Description

This album is hard to describe, it has a very distinct sound, but as is usual with Pierre Moerlen's Gong it is highly original. The level of musicianship expressed on this album is second to none and there is no shortage of them either. The core band is Pierre Moerlen - drums, Hansford Rowe - Bass, Benoit Moerlen - tuned percussion, Francois Cousse - percussion, and Ross Record - guitar.The first track 'Aeroplane' is a nice opener, with vocals and keyboard by Steve Winwood, who makes a guest appearance. The second track 'Cross-currents' is an instrumental fast fusion of rock and classical musicmore… with some extremely funky jazz bass and lightning fast tuned percussion, giving a taste of what is to come on the title track.The title track 'Downwind' (also instrumental) has to be one of the most impressive pieces of rock music ever, in fact to call it rock music is somewhat of an insult. It is a very complex and intense composition which starts in a cool jazz style with a circular harmonic melody and then diverts into a build up of epic proportions using all kinds of instruments and musical textures, including some excellent Celtic whistle sounds. Mike Oldfield guests playing lead guitar on this track and it is somewhat reminiscent of his 'Tubular bells' only it is much more intense and powerful. The track climaxs in a fantastic crescendo which brings in Didier Malherbe (also guesting) on Saxophone while it continues to build to its final conclusion which returns to the original circular melody having come full circle which gives a sense of eternity and continuity, somewhat like having been carried away on some incredible journey only to return to the beginning.The album continues with a wonderful version of Santana's 'Jingo-lo-ba', which again has a fantastic intensity and is so precise and sharp you could cut your finger on it. Ross Record's lead solo is magnificent making you wonder what happened to him after this album (his only appearance anywhere that I know of).'What you know' is a somewhat reflective song with quite a funky sound and excellent guitar riffs with vocals from Pierre Moerlen himself.The album closes with two quieter instrumental pieces the beautiful 'Emotions' with its hypnotic melody and reflective violin from another guest Didier Lockwood. The final piece 'Ecstasea' puts the icing on the cake with its soulful composition, powerful bridge and uplifting conclusion.I fully recommend this album to anybody, it is an experience in itself and is very powerful. Possibly their best album, although I must say I am very fond of all of their material.

Tracks

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Info:

Category:

Music > Albums

Case Type:

CD

Release Type:

Retail

Comments:

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Cover Info:

Title:

Pierre Moerlen's Gong - Downwind (1979) Retail CD

Part:

Back

Dimensions:

1767 x 1382 px

Size:

410 KB

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21/02/10 by pontiacc

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