"With such a long career in the world of jazz and prog. rock, it makes me very happy to discover that younger generations of musicians from other styles of music and DJs appreciate my work and are inspired to make their own versions. "

-Jean-Luc Ponty

Vive La Musique is proud to present the first record in a special series, celebrating legendary French musician Jean-Luc Ponty and his influence on electronic dance music. Ponty is a prolific composer with over fifty albums to his name, exploring a wide spectrum of jazz, fused with rock, electronic music and later in his career, West African sounds. A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, famed for being one of the pioneers of the electric violin, Ponty also experimented with synthesis, composing a number of his albums with the Synclavier - one of the first synths to link up to a computer, offering the opportunity to create and combine multiple sounds.

Originally released in 1989 on the Storytelling album, "In the Fast Lane" is a rich and vibrant composition, with Ponty's rhythmical Synclavier keys and uplifting violin melodies dancing over a driving offbeat groove. The track lit up dancefloors in the UK jazz dance movement which started in the late 80s and is one of the all-time classic tunes from the Dingwalls sessions. Championed by influential Detroit radio DJ the Electrifying Mojo, Ponty is also dearly loved in the Motor City and is cited as a key influence by many of the pioneers of the techno movement.

Vive La Musique brings this unique track to the 12" single format for the first time, beautifully remastered by Atjazz and cut loud at 45 rpm. The release also features a brilliant cover version from Opolopo. He faithfully recreates the original synth lines around a deep and jazzy house groove, producing a modern dancefloor masterpiece, which highly impressed Ponty.

The 12" is presented with stunning artwork by Michal Rafaj and linear notes written by Ponty himself, telling the story of how the track was composed and recorded as well as exclusive photographs that have never been published before.

FEEDBACK

“I cant believe this is coming out again! Its’ great to have this back out and it sounds brilliant!”

Gilles Peterson "Oh Waow!

Love JEAN LUC PONTY!

Love the Opolopo version!

BRILLIANT" Laurent-Garnier "Thanks Aroop.

What a classic! An official 12” with liner notes etc finally gives this anthem the format it deserves. Just pre-ordered the 12” on BC." Mr Scruff

"I love ‘in the fast lane’. Amazing record," Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) "Thanks! never heard this one before. wicked tune!" Hunee

"such a beautiful thing you did man. nothing beats the original tho but Opolopo did a great job." Lefto

"Dear Aroop! I really respect your project. I bought it when it was released. I will play on may radio show. And I will order vinyl on Especial records" Shuya Okino

Released November 19, 2021

Side A 1.Jean-Luc Ponty – In the Fast Lane (Jean-Luc Ponty) Jean-Luc Ponty: 5 String violin and Synclavier-II Baron Browne: Bass Rayford Griffin: Drums Produced by Jean-Luc Ponty. Mixed by Brian Malouf. Recorded at Can Am Studios, Tarzana. Los Angeles Mastered for 12” by Atjazz (P) 1989 Sony Music Entertainment Licensed courtesy Of Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited Side B 1.Opolopo – In the Fast Lane (Jean-Luc Ponty , Peter Major) Recorded and produced by Opolopo Mastered by Atjazz (P) 2021 Vive La Musique All tracks published by YTNOP Music Artwork - Michal Rafaj Photographs courtesy of Bill Sauter, Frederic Houis, Klaus Blasquiz Executive Producer - Aroop Roy