Enigmatic Ocean
Enigmatic Ocean gives the electric violin a place inside a remarkably strong band. Jean-Luc Ponty leads the music without making every other instrument serve as background. Allan Holdsworth and Daryl Stuermer bring different guitar voices, while bass, drums and keyboards keep the arrangements active. The result is fusion with plenty of movement and a clear melodic appeal.
The Trans-Love Express makes that shared energy easy to appreciate. Its groove keeps the instruments connected, even when the individual parts become busy. The musicians share a purpose rather than waiting to show their skills.
Mirage gives the violin's electronic colour more room. The melody has an attractive, dreamlike quality, and the rhythm leaves space around it. Ponty can stretch a line without losing the shape of the piece. Nostalgic Lady provides another strong melodic centre, allowing the group's playing to feel expressive as well as precise.
The guitar arrangements are a major strength. Holdsworth's flowing sound can move close to the violin and keyboards, while Stuermer brings a distinct supporting and lead presence. Having both players here enlarges the music without turning it into an argument for attention. Steve Smith's drumming helps the changes remain light and responsive even when the pace increases.
The larger suites contain impressive moments, although their separate sections do not always connect as smoothly as the strongest individual pieces. That makes the album slightly less even than its finest passages suggest. Still, Enigmatic Ocean offers far more than the novelty of amplified violin. Its appeal comes from melody, varied textures and musicians who make each other sound better. Guitar listeners will find plenty to discover.
