Signed to
Warner Bros.
in 1977,
Farrell
, who had been a valued sideman, had also released a few albums under his own name. On
CTI
, he released albums like
Moon Germs
,
Song of the Wind
, and
Outback
. But like many artists of his type, he was only as good as his producers and the album's premises.
Ralph McDonald
and
William Eaton
produced
La Catedral Y El Toro
. Despite the authoritative title, this is a fairly standard
fusion
set. The title track aims for
Chick Corea
-like expansion and excitement, but the production renders it listless, even
Stanley Clarke
's bass solo sounds enervated.
"Promise Me Your Love"
is trademark low-key and soothing
McDonald
Eaton
, with guitarist
Eric Gale
Richard Tee
's keyboards ably assisting
's fluid soprano and tenor sax solos. Even halfway before it's over, it's apparent that
's most notable facet is how it squanders the eye-popping talent and
's gifts.
"Cyclone Rider"
Patti Austin
's
"Is It Asking Too Much"
both feature
as little more than a bystander on his own album. The final track,
"Imagine Me,"
is a feather light offering featuring his often-captivating flute work falling into off notes and lack of energy.
La Cathedral Y El Toro
also features the talents of bassist
Anthony Jackson
and drummer
Steve Gadd
, among others. This 1977 effort is a case of
not clicking with his producers, and that fact makes this less than recommended. ~ Jason Elias