Ian Carr – Belladonna

Considered a landmark in Ian Carr's career, 'Belladonna' is peppered with atmospheric excursions and ethereal qualities, as well as a darker fusion aesthetic and prog-rock sensibilities through Holdsworth's exceptional guitar playing. The album's moody yet funky vibe has echoes of Miles Davis' electronic era à la "In A Silent Way."

The album is best enjoyed in its entirety. There are ebbs and flows, with certain tracks shining along the way. Standouts include the beautiful downtempo track 'Summer Rain', which shines in the style of a soundtrack or library and features an emotional electric piano solo. Although the track was recorded in the 70s, it has a timeless sound, a melancholic funk that is so often used in hip-hop and beat tape productions to this day. The Shaft-like, drawn-out intro of 'Mayday' builds the drama to a percussive denouement when the drums drop over three minutes in.