Search - Jean-Luc Ponty :: No Absolute Time

Innovative, visionary, ahead of his (no absolute) time ..

Jawara (mrf1nch@hotmail.com) | Tokyo | 11/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Remarkably, I (Mr. Ponty's biggest fan) did not care for this recoridng initially. Because I expected (exactly WHAT I expected is hard to say,but I did "expect") I was not able to accept the recording for what it was. That was very unwise on my part.Needless to say, I learned to appreciate "No absolute time" for its conceptual and compositional brilliance. This is his second recording with the African "all-stars" (my little nickname), and although Tchokola was good in its own right, it seemed to be mostly African with a guest violinist. No Absolute Time was more of a culmination of a musical bonding between Ponty and his newfound cohorts. Simply put: they melded. They stirred together and blended like warm broth. If you enjoyed Storyteller, Civilized Evil, and Mystical Adventures (still my personal favorite) you will love the versatility Ponty shows here. Just don't "expect" anything. I've always enjoyed his freedom to explore time and rhythm. His play with time signatures is a staple in a gereat deal of his work to date and he certainly doesn't disappoint here. "No Absolute Time" may be stating just that. But, don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. If you'r e a JLP fan who doesn't already own this CD, you'll be glad you did."

Exhilarating Introduction to Ponty

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | 12/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was my first foray into the world of Jean-Luc Ponty. I was so enamored, I immediately purchased a couple more. While the others were very nice, this has been my absolute favorite. Lifts my spirits when I'm down."

Cool Runnings

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 04/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The world music rhythms and cool rhymes makes this 1993 release by Jean-Luc Ponty a brilliant and picturesque, with a healthy dose of electronics in the steady mix.



The 10 tracks - clocking in at 56:53 - each have smooth grooves that are paced by the percussion of Abdou M'Boup, Moustapha Cisse, Kemo Kouyate, Mokhtar Samba and Sydney Thiam. And as with Ponty's work, the guitar, bass and keyboards are vital, with Martin Atangana, Guy N'Sangue and Wally Minko, respectively, holding down those roles.



Ponty's use of synthesizers and electric violin brings impressive artistry to his vision that marks a return to Atlantic Records. The standout cut is Blue Mambo, but close behind are Savannah, The African Spirit and The Child in You.



The album peaked at #5 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Album chart. It earned the solid ranking due to the wonderful textures and expressiveness of each number"