CLARA PONTY
Mirror Of Truth (JLP Productions)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

---

Clara Ponty is the daughter of the great violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. She began playing piano at age 5 and three years later wrote her first composition. She studied classical music for years, but choose not to become a classical pianist in order to pursue what she felt was her true calling as a composer. Mirror Of Truth is Ponty's third cd. Her previous two were well-received efforts in the new age genre, but her latest effort introduces more jazz and world rhythms than the others. Perhaps the presence of her father, who plays on six of the twelve songs, contributes the jazzier undertones to this beautifully crafted, quality recording.

Carla Ponty plays piano on all tracks and is joined by Jean-Luc Ponty on violin and synthesizer, Taffe Cisse on percussion, Laurent Cirade on cello, Jeromy Lewis on double bass, and Patrick Manouquian on guitar.

Combining a classical sensibility with world and ethnic musical influences, Clara Ponty creates songs that are both evocative and reverie producing. George Winston comes to mind. The interplay between Clara on piano and her father on violin produces emotionally satisfying music that rewards repeat listening. Serene and dreamlike, Mirror Of Truth is like an Oasis from the stress of daily living. Once there, its hard to leave.

© 2004 - Ron Saranich