This could well go down as a classic…
Review by Martin Stanyer
Release date: 25 September 2015
The Anderson Ponty Band, these guys have a great history. Jean-Luc Ponty is a pioneer and undisputed master of violin in the arena of jazz and rock, having worked with such legends as Frank Zappa and Sir Elton John. And Jon Anderson, of course, is the lead singer for the legendary British band Yes. Not a bad background, huh? This is an album that you can’t place a timeframe on. Cool, slick and sexy is how I would describe this album – and that’s based off just the first track, ‘One In The Rhythms Of Hope’.
The vocals are superb, with some falsetto that makes Jon Anderson stand out as a vocalist and showcases his wonderful range. What stands out is how beautiful Jean-Luc Ponty’s violin compliments these arrangements. There is something breathtakingly beautiful about his playing. It is a pure display of a master of the craft, not of rock, jazz or whatever else you want to categorize, but a master of music, and that cannot be disputed.
A great cover of ‘Owner Of A Lonely Heart’ has the kind of groove that’s going to see you getting the magic on in the bedroom. There is a great reggae vibe in ‘Time And A Word’, a brilliant reworking of the Yes classic. A standout track is ‘Wonderous Stories’, a classically beautiful track that, to put it bluntly, is like laying your eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world. That’s how good this track is.
When the album comes to a close, I want more, and find myself starting this album over again. It has an addictive quality; this is music that should be digested like a fine wine. It’s a superb album that, although may not be too everyone’s taste, is certainly a great listen. Fresh arrangements of some very classic songs, there is a feeling of nostalgia yet the sound remains current and fresh. It could well go down as a classic.
9 out of 10
Track listing:
- Intro
- One In The Rhythms Of Hope
- A For Aria
- Owner Of A Lonely Heart
- Listening To Me
- Time And Word
- Infinite Mirage
- Soul Eternal
- Wonderous Stories
- And You And I
- Renaissance Of The Sun
- Roundabout
- I See You Messenger
- New New World
