Finally on CD comes the classic albums of French progressive fusion masters Transit Express, and Distance Between Dreams is the solo release from the bands violinist David Rose. Fans of 70's prog and fusion groups such as Jean Luc Ponty, Magma, Return to Forever, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra will have much to rejoice after hearing the fantastic arrangements on this fine CD.
Rose had assembled most of his Transit Express bandmates for this 1977 release, and as such the music is very similar to the three T.E. albums, although with his violin at the forefront. "The Beast" is a monster tune, pulsating with Jean-Claude Guselli's tremendous Jannick Top inspired bass lines and Rose's violin flights, while "Late Afternoon" recalls the best of vintage Jean Luc Ponty, melodic and filled with virtuoso layers. Keyboard players Serge Peranthoner and Peter Eggers add loads of majestic grand piano, organ, Moog, and Fender Rhodes electric piano, which brings tons of tonal colors to these songs and allows Rose free reign for his solo flights. The incomprable "Skyway" features a tortured violin lead and melody from Rose, accompanied by tender piano, while "Distant Relations" is a churning fusion barnburner that could have been a leftover from the Mahavishnu Orchestra's Birds of Fire album. "Amid Daydream" is Rose's solo spot, and he blasts violent torrents of notes rippling with distortion and wah-wah, before succumbing to the atmospheric "Echoes", which features gorgeous electric piano and haunting violin. The best is saved for last with the explosive title track, which combines Magma/Mahavishnu Orchestra intensity, in addition to some fine guitar work from T.E. bandmate Christian Leroux.
Distance Between Dreams is a monster of a solo album from David Rose, and on par with Jean Luc Ponty's classic releases from the mid-70's. Too bad he never got the credit he deserved back then, as he was a violin talent on par with Ponty and Jerry Goodman. Thankfully his talents as well as the rest of Transit Express are now available for all to enjoy.
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