This was the follow-up to the legendary “Introducing the Eleventh House” recording. While it never achieved the classic status of its predecessor, it is an excellent follow-up that captures the band at their creative and technical peak. From the whimsical "Diedra" to the intense "Nyctophobia," Coryell leads his group with an understated refrain. He has always been at his best when acting as an equal within a group's space rather than as the centerpiece. His one indulgence here is the pretty, acoustic guitar solo "Eyes of Love." Of particular interest on this recording is the ferocious drumming of Alponse Mouzon, who displays a style of speed and power that rivals that of Billy Cobham. This is a forgotten gem from the fusion era. This is one of the favourite Jazz Fusion recordings, by one of the favourite Jazz Fusion groups. Imagine a cross between Ian Carr's Nucleus and early Mahavishnu and this is what you get. Coryell found his Jan Hammer- esque counterpart in amazing blind keyboardist Mike Mandel and Alphonse Mouzon is as close to a Cobham-style drummer as it is possible to find. Mike Lawrence on trumpet is just as electric and maybe even spacier than Jerry Goodman. His style mirrors that of Miles Davis during that period. Likewise bandleader Coryell really pushed the limits of both his playing and composing with this band configuration and subsequent release.
However, the individual who deserves special merit, and really propels this intensely awesome record in a super-mahavishnu way is unheralded-til-now bassist John Lee. His raucous thundering pushes Larry's sound in a very satisfying way, and Coryell's power here is a direct result of John's pulsing support. This is not Funk in any way, though this record has a certain funkiness to it, and that is mostly Lee's doing.
Every song stands strong with repeated listenings. The album is actually entitled Level One, but if you ask me this is one of the highest levels of fusion attainable. This is a must-have for any fan of furious fusion.
01. "Level one" (Mike Mandell) - 3:02
02. "The other side" (Michael Lawrence) - 4:35
03. "Diedra" (Mandell) - 3:56
04. "Some greasy stuff" (Alphonze Mouzon) - 3:30
05. "Nyctaphobia" (Mouzon) - 4:04
06. "Suite" (Larry Coryell) - 5:32
A. Entrance
B. Repose
C. Exit
07. "Eyes of love" (Coryell) - 2:25
08. "Struttin' with sunshine" (Coryell) - 3:20
09. "That's the joint" (John Lee) - 4:03
Larry Coryell – guitar
Michael Lawrence – flugelhorn, trumpet
Mike Mandel – keyboards
Alphonse Mouzon – drums, percussion
John Lee – bass guitar
Steve Khan – 12 string guitar on "Level one"
ProductionEd Caraeff – photography
Bob Heimall – design
Ralph Moss – recording engineer
Producer - Skip Drikwater,
Executive Producer - Vince Cirrincione and Tom Tom Paine
Recorded at Electric Lady Land Studios, New York City
Genre: Jazz, Jazz fusion
Length: 34:42
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