Canteloupe Island (Incl. "Jean-Luc Ponty Plays The Music Of Frank Zappa") (1969)

"Ponty's finest! It was recorded in 1969 while the electric violinist was with Frank Zappa. The set includes five Zappa originals. The composer participated, as did several Mothers of Invention, including George Duke. This music is some of the best that fusion had to offer. It's lyrical, warm, fantastically performed, and it's got plenty of heart and soul. It contains Zappa's sense of humor and incredible harmonic vocabulary, Ponty's fiery technique and soulful playing, and Duke, of course, playing electric piano throughout. Zappa's fine compositions include "King Kong" and the classic "Music for Electric Violin And Low Budget Orchestra," conducted by Underwood. Zappa plays guitar at Ponty's "How Would You Like To Have A Head Like That". Ponty's soloing is hot; he manages to knit blues influences and the 20th century classical tradition together. In addition to Zappa's pieces, there are fine tunes by Duke ("Foosh"), Ponty ("Contact"), and the title cut by Herbie Hancock." (T. Jurek, Allmusic; 4 uit 5 sterren)