Pierre Moerlen's Gong

Label: Arista
Country: Germany
Released: 1979
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

"Time Is The Key" is the second studio album from Pierre Moerlen's Gong, released in late 1979 under the Arista label. This album continues the band's exploration of jazz-rock fusion, a genre they have become known for. The recording took place in August 1979 at Konk Studios in London, a facility owned by the band The Kinks. Pierre Moerlen took on the roles of drummer, producer, and vibraphonist, showcasing his multi-instrumental talents throughout the album.

Musical Composition

The album features a blend of rich textures and intricate rhythms. Pierre Moerlen's vibraphone and marimba play a central role, supported by Hansford Rowe's bass guitar and Bon Lozaga's electric and acoustic guitars. Keyboardist Peter Lemer enhances the sound with his use of Polymoog, Yamaha CS-80 synthesizers, and Fender Rhodes electric piano. Lemer's keyboard work adds depth to the compositions, creating a lush soundscape that complements the melodic lines.

Guest Contributions

Allan Holdsworth, a prominent figure in jazz and rock guitar, appears on four tracks, including the title track "Time Is The Key." His contributions elevate the complexity of the guitar work, blending seamlessly with the band's established sound. Additionally, Darryl Way, known for his work with Curved Air, lends his violin to the opening suite "Ard Na Greine." The inclusion of acoustic double bass by Joe Kirby on select tracks enriches the album's overall texture.

Track Structure

The album comprises twelve tracks that flow into each other, maintaining a cohesive listening experience. The arrangements feature a mix of melodic phrases and rhythmic intricacies, indicative of the late-70s jazz-fusion scene. The combination of various instruments and musical backgrounds results in an engaging listening experience. Each track presents a unique perspective on the jazz-rock fusion genre, demonstrating the band's versatility and musicianship.

Production Details

Pierre Moerlen's Gong self-produced the album, with engineering by John Rollo and Brian Risner. The mastering was handled by Ray Staff, ensuring a polished final product. The recording at Konk Studios provides a quality sound that captures the essence of the band's live performance energy.

"Time Is The Key" was released in late 1979, catalog number Arista SPART 1105.

Tracklist

A1	Ard Na Greine Acoustic Bass – Joe KirbyVibraphone, Vibraphone [Electra Vibe], Marimba, Glockenspiel, Timpani, Goblet Drum [Darbourka] – Pierre MoerlenViolin – Darryl Way	6:12
A2	Earthrise Acoustic Bass – Joe KirbyDrums, Gong, Goblet Drum [Darbourka] – Pierre MoerlenKeyboards – Peter Lemer	2:25
A3	Supermarket Bass Guitar – Hansford RoweDrums, Vibraphone, Vibraphone [Electravibe], Marimba – Pierre MoerlenElectric Piano – Peter LemerRhythm Guitar – Bon Lozaga	3:37
A4	Faerie Steps Bass – Hansford RoweDrums, Vibraphone, Vibraphone [Electravibe], Marimba – Pierre MoerlenGuitar – Bon LozagaKeyboards – Peter Lemer	5:33
A5	An American In England Acoustic Guitar – Bon LozagaBass, Acoustic Guitar – Hansford RoweDrums, Marimba, Gong – Pierre MoerlenKeyboards – Peter Lemer	2:55
B1	The Organ Grinder Bass Guitar – Hansford RoweDrums – Pierre MoerlenLead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Bon LozagaSynthesizer [Polymoog, Yamaha Cs80] – Peter Lemer	3:55
B2	Sugar Street Bass Guitar – Hansford RoweDrums, Synthesizer [String] – Pierre MoerlenGuitar – Bon LozagaSynthesizer [Polymoog] – Peter Lemer	2:22
B3	The Bender Bass Guitar – Hansford RoweDrums, Soloist [Synthesizer] – Pierre MoerlenLead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Nico RamsdenRhythm Guitar – Bon LozagaSynthesizer [Polymoog] – Peter Lemer	3:17
B4	Arabesque Intro Bass Guitar – Hansford RoweDrums, Vibraphone, Timpani, Marimba – Pierre MoerlenLead Guitar – Allan HoldsworthRhythm Guitar – Bon LozagaSynthesizer [Polymoog], Electric Piano – Peter Lemer	3:23
B5	Arabesque Bass Guitar – Hansford RoweDrums, Vibraphone, Timpani, Marimba – Pierre MoerlenLead Guitar – Allan HoldsworthRhythm Guitar – Bon LozagaSynthesizer [Polymoog], Electric Piano – Peter Lemer	1:52
B6	Esnuria Two Bass Guitar, Synthesizer [Bass] – Hansford RoweDrums, Marimba – Pierre MoerlenElectric Piano, Synthesizer [Yamaha Cs80] – Peter LemerLead Guitar – Allan HoldsworthRhythm Guitar – Bon Lozaga	5:39
B7	Time Is The Key Bass Guitar – Hansford RoweDrums, Marimba – Pierre MoerlenElectric Piano, Synthesizer [Yamaha Cs80] – Peter LemerLead Guitar – Allan HoldsworthRhythm Guitar – Bon Lozaga	2:27