Matrix-Tale Of The Whale (1979)

Matrix was another of the many second-tier American jazz-rock bands that released four interesting albums between 1976 and 1981. Hailing from Appleton, Wisconsin, their origins date back to 1974, specifically to Lawrence University, where four of its members were students. These were trumpeters and players of other instruments such as percussion and keyboards: Larry Darling, Jeff Pietrangelo, Mike Hale, and Kurt Dietrich. Along with the additions of Michael Bard (saxophone), Randall Fird (bass), Tony Wagner (drums), John Harmon (keyboards), and Fred Sturm (trombone), they gained considerable recognition by participating in various prestigious jazz festivals, such as Monterey and Newport. After two commendable albums clearly oriented towards the brass-rock style that linked them to Blood, Sweat & Tears; Following "Matrix" (1976) and "Wizard" (1978), in 1979, under the Warner Bros. label, they released their best work, "Tale of the Whale", a much more conventional and accessible album aimed at a wider audience. Ambient sounds reminiscent of smooth jazz, new age, and funk jazz-rock vibes are present in most of the tracks on this third album, which features the brilliant jazz fusion "Narouz", the ambient "Nessim" and the title track, the funky "The Fly", and the soaring "Galadriel".