PIERRE MOERLEN'S GONG — Pentanine (review)

PIERRE MOERLEN'S GONG — Pentanine album cover Album · 2004 · Fusion Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
Rokukai
Recorded in 2002, released (in Europe and Japan) in 2004, my favorite version of Gong (which includes other notable groups like Gongzilla, New York Gong, and Gong Global Family) doesn't feature stalwarts like Allan Holdsworth or Hansford Rowe, instead showcasing Moerlen with a number of Russian fusioneers.

I like this record. It's half parts jazz-rock mixed with new age electronic fusion lite. Some of the songs have neat and tidy grooves featuring an array of Moerlen percussion, while others sort of float along on a wave on synths. It's chill and it's great background music. Songs like "Classique" and "Airway to Heaven" melodicize the record and give it a bit of kick. "Lacheur" is my favorite song on the album, featuring a killer organ solo. The musicianship is very good, reminiscent of prior Moerlen's Gong releases "Time is the Key" and "Leave it Open". "Blue Nuit" is great and brings to mind classic Moerlen, showing off killer drum/vibe interplay, weaving distorted guitar through the roller coaster melody. Overall, it doesn't hold up to "Gazeuse" or "Expresso 2", two all time classic progfusion Gong releases, but it suits a leisurely cocktail party or Sunday morning listening.
Share this review

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer
Please login to post a shout
No shouts posted yet. Be the first member to do so above!

JMA TOP 5 Jazz ALBUMS

Rating by members, ranked by custom algorithm
Albums with 30 ratings and more
A Love Supreme Post Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
Kind of Blue Cool Jazz
MILES DAVIS
Buy this album from our partners
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady Progressive Big Band
CHARLES MINGUS
Buy this album from our partners
Blue Train Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
My Favorite Things Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners

New Jazz Artists

New Jazz Releases

6 Eclectic Fusion
KROKOFANT
Buy this album from MMA partners
More new releases

New Jazz Online Videos

Alicante
RENAUD GARCIA-FONS
js· 1 day ago
She's Forty with Me
WILTON CRAWLEY
js· 1 day ago
Tall Tillie's Too Tight
WILTON CRAWLEY
js· 1 day ago
More videos

New JMA Jazz Forum Topics

More in the forums

New Site interactions

More...

Latest Jazz News

members-submitted

More in the forums

Social Media

Follow us