing 🤩 🍻 St. Louis Pageant

[@jrgmmg5659]

Everyone seemed to forget the great Tom Fowler on bass. Tom played with Zappa's band in the mid 70's. Tom and his brother Bruce were staples in Frank's band for many years. Brother Walt played with Zappa also but not as long as the other brothers. What a band Jean-Luc had here. Steve Smith, Daryl Stuermer, Alan Zavod and Tom Fowler. Damn. Like everyone else, I seen Jean-Luc many times in the 70's. He played the Philly area quite a bit.

[@josedemelojuniorjunior]

Amazing...

[@Tfunkize]

Back in god old 1976 Ponty was exstrem Hot in fusion music

Maravilloso material.

[@fernandopobletebyfepo4820]

Fantástico...

[@brucebernardini4107]

Tom Fowler on bass! And a very very young Darryl Stermer on guitar.

[@sebastianseguramartinez7628]

Increíble!

[@bassturkey]

11db11 You are so right. I play Warwicks myself....but I wish I could afford an Alembic like Tom is playing. Let me say for the record that I've played tons of basses for years and for my money Warwick basses kick ass musically, I still don't have a fraction of Tom's musical ability/knowledge...but I keep on trying!

[@stupask3834]

Steve Smith drums! stick break at 10.00.new stick at 10.06 ! Great stuff.

[@karengray3071]

Ive officially stopped worrying what my drums look like after seeing Steves on this video!

[@linkone11]

+stu pask broken a few sticks in my day, but that was fantastic, great recovery; tremendous music all around

[@ter521fad]

I'm sure that there were many stick breaks during this. "Aurora" is such a demanding piece but I'm sure it was tons of fun for any of Jean-Luc's drummers to play. Because they could REALLY cut loose and show what they could do.

[@Bob-mx9qp]

Great Twings . I Luv. ❤

[@TheOwl]

Actually remember seeing this on TV back in the day, a PBS progran called "Fiddlers Three" which also featured Itzhak Perlman and Doug Kershaw.

[@RiquezaEmGotas]

Ponty is a monster player and even better composer, the other guys are very good also. Smith went to Journey, Fowler went to B. Cobham and Stuermer to Genesis.

[@BarrySmithviolin]

LOVE his compositions..He also an excellent band leader. This is a very rare video without a black player in his band.. His bass players and drummers were more times black than not.❤️ He always surrounded himself with truly unique and passionate musicians..🌟

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Andrade, You know your history! Had he distinct pleasure seeing the '77 Enigmatic Ocean live, Utterly Awesome along with Allan Holdsworth on lead guitar

[@greatgooglymoogly]

great video !!!!

[@minorthreat8240]

1:51 ..Fowler’s Bass line.....Sweet Cheezits!

[@mtbalpinecounty]

I still listen regularly

[@pensamientoestrategico5474]

Es magnifica seleccion

[@jeremiahsalyer7784]

RIP Tom Fowler!