Pierre Moerlen's Gong

Label: Arista
Country: Germany
Released: 1981
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Exploring "Leave It Open" by Pierre Moerlen's Gong

"Leave It Open" is the fifth studio album from Pierre Moerlen's Gong, released in 1981 under Arista Records. This album, recorded between 1980 and 1981 at Stars & Stripes Studios in London, showcases a blend of jazz-rock and heavy fusion elements. It is notable for being the group's final release with Arista, marking a transition in their musical journey.

Production and Lineup

The album was self-produced by Pierre Moerlen, who played multiple instruments, including drums, vibraphone, and Polymoog synthesizer. The lineup also features Hansford Rowe on bass guitar and vocals, and Bon Lozaga on electric guitars. François Causse adds depth with congas and percussion, while the legendary Charlie Mariano contributes his expertise on alto and soprano saxophones. Additional guest musicians include Demelza and Brian Holloway, enhancing the album's diverse sound.

Musical Style and Themes

"Leave It Open" presents a darker, punchier aesthetic compared to earlier works. The album combines interlocking Polymoog arpeggios with heavy funk-rock basslines and intricate guitar work. The title track, which spans an expansive 17 minutes, exemplifies this fusion style, weaving together minimalist influences reminiscent of composers like Steve Reich. Other tracks, such as "How Much Better It Has Become" and "It's About Time," explore different textures and themes, ranging from ambient to vocal-led compositions.

Critical Reception and Tracks

While the album may not have achieved mainstream success, it did attract attention within niche musical circles due to its innovative approach. The varied compositions offer a rich listening experience, with "Stok Stok Stok Sto-gak" and "Adrien" contributing to the album’s atmospheric diversity. The combination of jazz and rock elements throughout the record creates a unique sound, reflective of the band’s artistic vision in this period.

Recorded at Stars & Stripes Studios in London, "Leave It Open" features a total of six tracks that explore a range of musical ideas and styles.

Tracklist

A1	Leave It Open Bass – Hansford RoweCongas – DemelzaCongas, Timbales – Francois CausseDrums, Vibraphone, Synthesizer [Polymoog], Tom Tom [Concert Tom-Toms] – Pierre MoerlenGuitar – Bon LozagaSaxophone – Charlie Mariano	17:19
A2	How Much Better It Has Become Bass – Hansford RoweDrums, Vibraphone, Synthesizer [Polymoog] – Pierre MoerlenRhythm Guitar – Brian Holloway	3:23
B1	I Woke Up That Morning Felt Like Playing Guitar Drums, Rhythm Guitar, Synthesizer [Bass Synthesizer], Keyboards – Pierre MoerlenLead Guitar – Bon LozagaSaxophone – Charlie Mariano	3:33
B2	It's About Time Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Hansford RoweDrums, Congas, Percussion – Francois Causse*Keyboards – Pierre MoerlenSaxophone – Charlie Mariano	6:06
B3	Stok Stok Stok Sto-gak Bass – Hansford RoweDrums, Keyboards – Pierre MoerlenGuitar – Bon Lozaga	4:09
B4	Adrien Drums, Vibraphone, Keyboards, Gong [Gongs] – Pierre Moerlen	3:45