KENSO is without any doubt the most famous nippon Progressive jazz-rock band: it has built its reputation on an innate gift and an uncommon virtuosity of its musicians obviously evoking BRAND X. From time to time, our ears of experienced melomaniacs can also be cherished by reminiscences of the Canterbury school. The virtuosity, the inventiveness and the great sense of melody give the music of KENSO a great fineness and an unreached wealth. The "In The West" album is a selection from one of their best live performances recorded in 1997. Most of the boldness tracks which dotted an already well carried out career. "Esoptron" (1999) is their first studio recording within eight years. The least we can say is that it was worth the wait ! Can"t you imagine the LED ZEPPELIN roughness meeting the WEATHER REPORT finesse ? No ? Then listen to this masterpiece !