Album of the Day

Both Frank Zappa and the Mahavishnu Orchestra put Jean-Luc Ponty's talents to use on their records, but it's on his solo albums for Atlantic that the French-born violinist truly soars. From 1975, UPON THE WINGS OF MUSIC was the first of these, and it's a terrific showcase for both Ponty and his band (which included future R&B hitmakers Patrice Rushen and Ray Parker Jr. on keyboards and guitar, respectively). Highlighted by such songs as “Question with No Answer,” “Polyfolk Dance” and the title track, these eight originals offer funk-tinged jazz fusion that's consistently engaging; as a producer, Ponty's adventurous combination of acoustic and electric textures is as impressive as his instrumental skills. We'll let UPON THE WINGS OF MUSIC take flight again now to wish Jean-Luc a happy birthday.