Fretless electric bassist
Percy Jones
has carved out his place in fusion and
progressive rock
during his longstanding affiliation with the bands
Brand X
and
Tunnels
. Furthermore,
Jones
represents one of the early innovators of the electric bass despite a lack of widespread recognition. Yet, since the mid-'70s, the artist's signature sound and style to coincide with his enviable chops has at times, been overshadowed by others who reside a bit closer to the limelight. Otherwise, the bassist, along with
funk
/fusion/
bebop
drummer
Mike Clark
and others, help spearhead a studio session brimming with East Indian overtones, zestful rhythms, and EFX treatments. Here,
' pumping lines, harmonics, and somewhat angular attack serve as the guiding force, as his ensemble pursues a series of jagged themes interspersed with punchy rhythms and atmospheric synths. This 1990 release also features famed violinist
Shankar
, who along with
, intertwine a series of Eastern modalities into the grand scheme of things, whereas
Joe Sofia
offers his pleasingly melodic if somewhat unspectacular vocalizations on two pieces. The band surges onward via a turbo-charged approach, although the rapidly executed stop-start type movements amid a constant state of evolution makes for a strenuous listening experience when viewed upon as a whole. ~ Glenn Astarita