Propeller Music

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, Jones' 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 Jones, 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|