Record Reviews

SANDY DENNY ~ RENDEZVOUS (DELUXE EDITION) ISLAND 602527993607 (Barcode: 602527993607) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 2012 This is the fourth and last solo album by the British singer / songwriter Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, the undeniable Queen of the British Folk-Rock movement, which flourished from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s. Danny fronted the best Folk-Rock groups of the day, such as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and FotheringayFind albums by this artist and later concentrated on her splendid solo career, recording four excellent solo albums for IslandFind albums on this label Records. Her life and career was abruptly cut short by her tragic and untimely death at the age of 31. This album was separated by almost three years from its predecessor, which saw Denny rejoining Fairport Convention and recording her fifth album with the group called "Rising For The MoonFind albums with this title" (the group´s tenth album). She also carefully prepared the songs for this album, which are again a change of direction, this time more towards Pop / Rock, emphasized by the inclusion of one of Elton JohnFind albums by this artist´s songs as one of the three non-original songs on this album. As usual she is accompanied by fabulous musicians including many British Folk-Rock heroes, like guitarist Richard ThompsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John BundrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave PeggFind albums by this artist, drummer Dave MattacksFind albums by this artist and others. Guest star appearances by Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist and Acker BilkFind albums by this artist are also present. Denny´s angelic voice and her unique vocal style are simply stellar. Several of the songs feature beautiful orchestral arrangements, which were criticized at the time for being a bit overshadowing Denny´s performances, but the certainly don´t make that impression in retrospect and are just right for the occasion. This new 2CD edition adds a plethora of bonus material, which includes outtakes, demos, alternate versions and previously unreleased live material, which is all worth its weight in gold. It’s a proper tribute to Denny´s remarkable talents and wonderful output she left us to enjoy forever. It is an absolute must to every Folk-Rock fan anywhere on this planet!

Updated: 26/08/2020Posted:

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VAN MORRISON ~ DOWN THE ROAD POLYDOR 731458917724 (Barcode: 731458917724) ~ IRELAND ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2000 - 2001 Released: 2002 This is the 29th studio album by iconic Northern Irish singer / songwriter Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist, recorded with an extended band, which includes string and brass sections. The album presents fifteen tracks, all written by Morrison except one Jazz standard and another tune written by British Jazz clarinetist Acker BilkFind albums by this artist with lyrics by Morrison. The music covers, as usual, many genres: Jazz, Blues, Folk, Rock, Soul and others. All the songs are absolutely wonderful and the album is considered as one of his strongest and most successful in his extensive career. The rich orchestral arrangements are also perfect for these songs. Morrison’s brilliant melody lines and intelligent lyrics are a beacon of good taste and musical aesthetics, which remain consistent and unmatched since decades, and although his popularity wavers over time, his true qualities never do. Overall, this is another wonderful album by one of the greatest singers / songwriters of all time, which offers an excellent collection of songs, all of which are a great fun to listen to and prove Morrison’s many talents.

Updated: 11/11/2023Posted: 11/11/2023

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VAN MORRISON ~ WHAT`S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? BLUE NOTE 724359365121 (Barcode: 724359365121) ~ IRELAND ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 This is the 30th studio album in the vast and wonderful recorded legacy of the Northern Irish singer / songwriter Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist, which is still growing. I decided to go back and write about this album, as the COVID-19 days seem to be pushing hard for re-examination of one’s values and this is definitely one of my favorite Morrison’s albums, although I honestly love all of them. The reason is probably that this is definitely the album, which is closest to the Blues and Jazz side of Morrison, due to the superb Brass arrangements that dominate it. The album presents thirteen songs, ten of which are his originals, one is a traditional Jazz / Blues anthem arranged by Morrison, another a Blues standard to which he added some lyrics and one a British Jazz instrumental standard by veteran clarinetist Acker BilkFind albums by this artist (who plays on this track) with lyrics added by Morrison. No less than sixteen musicians (and a string section on two tracks) accompany Morrison, five of which play the superb brass arrangements, with extensive soloing, which creates a distinct Bluesy / Jazzy aura, which together with Morrison’s idiosyncratic vocals is absolutely pure magic. The Rock / Blues side of the album is represented by the unreplaceable Hammond presence and guitar soloing, rounding up the overall setting. It is nothing short of incredible to reflect upon the fact that over the years Morrison wrote hundreds of songs, with no “weak links” among them, a legacy only a very few Artists can claim. For over five decades now his songs were something one could always count on to bring nothing but joy and pleasure. For Morrison fans, who might have missed this gem, try to find a copy as it is a true treasure. Highly recommended listening for people looking for some sanity in these crazy days…

Updated: 11/11/2023Posted: 12/08/2021

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STAN TRACEY ~ FROM STAN, WITH LOVE (WITH LOVE FROM JAZZ / WE LOVE YOU MADLY) RESTEAMED 115 (Barcode: 5060138617155) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2021 This is a reissue of two seminal albums by the iconic British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist: “With Love From JazzFind albums with this title” and “We Love You MadlyFind albums with this title”, coupled together as a 2CD set. The first album is a quartet recording with Tracey, saxophonist Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackie DouganFind albums by this artist (Lennie BushFind albums by this artist and Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist replace Green and Dougan on the last track) and presents eight original compositions by the leader. The second album was recorded by an eighteen-piece Big Band (called Big Brass), which included some of the top British Jazz musicians at the time, such as trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Kenny BakerFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, Don RendellFind albums by this artist, and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, clarinetist Acker BilkFind albums by this artist, Tracey on piano, Bush on bass and drummer Barry MorganFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the album is dedicated to American pianist / composer / bandleader Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and presents six compositions by him, one by Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist and one by Tracey, all also arranged by him. The first album was recorded October12 and 31, 1967 and the second August 20 and 21, 1968 and released a year later (respectively) on the EMI / ColumbiaFind albums on this label label. The first album is a wonderful example of Tracey’s quartet work, based on his idiosyncratic compositions, often truly romantic in nature, which defined his style characterized by his singular chord vamping. This was the last recording with Wellins, who was replaced on future albums by Peter KingFind albums by this artist. Tracey and Wellins has a telepathic communication between them and played like musical twins, which of course is audible here as well. The last track is a surprising excursion into African rhythms, which finds Tracey playing the vibraphone. The Big Band album is a complete different cup of tea, with Tracey showing off his genius as arranger / Big Band leader, which always were his undeniable passions in addition to his composing and playing the piano. His love and respect to Ellington the composer is plainly apparent and his arrangements are highly unusual, almost diametrically different from the original Ellington recordings, which of course is a brilliant lesson in the differences between the American and British / European approach to using the Big Band as a musical tool. The original composition closing the album is a proverbial cherry on top of course. Personally this is one of my most loved Tracey recordings, but hey I love them all of course. Overall, these are two absolute British Jazz treasures, and their absence from the record market was a travesty. We should be grateful to Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist (Stan’s son) for bringing them back to life on the family’s ReSteamedFind albums on this label label, hopefully seeing more of these gems getting the same treatment soon. Absolutely essential!

Updated: 18/08/2021Posted: 18/08/2021

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