imaginary voyage part 2

[Review] Jean-Luc Ponty: Imaginary Voyage (1976)

Ponty’s most proggy adventure to date, featuring past/future members of Frank Zappa, Genesis and Jethro Tull.

Kronomyth 9.0: An imaginary garden with real toads of the short forest in it.

The prog connection to Jean-Luc Ponty has never been stronger than on “Imaginary Voyage,” which lives up to its name as a magical journey of mythic proportions. It has more than a little to do with Frank Zappa , what with a pair of past alums (Ponty, Fowler) and future FZ member Allan Zavod on keyboards, though Ponty generates a warmer, dreamier vibe than Zappa.

The first side of music features five shorter songs which showcase the talents of new guitarist Daryl Stuermer (soon to be written into the great book of Genesis ). Daryl’s acoustic jazz guitar on “New Country” and “The Gardens of Babylon” is a side of Steurmer that Genesis fans didn’t see, and more what you’d expect from someone who cited Wes Montgomery as an influence. Of course, Jimi Hendrix was another influence, which is evident on his solo for the funktastic “Tarantula.” Ponty shares the spotlight with Stuermer on the first side, Zavod on the second side, and slips in a spacey solo with “Wandering on the Milky Way.”

At the moment, I can’t think of another Ponty album I enjoy so much as Imaginary Voyage . The violin becomes a protean voice, as filthy as a funk guitar and as free as a butterfly, classical and country and confoundingly elusive. Behind Ponty is a stellar fusion outfit with prog credibility from once and future members of Frank Zappa, Genesis and Jethro Tull . It’s a proggier, dreamier and more varied work than his first Atlantic album ( Upon the Wings of Music ), more likely to please fans who found Camel a pleasant ride. With time, the arpeggiated sequencer patterns and formulaic flights of fancy would grow dull, but here it’s all wonder and imagination.

Original elpee version

A1. New Country (3:07) A2. The Gardens of Babylon (5:06) A3. Wandering On The Milky Way (Violin Solo) (1:50) A4. Once Upon A Dream (4:08) A5. Tarantula (4:04) B1. Imaginary Voyage, Part I (2:22) B2. Imaginary Voyage, Part II (4:05) B3. Imaginary Voyage, Part III (5:28) B4. Imaginary Voyage, Part IV (8:00)

All compositions and arrangements by Jean-Luc Ponty.

The Players

Jean-Luc Ponty (electric and acoustic violins, organ and background synthesizers), Marc Craney (percussion), Tom Fowler (electric bass), Daryl Stuermer (electric and acoustic guitars), Allan Zavod (electric keyboards and acoustic piano). Produced by Jean-Luc Ponty; engineered by Larry Hirsch.

The Pictures

Cover photo by Peter D’Aprix. Concept & design by Bill Harvey.

The Plastic

Released on elpee and 8-track in September 1976 in the US (Atlantic, SD/TP 18195), the UK (Atlantic, K 50317), Germany and the Netherlands (Atlantic, ATL 50317) and Japan (Atlantic, P-10323A). Also released on elpee in 1977 in Brazil (Atlantic, 30.024). Reached #67 on the US charts and #2 on the US Jazz charts.

• Re-issued on elpee in 1978 in Argentina (Atlantic, 14401).
• Re-issued on elpee and cassette in the US (Atlantic, SD/CS 19136).
• Re-issued on compact disc in the US (Atlantic, 19136-2).
• Re-issued on compact disc in Japan (AMCY-2093).
• Re-issued on compact disc on January 16, 2009 in Japan (Warner, BELLE 081462).

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Home » Jazz Articles » Interview » Jean-Luc Ponty: Imaginary Voyages, Part 2

Jean-Luc Ponty: Imaginary Voyages, Part 2

Courtesy Dan Codazzi

I was with Zappa’s bands and later with Mahavishnu and even when I started my own band, these engineers who were creating new sound devices, pedals, and phase shifters, and this and that, and delays... would come to a famous musician like Zappa to [get him to] use it, you know. And so Zappa would say to me, check it out, after he’d tried it... and pass the device to me [to try out]. And that's how I was able to try all these sound devices. —Jean-Luc Ponty

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Musical Preferences

T he prog connection to Ponty has never been stronger than on �Imaginary Voyage,� which lives up to its name as a magical journey of mythic proportions. It has more than a little to do with Zappa, what with a pair of past alums (Ponty, Fowler) and future FZ member Allan Zavod on keyboards, though Ponty generates a warmer, dreamier vibe than Zappa. The first side of music features five shorter songs which showcase the talents of new guitarist Daryl Steurmer (soon to be written into the great book of Genesis). Daryl�s acoustic jazz guitar on �New Country� and �The Gardens of Babylon� is a side of Steurmer that Genesis fans didn�t see, and more what you�d expect from someone who cited Wes Montgomery as an influence. Of course, Jimi Hendrix was another influence, which is evident on his solo for the funktastic �Tarantula.� Ponty shares the spotlight with Steurmer on the first side, Zavod on the second side, and slips in a spacey solo with �Wandering on the Milky Way.� At the moment, I can�t think of another Ponty album I enjoy so much as Imaginary Voyage. The violin becomes a protean voice, as filthy as a funk guitar and as free as a butterfly, classical and country and confoundingly elusive. Behind Ponty is a stellar fusion outfit with prog credibility from once and future members of Frank Zappa, Genesis and Jethro Tull. It�s a proggier, dreamier and more varied work than his first Atlantic album (Upon the Wings of Music), more likely to please fans who found Camel a pleasant ride. With time, the arpeggiated sequencer patterns and formulaic flights of fancy would grow dull, but here it�s all wonder and imagination.

TRACK LISTING

JEAN-LUC PONTY -- electric and acoustic violins, organ and background synthesizers MARC CRANEY -- percussion TOM FOWLER -- electric bass DARYL STEURMER -- electric and acoustic guitars ALLAN ZAVOD -- electric keyboards and acoustic piano Larry Hirsch -- engineer Peter D'Aprix -- cover photo Bill Harvey -- concept & design

© 2009 Connolly & Company . All rights reserved.

Imaginary Voyage

Recorded in 1976 with Daryl Stuermer (guitars) Allan Zavod (keyboards) Tom Fowler (bass) and Mark Craney (drums). Legendary recording with JLP's first 20 minute suite (title track) and "New Country" which became JLP's second big hit in the U.S.A., South America and Europe.

Purchase at: Amazon.com

Album of the Day

Imaginary voyage.

IMAGINARY VOYAGE was recorded in Burbank 45 years ago this month, by which time Jean-Luc Ponty had performed with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Frank Zappa – both of whom fed the French-born violinist's appetite for experimentation. The 1976 Atlantic collection opens with “New Country,” an energetic hoedown that allows every member of Ponty's quintet to shine. Though what follows is more contemplative and dreamlike, the playing is equally sublime, culminating in the title track, a four-part side-long suite. Ponty's approach straddles jazz fusion and progressive rock on the self-produced set, with an emphasis on melody and lyrical instrumental work that makes it one of the performer's most accessible. This IMAGINARY VOYAGE will take listeners to a place of tranquility and wonder.

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Jean Luc Ponty 9 Imaginary Voyage Part IV

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No Description Available No Track Information Available Media Type: CD Artist: PONTY,JEAN-LUC Title: IMAGINARY VOYAGE Street Release Date: 11/17/1987 Domestic Genre: JAZZ

Product details

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.92 x 5.59 x 0.47 inches; 3.03 ounces
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ ATLANTIC RECORDS
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ December 8, 2006
• Label ‏ : ‎ ATLANTIC RECORDS
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000002I93
• Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
• #261 in Jazz Fusion (CDs & Vinyl)
• #281 in Modern Postbebop (CDs & Vinyl)
• #329 in Smooth Jazz (CDs & Vinyl)

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Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Review Highlights

“ I highly recommend getting there when they say the doors open because you don't want to miss the pre-show . ” in 95 reviews

“ Make sure to sit left of the stage for the preshow on the balcony to ensure good seats for the actual show. ” in 15 reviews

“ I dearly love Medieval times and I hope to visit it again one day, but the pressure is on to up their game now. ” in 12 reviews

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Location & Hours

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8907 North Kings Hwy

Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

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Tracy D. said "Went here earlier in summer for Maverick and left. But, Labor Day went for Jaws. Theatre is clean and staff friendly and work together amicably. No bar. So bring your supplies w you. Sound and projector fine and above par." read more

Amenities and More

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One of our kiddos is in a stroller, but can't use a high chair yet (5 months old). Should we get seats in the wheelchair accessible area?

We had two year old with us and put him in a booster seat. he was fine with the whole thing.

How much are each ticket?

Closer to $70.

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Overall rating

676 reviews

This was the highlight of the trip We didn't know that My mom read the wrong time so we came after to show it already started. The police officer wasn't very nice and was like hurry up and get up there and already started. Clearly we didn't know. We get there everyone's super friendly and we get our drinks and they sit us down there. And the food was okay. I would definitely say you're not coming for just the food. Mac and cheese was not very good at all but everything else is pretty good. My youngest loved the chicken. I would definitely recommend a different dessert but that's just me. The show itself is amazing. It's hard to know where to watch because it's always changing. I would definitely be back but the show did have a few boring parts like the octopuses and jellyfish part was kind of too drawn out. But everyone else was super friendly and we were sitting front rows so they were totally in character the whole time

In town visiting family and even though we didn't have any kids with us, four adults decided to attend the late show. The actors, actresses and behind the scenes crew work extremely hard to present a good night of entertainment for everyone. The food....well if only there was a ticket only option for the show and no food. It felt like I was back in school again getting food from the dreaded cafeteria. Two of us got the vegetarian meal (one without quinoa), and the other two got the regular meal. There was a bit of confusion with the server being instructed not to put quinoa on the one vegetarian meal (due to an allergy), and I will say that the Guest Services crew took care of the situation immediately. Thank you for that! You could see that all the little kids there that night were having a blast. Therefore, I would really recommend this for families.

Ok. First things first. Do not waste your money on the VIP package unless you really really want the front row. There is literally nothing else worth it in the package. The digital prints would be great IF the camera worker actually cared if your eyes were opened or closed. Not worth buying or downloading if half your 5-person party had closed eyes. Retake it. The flags are never used at any point in the show. Not needed at all. The upper level VIP area takes you away from the staffed bar. We had 1 bartender for about 100-125 people, while the lower section that you pay less for had 4 or more bartenders. The "meet and greet" was 2 cast members who walked through once. No talking and a quick picture with your phone only. There is a fun photo stage and a mermaid photo opportunity if you are on the lower level. The upper level had nothing. The VIP upgrade package was very lackluster, to say the least. Now we move inside the showroom. Our server Luke was AMAZING! Fun, energetic, and knew his stuff. He was on top of it all. The food was excellent, I admit. I do wish there were more kid friendly options though to have selected when ticket purchasing. There's a vegan option, so why not chicken nuggets for the kids??? The performers were very good. Great energy and interactions. Overall, it was 4 due to what felt like a waste of the price upgrade for the VIP. I expected not to feel below general admission.

See all photos from Nancy K. for Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

We loved the dinner & show! Reservations were easy to do online and very reasonable. We attended the 8:30pm showing and would highly recommend. Great for children and adults. Servers were great and the production was very well done! Interactive and so much fun! While in Myrtle Beach, a must see! Thank you so much. Oh ya, there were also souvenir cups and photographs for $40; additional 2nd photo as well for separate price.

See all photos from Dawn A. for Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

We attended the show today with a large family group. The show was much better than we expected. Very enjoyable. The lunch was very hearty and tasty. 2 of us ordered the gluten free which provided a gluten free roll, half a baked potato and a warm gluten free snickerdoodle cookie for dessert. Otherwise the lunch was the same 1/2 chicken, slice of ham, and corn cob. All was well cooked, hot when delivered and tasty. I would highly recommend this dinner show even though the price is kinda high, it's a well done show.

Wonderful experience for the whole family at a great price. A must do while in Myrtle Beach.

Pirate Voyage

First time my lady and I did something like this. It was a pirate show with a dinner.(Dolly Parton company.). The show was fantastic, nonstop and food was very good. You sat it a long table with other people in your row and they brought out the Mara to you. The only thing I can say it was difficult to eat and keep watching everything going on. Well, worth it, I would do it again!

The couple my husband and myself were traveling with - we all had such a great time at this place. We highly recommend coming here. I expected the show to be full blown cheesy sword fights and pirate puns, and instead I was impressed by the acrobatics of the cast members. Plus there's a seal and parrots. Our food was great. Something I'm sure almost everyone can enjoy. Soup, roast chicken, ham, corn on the cob, potato and apple turnover. Our server was on it with service. (Sarah Jade? I'm not 100% sure on her name but she was doing a great job!) 10/10 would definitely recommend. Plus it's a Dolly production. You know it's going to be wonderful.

I truly loved the show! This is exciting/action entertainment for the whole family. From the time you get inside the Pirates Voyage pre show to the show It's self. I must admit, I want sure what to expect, but the show turned out to be a highlight in my stay in Myrtle Beach!!! The food and service was just as fun. Everyone is in costume and just as much as the show! Everyone at the Pirates Voyage was all part of such a fun experience. Thank you Pirates Voyage for a great memory!

I came here on New Years Day for the 6pm show. I really wanted to see this when I passed it in Pigeon Forge but never got around to it so decided to see it in Myrtle Beach when I was there for vacation. I was a little disappointed that it was a Christmas show, not the "real/normal" show, but actually it was great! I had SO much fun here. They had acrobatics, seals, parrots, dogs and more. The food was good too with a wide assortment of different things. However, this was quite pricy for $162 for 2 people but overall, it was very fun. The service was quick and very informative too if you had questions. Would I be back? For the regular show, yes. I want to see that. Would I recommend? Yes! At least once.

52 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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