Album of the Day

IMAGINARY VOYAGE was recorded in Burbank 45 years ago this month, by which time Jean-Luc Ponty had performed with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Frank Zappa – both of whom fed the French-born violinist's appetite for experimentation. The 1976 Atlantic collection opens with “New Country,” an energetic hoedown that allows every member of Ponty's quintet to shine. Though what follows is more contemplative and dreamlike, the playing is equally sublime, culminating in the title track, a four-part side-long suite. Ponty's approach straddles jazz fusion and progressive rock on the self-produced set, with an emphasis on melody and lyrical instrumental work that makes it one of the performer's most accessible. This IMAGINARY VOYAGE will take listeners to a place of tranquility and wonder.