Led by saxophonist Maarten van Norden, Future Shock is a self-described Dutch fusion group who mixes elements of modern mainstream and post-bop jazz with a rock beat. The harmonies are not as complex as most jazz, but, to the band's credit, there are interesting solos on each piece and there is a uniformly high level of musicianship. Van Norden wrote half of the pieces for the recording, with other members of the seven-piece band (and five assorted guests spread out on the tracks) contributing the remainder. Van Norden adds some fun with his sense of humor (perhaps a product of his work with
Willem Breuker), but his improvisations are the highlights of the recording. Another Breuker-ite, trombonist Willem van Manen is also featured, and adds some rollicking, gutsy bravado. While there is no recording date listed, the album was probably put to disc in the late 1980s. ~ Steven Loewy