Record Reviews

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DEEP DARK BLUE CENTRE / PORTRAITS / THE ALTERNATE MOSAICS BGO 822 (Barcode: 5017261208224) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1972 Released: 2008 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album, which is a companion to the previous BGOFind albums on this label reissue of his early recordings, includes the very first recording by Collier released on DeramFind albums on this label in 1967, his last of the early 1970s recordings released on the tiny SaydiscFind albums by this artist label in 1972, before he established his own records label MosaicFind albums on this label, and a sensational never previously released alternate version of the live material, which produced the original "MosaicsFind albums with this title" album. He composed all the music presented here (except one tune) and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Bob SydorFind albums by this artist, Dave AaronFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist (oboe), Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist, Philip LeeFind albums by this artist (guitar), Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist (piano) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier of often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DOWN ANOTHER ROAD / SONGS FOR MY FATHER / MOSAICS BGO 767 (Barcode: 5017261207678) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2007 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album collects the three albums Collier recorded for the FontanaFind albums on this label / PhilipsFind albums on this label labels in 1969 / 1970, following his debut recording on DeramFind albums on this label from 1967. He composed all the music presented here (except one tune) and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Bob SydorFind albums by this artist, Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist (oboe), Nick EvansFind albums by this artist, Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist (trombone), Philip LeeFind albums by this artist (guitar), John TaylorFind albums by this artist, Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist (piano) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier is often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ SYMPHONY OF SCORPIONS / THE DAY OF THE DEAD BGO 1028 (Barcode: 5017261210289) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 - 1978 Released: 2011 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, a dear personal friend of mine who died in 2011, is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album, which is a fourth installment and a companion to the three previous BGO reissues of his early recordings, includes the last two recordings by Collier released on his own record label MosaicFind albums on this label Records, one of the first independently owned Jazz labels in Britain. He composed all the music presented here and plays bass on the first recordings (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist (trombone), Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Mike PageFind albums by this artist, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist (guitar), Roger DeanFind albums by this artist (piano), Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist (bass) and Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Both these releases were inspired by the works of British poet and novelist Malcolm LowryFind albums by this artist, one of the most innovative writers of the 20th Century. "The Day Of The DeadFind albums with this title" (originally released as a double LP) includes extended fragments from Lowry´s masterpiece "Under The Volcano" and his other writings, narrated by John CarberyFind albums by this artist on top of the music performed by the band. Both works rank amongst Collier´s greatest achievements and his most adventurous recordings, with a loose composed frame and extensive group improvisations. Collier is often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

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HENRY LOWTHER / QUARTERNITY ~ NEVER NEVER LAND JAZZ IN BRITAIN 36 (Barcode: 5060774190388) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 - 1978 Released: 2022 This is a sensational archival album by one of the silent heroes of the British Jazz scene, trumpeter / violinist / composer Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and his quartet QuarternityFind albums by this artist, with guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist, which was expanded often to a quintet with saxophonists Art ThemenFind albums by this artist or Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist. This double album collects twelve compositions by Lowther or Lee, one of which appears twice, in a quartet and quintet versions. The music was recorded live between 1974 and 1978, but the sound quality is absolutely impeccable considering the archival nature of these recordings. Lowther’s name appears proudly on well over a hundred albums recorded over the years, including some of the British Jazz most iconic releases, but his recording legacy includes just one (yes ONE) album as a leader, “Child SongFind albums with this title”, recorded in 1970, followed by two albums recorded decades later with his ensemble Still WatersFind albums by this artist (“I.D.Find albums with this title” from 1996 and “Can`t Believe, Won`t BelieveFind albums with this title” from 2018). Therefore, this release fills a gigantic gap in Lowther’s recorded legacy as a leader, and pays tribute to this great musician, along with his fellow musicians of course, all of which are British Jazz icons. With the painful recent passing of Trevor Tomkins, this is even more significant. The music is a classic example of the Modern British Jazz played in the 1970s, emphasizing excellent compositions and brilliant improvisations, which include a pinch of Free Jazz here and there, but mostly sits well within the modern mainstream of the era. Considering the lineup, it is hardly surprising that the music is nothing short of spectacular, in every respect. Lowther, Lee and the saxophonists solo with passion and vigor and the sublime rhythm section keeps things in check, with Green’s incredibly melodic bass lines and Tomkins’ virtuosity present every step of the way. British scene followers should find it interesting to compare Lee’s guitar performances here with his more Prog oriented recordings with GilgameshFind albums by this artist or National HealthFind albums by this artist, which prove his incredible versatility. Lowther’s violin performances here, relatively rarely heard elsewhere, are a proverbial cherry on top of everything. Overall, this is another admirable contribution to the British Jazz recorded legacy made by the dedicated people behind the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label who never cease to enrich our lives with these mementos from the glorious past legacy of the British Jazz. Just the thought that these musical treasures would have remained buried forever fills me with great sadness for all the music that suffers that fate, and of course at the same time with great joy that some of it sees the light of day, for which we are, as always, eternally grateful!

Updated: 22/12/2022Posted: 21/09/2022

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SOFT MACHINE ~ SOFTS ESOTERIC 2202 (Barcode: 5013929730243) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1976 Released: 2010 By 1974 the legendary Soft Machine switched record labels from CBSFind albums on this label / ColumbiaFind albums on this label (after releasing five magnificent albums on that label) to EMIFind albums on this label´s progressive HarvestFind albums on this label label, on which they would release the band´s last four albums before their epic story would finally come to an end. But the label switch was in fact only an exterior manifestation of the deep changes that the group was experiencing at the time. In retrospect, the four Harvest albums mark a completely new phase in the band´s musical direction, leaving behind the Free Jazz / Improvised Music extremes in favor of more structured and composed music, with strong melodic elements and almost mainstream Jazz-Rock sound. The most significant factor, which brought about the change, was Elton DeanFind albums by this artist´s replacement by oboe, saxophone and piano player Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, who also became the most prolific composer of the band´s new material. The second factor was the decision to include a permanent guitarist into the band´s ranks, which was to change the sound significantly from Jazz to Jazz-Rock. This was the second of the Harvest albums, with the Soft Machine lineup comprising of Jenkins, saxophonist Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist (who replaced Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist), bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. The last founding member of Soft Machine, keyboardist Mike RatledgeFind albums by this artist left in the midst of recording of this album and his contribution here are minor. The music is a continuation of the direction set by its predecessor, based upon shorter and beautifully composed melody lines. There is still plenty of improvisation by the players, but it´s much more settled and well organized. In retrospect this is still a very solid album by a great band and an absolute must to all Soft Machine fans.

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MIKE WESTBROOK ~ A BIGGER SHOW ASC 162-163 (Barcode: 654469439163) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is an incredible album that celebrates eight decades of life and six decades of musical activity by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, one of the most iconic figures of British / European Jazz and in retrospect an unstoppable innovator, who is always ahead of the time of his contemporaries. The album is a live recording of a show, which features the music of Mike Westbrook and lyrics by his wife Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, performed by an orchestra consisting of twenty one musicians and called The "Uncommon OrchestraFind albums by this artist". The 2CD album presents eight original compositions, four on each CD, one of which is over half an hour in duration. The music was recorded, mixed and edited by the recently departed Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, who closely cooperated with Westbrook for many years of his life. Westbrook´s big ensemble music is always an amazing amalgam of marching Brass Bands, Circus Music, Funeral Bands, Cabaret and Vaudeville, modem day Opera and Jazz Big Bands. This has not changed much over time, as a concept, but his music travelled far and wide stylistically over the years, always being exceptionally creative and completely unique. The music on this album is no different, and presents a highly complex musical story, which keeps enfolding in front of the listener like an Opera plot. The Orchestra, which is basically a large brass section supported by a double rhythm section (two guitars, two basses and two drums) performs superbly and the orchestra members play bloodcurdling solos along the way. Kate Westbrook, Martine WaltierFind albums by this artist and Billie BottleFind albums by this artist perform the vocal parts, which are, as usual, theatrical and full of drama. A few legendary veterans can be found among the orchestra members, like saxophonist Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Dave HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, both soloing splendidly. Overall this is another Mike Westbrook masterpiece, which proudly takes its place with his earlier works in the rich tapestry of his musical achievements. His many followers will hopefully add this jewel to the Mike Westbrook collection, as it wholly deserves to be heard and admired. There are but a few contemporary musical figures, which have behind them six decades of pioneering work and a splendid legacy of uncompromising musical treasures. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 02/02/2023Posted: 25/06/2018

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MIKE WESTBROOK ~ GLAD DAY ENJA 9376 (Barcode: 063757937623) ~ UK ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 1997 Released: 1999 This is a 2CD album presenting the studio recording of the "Glad Day" Jazz & Poetry project, which combines the poems of celebrated British poet William BlakeFind albums by this artist with the music composed by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, recorded in November 1997 at C.T.S. Studios in London. The music was performed by vocalists Phil MintonFind albums by this artist and Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, with Mike Westbrook on piano, saxophonists Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist and Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve BerryFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave BarryFind albums by this artist. The Senior Girls Choir of Blackheath Conservatoire of MusicFind albums by this artist, directed by Lucy McAlaryFind albums by this artist appears on fire tracks and four guitarists appear on one track. The album presents twelve tracks, all composed by Mike Westbrook. Westbrook´s association with the poetry of Blake goes back to the early days of his career, with the release of the legendary album "Tyger (A Celebration Of William Blake)Find albums with this title" released in 1971, which remains criminally unreleased on CD to this very day. In 1980 Westbrook released another Blake related album called "The Westbrook Blake (Bright As Fire)Find albums with this title" and then in 1999 he released this studio version of "Glad DayFind albums with this title" as a 2CD album, which was followed by a live version “Glad Day LiveFind albums with this title”, filmed and recorded in 2008 and released in 2014 as a DVD / CD set. Ten of the twelve compositions included in the studio version are present on the live album. The poignant and truly revolutionary poetry of Blake challenged Westbrook to create some of his most magnificent work, combining the British traditions of Folk, Classical and Choral music with his Jazz inspirations. The result is one of the most inspiring Jazz & Poetry projects ever created. It offers a sublime balance between the lyrics and the instrumental parts, which compliment each other perfectly. The carefully selected group of musicians performing the music is absolutely perfect for the job. Mike Westbrook plays several deeply moving solo piano parts, as do all other musicians on their respective instruments. Steve Berry is equally proficient playing arco and rhythmic pulsations. The unusual instrumental setting works out magnificently. Minton and Kate Westbrook are as usual beautifully expressive, sensitive and elegant. The choir parts are delicate and modest, as required by this fragile sonic environment. In short this is simply a perfect piece of musical artistry from start to finish. For British Jazz lovers and Westbrook followers this is an absolute must of course. For music connoisseurs not familiar with his work (shame on you!) this is a perfect introduction to his musical world, accessible to every sensitive person on this planet.

Updated: 09/09/2024Posted: 09/09/2024

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MIKE WESTBROOK ~ LONDON BRIDGE LIVE IN ZURICH 1990 WESTBROOK 011 (Barcode: 5052442022893) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1990 Released: 2022 This is an archival live album by British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, which presents a performance of the orchestral suite “London Bridge Is Broken DownFind albums with this title” at the Zurich International Jazz Festival in 1990, three years after the suite was premiered 1987 at the French Festival International de Jazz d’Amiens and later recorded in a Paris studio. The 2CD album presents twelve tracks, two of which last for well over twenty minutes The lineup on this recording is somewhat different and includes Mike Westbrook on piano, Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist on vocals and Mike Westbrook OrchestraFind albums by this artist with trumpeter Graham RussellFind albums by this artist, trombonist Paul NiemanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist and Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, tuba player Andy GrappyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, bassist Tim HarriesFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter FaircloughFind albums by this artist. The classical orchestra is the Docklands SinfoniettaFind albums by this artist conducted by Rupert BondFind albums by this artist. The musical content is almost identical to the studio recording, but naturally this live version offers the excitement, dynamics and natural differences between a studio recording and a live performance, which as expected is absolutely sensational. You can read my review of the studio album (by clicking on the link) for a detailed review of the music and its place in Westbrook’s extensive career. Overall, this is a brilliant piece of music, and in many respects a pinnacle in Mike Westbrook’s career as a composer and Kate Westbrook’s career as an interpreter of multilingual literary works within the Jazz idiom. The album is of course an absolute must in every serious British Jazz collection, and an essential part of Westbrook’s discography. Thanks for bringing this marvelous music out to light after thirty years of hibernation.

Updated: 28/07/2023Posted: 28/07/2023

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MIKE WESTBROOK ~ PAINTBOX JANE WESTBROOK 010 (Barcode: 5024545977127) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2022 This is an album by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, his wife vocalist / lyricist Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist and a bunch of friends, collectively known as Westbrook & CompanyFind albums by this artist, which includes vocalists Martine WaltierFind albums by this artist and Billie BottleFind albums by this artist, actor Tim GoodwinFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist and bassist Marcus VergetteFind albums by this artist. It presents a musical play, with music by Mike Westbrook and libretto by Kate Westbrook, first performed in London in 2016 and recorded in the Temple Music Studios in 2017 by the lamented Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, to be released only five years later. The album presents fifteen mostly relatively short tracks (but three of which last for about ten minutes each), all but one composed by Westbrook. The show presents a scene based around the great French painter Raoul DufyFind albums by this artist painting a portrait of Jane on the Nice promenade, when (as the description on the album’s booklet says): “a troupe of singers and instrumentalists enter into a spirited exchange with the painter about the nature of Art and his place in its history”. The music is absolutely exquisite and offers some of Westbrook’s most melodic and lyrical pieces ever, in most cases beautifully sung Kate. In other cases, the music serves as a background to the spoken texts by the vocalists / actors. As usual with the Westbrooks in action, the entire album is soaked in European aesthetics, which deals with Culture in all its aspects and manifestations, with an emphasis on painting in this case. The philosophical and existential issues touch upon in Kate’s libretto is a reoccurring in many different disguises in her literary work since many years. The intimate and minimalist instrumental settings of just saxophone / keyboards / bass manage to create a completely coherent soundtrack to the proceedings, with brilliant soloing by Wakeman and solid bass pulsations by Vergette, with Mike brilliantly providing the harmonic / melodic background to the entire extravaganza. As usual, this music is simply bigger than life in every aspect. Overall, this is another Masterpiece by the Westbrooks and their cohorts, absolutely exploding with brilliant music all over and superbly put together with the spoken word, singing and playing creating a magic carpet ride of multilayered stimuli. Absolutely not to be missed and a crucial piece of the Westbrooks puzzle, which seems to know no borders or limitations. Epic!

Updated: 02/02/2023Posted: 02/02/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend