The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week: ‘Modern Times Blues’ by Jean-Luc Ponty
This groundbreaking 1984 project created a soundscape that was both futuristic and timeless.
Jean-Luc Ponty at the Nice Jazz Festival 2008
For this week’s Pick of the Week, we’re turning back the clock 40 years to highlight a masterpiece from Jean-Luc Ponty’s 1984 album, Open Mind. Coming off the success of his 1983 release Individual Choice, Ponty sought to push the boundaries of his craft even further, blending his signature avant-garde jazz fusion with the cutting-edge sounds of synthesizers and sequencers.
The result? A groundbreaking project that merged meticulous rhythm programming and pulsating synths with Ponty’s virtuosic violin and Violectra, creating a soundscape that was both futuristic and timeless. Open Mind isn’t just an album — it’s an exploration, a journey into the possibilities of sound.
Adding to the album’s brilliance are cameo appearances from none other than jazz legends Chick Corea and George Benson. These collaborations elevate Open Mind to another level, infusing it with the gravitas and artistry that only such icons can deliver.
For this week’s pick, we’re spotlighting the track “Modern Times Blues,” an exquisite exchange of melodies between Ponty’s soaring violin and Benson’s unparalleled jazz guitar. The interplay between these two titans is nothing short of mesmerizing — a duel of strings that’s equal parts fiery and elegant, weaving a narrative without words but bursting with emotion.
If progressive, jazzy, genre-defying sounds like this are your vibe, then make sure to lock in with The Progressive Underground. Catch me every Saturday at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET, or stream the show worldwide at wdet.org. Together, we’ll journey through the rich soundscapes of progressive soul, nu-jazz, deep house and rare grooves you won’t find anywhere else.
Until next time, stay soulful, stay curious and keep vibing.
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
