Quoting from what I wrote for THE GREAT ROCK BIBLE: “On some tracks Ponty handled all the instruments and ‘effects’ himself, with only a pianist and a rhythm section in the band. This was essentially an album for chilling to, with a relaxing and accomplished ambience.” The reason I am listening to it again is that, apart from being a big Ponty fan, especially his work with FRANK ZAPPA and his ‘golden period’ between 1976 and 1982. The ones that got the highest scores in my GRB ratings tending to be from that time: viz “Aurora” (1976), “Enigmatic Ocean” (1977) and “Cosmic Messenger” (1978). The other reason is that “Life Enigma” has just been released on vinyl for the first time.
An ideal first thing in the morning or last thing at night choice for me, ‘Signals from Planet Earth’ is an early highlight, while ‘Lonely Among All’ is probably my favourite from the album, a visceral ballad with its light classical touch belying the largely electronically driven music; synths are used extensively and ‘Pizzy Cat’ (Get it?) is just Ponty on his own with a Synclavier and his trusty violin. There are guest musicians on the album and William Lecomte’s piano on ‘Firmament’ is particularly effective. Two guest percussions provide an African vibe and there is also a Latin vibe on pieces like ‘Love at Last Sight’. Guy N’Sangué Akwa’s bass playing is deserving of particular praise, and the reflective title track features some celestial synth, as Ponty does a ‘question and answer’ with himself in stereo, and embarks on one of those mazy violin runs he is so famous for. In short, there is much to enjoy here.
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