Jonathan Edwards

This is one of my favorite ECM albums. Three musicians that I was familiar with from other ECM recordings, all three my favorites, came together to make this incredible music! I was fortunate enough to see them live at The Bottom Line in lower Manhattan. The ad in The Village Voice read, "Ralph Towner and John Abercrombie Duo." Then in small letters it read, "Also appearing, Terje Rypdal." Well Ralph and John had the foresight to realize that they, (the duo), should play first. They were excellent, of course. But when Rypdal came out, the audience was taken to a whole other world. Sadly, neither The Bottom Line or The Village Voice exist anymore.

This is a musician's album. If you're an audio file, don't bother. Poor recording but some of the most incredible out-of-control live improvisations I've ever heard from a rock band. If there's any doubt, this recording puts Crimson far ahead of any of the other bands that claimed to do progressive rock. Crimson had the balls to do total improvisations in front of crowds of thousands of people! Miles didn't even do that. In addition, when Robert Fripp reformed the band in 72, and they put out four albums of great music, again, including total group improvisations.

This album is incredibly Great! I first met Joan in New York City around 1976. (I think) She performed at a club that my band played a lot. I fell in love with her immediately! I have been following her ever since. When I was at my first year of Berklee College of Music in 1980 I wished I was playing drums for Joan. I've always loved strong women and she was the best of them!!!! And this album shows SHE CAN ROCK!!!!