AMG Review of Propeller Music

Glenn Astarita
All Music Guide

Fretless electric bassist Percy Jones has carved out his place in fusion and progressive rock during his longstanding affiliation with the bands Brand X and Tunnels. Furthermore, Jones represents one of the early innovators of the electric bass despite a lack of widespread recognition. Yet, since the mid-'70s, the artist's signature sound and style to coincide with his enviable chops has at times, been overshadowed by others who reside a bit closer to the limelight. Otherwise, the bassist, along with funk/fusion/bebop drummer Mike Clark and others, help spearhead a studio session brimming with East Indian overtones, zestful rhythms, and EFX treatments. Here, Jones' pumping lines, harmonics, and somewhat angular attack serve as the guiding force, as his ensemble pursues a series of jagged themes interspersed with punchy rhythms and atmospheric synths. This 1990 release also features famed violinist Shankar, who along with Jones, intertwine a series of Eastern modalities into the grand scheme of things, whereas Joe Sofia offers his pleasingly melodic if somewhat unspectacular vocalizations on two pieces. The band surges onward via a turbo-charged approach, although the rapidly executed stop-start type movements amid a constant state of evolution makes for a strenuous listening experience when viewed upon as a whole.