Elvin Jones - 1975 [2019] "On the Mountain"

On the Mountain is a jazz album by drummer Elvin Jones with keyboardist Jan Hammer and bassist Gene Perla recorded in 1975 and originally released on Perla's PM label.

This 1975 date for the brilliant drummer, with Jan Hammer on keyboards and bassist Gene Perla, is a minor, if somewhat overlooked, classic from the tail-end of the early '70s to the mid-70s' run of great jazz fusion releases. Both Perla and Hammer worked with Elvin Jones between 1971 and 1973, in bands featuring saxophonists Frank Foster, Joe Farrell, Steve Grossman and Dave Liebman. Here, the smaller format allows for a tight group sound with openings for strong solos and fluid interplay throughout. Jones is well up in the mix, giving fans a front-row opportunity to enjoy the drummer, both in all-over-the-kit, rolling-thunder mode and in the subtler moments of his peerless brushwork. The trio perform a half-dozen originals by Perla and Hammer. The impressive writing has a definite jazz sensibility, but Hammer's Moog and electric piano work, Perla's alternating between electric and acoustic basses, and Jones' own fierce eruptions provide a satisfying, rock wallop in several spots.

A great Fusion Cd with the special Elvin Jones touch, for sure. Great power by the man himself and excellent playing by Jan Hammer too. The tunes are high energy and feature great laid back Fusion. A must have for all Elvin Jones and Jan Hammer fans!

First of all, let me caution any Elvin fans--this is not REALLY an Elvin Jones album. Half of the tunes are written by Hammer and half of them are written by Gene Perla, the bassist. And pretty much all the solos are taken by Hammer. The style is not jazz, but rather jazz fusion. Not the ridiculous variety that consists of everybody playing as fast and as loud as possible, but rather thoughtful, understated and sophisticated. That said, the tunes are gorgeous, the solos are lovely, and the rhythm section rocks. The sound of the recording is beautiful too. Basically, the album is flawless. If you care at all about Jan Hammer's playing in the jazz style, you MUST own this album.

Track listing:

1. "Thorn of a White Rose" (Jan Hammer) - 5:07

2. "Namuh" (Gene Perla) - 7:47

3. "On the Mountain" (Perla) - 4:37

4. "Smoke in the Sun" (Hammer) - 4:00

5. "London Air" (Hammer) - 5:29

6. "Destiny" (Perla) - 7:28

Personnel:

Elvin Jones - drums

Jan Hammer - piano, electric piano, synthesizer

Gene Perla - bass, electric bass