Gong / Pierre Moerlen
Downwind
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

Sealed 1980 Original. Mastered At Sterling. “Downwind Marks The Return To Compositions Dominated By Rock Structures And Styles, The Jazz Element Minimal This Time Around. The Instrumental Cuts Are Sublime: "Emotions" And "Xtasea" Are Relaxing; "Crosscurrents" And "Downwind" Are Energetic And Exciting. The Title Cut Is Easily The Highlight Of The Album, Featuring Guest Appearances By Steve Winwood (Moog, Synth) And Guitarist Mike Oldfield. At Almost 13 Minutes, This Thrilling Composition Resembles The Early Work Of Oldfield, Particularly Strains Of "Tubular Bells, Pt. 1," And Specifically The Section Used For The Film The Exorcist. On "Downwind," Moerlen's Percussives Are Ablaze, Recalling His "Percolations" Performance From Gazeuse. Bassist Hansford Rowe Is Prominent, And Saxophonist Didier Malherbe, A Longtime Gong Staple, Makes His Only Appearance On The Album.” David Ross Smith, AMG.