First Light - How the Land Lies. 1985 England

1985 is not the first year one thinks of for quality jazz fusion, and yet First Light is not one to overlook. There are many bands with this name, but the UK group as lead by Ronnie Johnson is the focus of today's review. The interesting thing about How the Land Lies is it really does sound like a product of the 80s, and yet it doesn't possess that cold, clinical slick-as-a-butter dish production we have come to expect from the era. This is a warm, yet complex type of fusion - borderline progressive rock - with a strong sense of melody throughout. Had this contained flute, for example, one could easily see this fitting into the early 80s French or Japanese instrumental progressive rock scenes (think Kenso here). It's Ronnie Johnson's guitar that is the star, and he never loses focus of the song, and there's almost no soloing or showboating here. A very good release coming from a time and place that is not expected.

Personal collection
LP: 1985 IOU (USA)

New entry into the CDRWL. The good news is that the LP is still quite affordable if so inclined (both the UK and US copies).