Many of the youngsters of jazz completely skipped right over an entire decade of some of the best jazz fusion created, ever. While some of the great jazz fusion acts and players of the mid 70’s & 80’s were more popular than others, it was a time like no other in jazz music. Of course there was Herbie and Chick, John McLaughlin, George Duke, et al. But did anyone take the time to listen to the finest French jazz-fusion violinist ever? He was there too AND played with many of these cats in addition to having quite the career in his own right.

For whatever reason, the music gods have been sending me lots of Jean-Luc Ponty lately. Maybe it’s a sign. I hadn’t really listened to that much Jean-Luc since college so it was a nice refreshing change and a trip down memory lane. In fact, when I heard “Don’t Let the World Pass You By” (for the first time, again) I was lucky enough to find a chart and we’ve been playing it in the trio. What a great tune! So, in honor of our fine French fusion master, I present to you Jean-Luc Ponty live: