Fusion c

C.O.C.X. That word not necessary conjures up images of relaxation, stress-relief or healthy living with no drugs nor booze - especially when you consider the date when this album was recorded (1983), which is probably somewhere around 'the darkest' period in Stanko's body of work. But - surprise surprise - the main promise of C.O.C.X. is just that - relaxation and stress-relief. Stanko's romantically rocking trumpet, Apostolis' guitar solos on their way from Greece to Jamaica, J.A Torress' Latin congas, Rek's swinging bass - all those integrands create an experience which tend to be everybody's favorite, even among the folks who are not especially keen on post-electric Miles grooves. For those times when you just want to be noncommittal about you music selection, that would be a perfect record to choose, especially in company of well chilled bottle of Pino Grigio or New Zeeland's Sauvignon Blanc.

In 1989, Steps Ahead consisted of Mike Mainieri on MIDI vibraharp, synclavier and acoustic piano, the young saxophonist Bendik doubling on keyboards, guitarist Steve Kahn, Tony Levin on electric bass and Chapman stick, and drummer Steve Smith. The powerful band did not have a great deal of subtlety by this era, but it helped to keep the much-maligned genre of fusion alive, mixing the sound of rock with jazz improvising.

Mama Kuku is the fifth and final Association P.C. recording (they were originally known as Association Earwax for two albums, and inexplicably changed their name). Led by guitarist Toto Blanke, this German supergroup stood outside the Krautrock and psychedelic camps and played their own fiery, non-academic brand of prog rock and jazz-rock fusion. The first half of this recording was performed at the Arkandenhof in June of 1973, and the final half, "Lausanne," at the Radio Suisse Romande during the same month.

In 1989, Steps Ahead consisted of Mike Mainieri on MIDI vibraharp, synclavier and acoustic piano, the young saxophonist Bendik doubling on keyboards, guitarist Steve Kahn, Tony Levin on electric bass and Chapman stick, and drummer Steve Smith. The powerful band did not have a great deal of subtlety by this era, but it helped to keep the much-maligned genre of fusion alive, mixing the sound of rock with jazz improvising.