Opus Progressif is Transit Express' second album and sees the band move closer to the Mahavishnu Orchestra jazz rock center. David Rose's violin plays a key role in their instrumental sound, with guitar and keyboards providing ample solo backup. The rhythm section, as to be expected, is lively and moves the compositions forward at a rapid pace.
Prior to the CD reissues coming out in 2001, I hadn't heard any of the Transit Express albums. I bought them all at the same time, and recall the debut Priglacit as the highlight. For whatever reason though, I'm most familiar with their 3rd album Colours Naturelle. On that one there's a distinct move towards Zeuhl that I find refreshing. I hadn't heard Opus Progressif in that 20 year span since and would conclude it's a bit more typical of the time and place, though no less satisfying. This album was released in the US by the Peters International label, with a different cover (arguably better honestly). Despite this, I've never encountered it at a record store oddly enough. I think the title is a misnomer, as it's more jazz rock/fusion than progressif rock, though there's enough of the latter to categorize it as such.
Ownership: LP: 1976 RCA. Single sleeve. Just as with the CDs I mentioned above, I also purchased all three Transit Express' on LP on the same day (2013).
2001 (first listen); 10/15/21 (review / new entry)
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