Record Reviews

GINGER BAKER ~ WHY? MOTEMA 148 (Barcode: 181212001488) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the final album by British drummer / composer / bandleader Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet format with American saxophonist Pee Wee EllisFind albums by this artist, bassist Alec DankworthFind albums by this artist and Ghanaian percussionist Abass DodooFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, three of which are Baker’s original compositions, one is by Ellis, two are standards, one is a traditional Nigerian tune and one is a composition by American trumpeter Ron MilesFind albums by this artist, composed especially for Baker. Following an illustrious career in Rock, Blues-Rock and World-Rock music with Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist, Blind FaithFind albums by this artist and other acts, Baker returned gradually to Jazz, which was his initial playground in the early 1960s, when he played on the London’s Jazz scene and studied drums with the legendary Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist. Since the early 1980s he released a series of Jazz oriented albums, of which this was his last. He died in 2019 following a long period of illness. The music is soaked in Baker’s deep involvement with African rhythmic traditions, which in fact dominated his entire career and made his to study African music, including a residence in Nigeria in the 1970s. The resulting Jazz-World Fusion is highly spiritual and intimate. The small format makes this album especially interesting, enabling every little nuance of Baker’s incredible drumming technique to be perfectly audible. Dankworth’s contributions herein are also marvelous. Overall, this is an almost completely overlooked album by one of the greatest British / European drummers of all time, which definitely is worth exploring and deservers a proper place in any serious album collection. Listeners interesting in drums and especially in African drumming, should seek this little gem out.

Updated: 05/03/2023Posted: 05/03/2023

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GEORGIE FAME ~ SWAN SONGS THREE LINE WHIP 010 (Barcode: 5052442008002) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015 This is a delightful album by veteran British singer / keyboardist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, one of my all time favorite British Jazz musicians and especially vocalists. He is supported by a wonderful team, which includes trumpeter Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist, bassist Alec DankworthFind albums by this artist, guitarist Tristan PowellFind albums by this artist, drummer James PowellFind albums by this artist (the last two are Fame´s sons since his real name is Clive PowellFind albums by this artist after all) and percussionist Ralph SalminsFind albums by this artist. Legendary vocalist Madeline BellFind albums by this artist appears on two tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, ten of which are original songs by Fame and two are standards. As the album´s title ominously suggests, this album was meant to be the last recording by Fame, and sadly so far, six years after it was recorded, no other new album was recorded by him, which is a great pity, especially in view of the excellent form he displays on this album. The music is the usual mixture of Blues, Rhythm And Blues and Jazz, which Fame so uniquely combined into his own idiom for decades. His highly personal delivery, always mixed with a dash (or more) of British humor, and his charismatic presence will remain forever in the memory of those who knew him and his music. The album´s songs present a concept of a person telling his life´s story via the autographical songwriting, which works beautifully from start to finish. The album as a whole is simply a marvelous piece of artistry and if this is indeed to be Fame´s swan song, it is a most appropriate goodbye gesture. I don´t think I need to persuade anybody familiar with Fame´s music to grab this marvelous album as long as it is available. As for me – Fame´s music was a true ingredient of the soundtrack of my life, from his very first recordings in the early 1960s and until this one – five decades of joy and musical bliss. Thank you!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 29/09/2019

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

GEORGIE FAME ~ TONE-WHEELS `A` TURNIN` THREE LINE WHIP 008 (Barcode: 5032396000031) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This is an album by British Jazz vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, recorded with a fabulous band that includes his two sons: guitarist Tristan PowellFind albums by this artist and drummer James PowellFind albums by this artist, as well as some of the top British Jazz instrumentalists: trumpeter Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist and bassist Alec DankworthFind albums by this artist. Fame half-jokingly calls the band The Last Blue FlamesFind albums by this artist, a tribute to the revolving band that accompanied him throughout his career since 1962. The album presents twelve original songs, all composed or co-composed by Fame. The music is absolutely lovely, as always, and presents Fame as a completely original songwriter and interpreter of Jazz / Rhythm And Blues songs, who had a few equals over time. His feeling for the Blues, which was present in everything he sang and played over the years, was undoubtedly his signature, but in his songwriting Fame contributed some of the most beautiful songs ever written, often with highly whimsical and humorous lyrics. This album also features prominently Fame’s playing the Hammond organ, which was less prominent on his later albums, proving that he was one of the best organists on the British scene ever. Despite the “Last Blue Flames” warning, Fame recorded another album on his label five years later with almost identical lineup, the fabulous “Swan SongFind albums with this title” released in 2015, hinting as to the possibility of being his last recording, but I still firmly believe and hope that he might bless us with some more of his musical bliss. Please!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 09/05/2021

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BOBBY WELLINS ~ DON`T WORRY `BOUT ME CADILLAC 005 (Barcode: 5020675970724) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 This is a live album by the legendary British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with pianist Graham HarveyFind albums by this artist, bassist Alec DankworthFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin DrewFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are standards and one is an original composition by Wellins. It was recorded at the mythological Vortex club in London and released on the legendary CadillacFind albums on this label label, founded by John JackFind albums by this artist. Although primarily known as the saxophonist on the early iconic albums by Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, Wellins had an impressive solo career over the years and the mellow / sweet tone of his tenor saxophone is one of the most recognizable voices of the formative days of the modern British Jazz. He continued to perform and record over the years and his legacy is worth being remembered and heard. He died in 2016. Overall, this is an important document of the great talent and the unique sound of Wellins, supported here by excellent musicians and playing in top form. For British Jazz fans, this is a worthy addition to every serious collection, commemorating his contribution to the scene and its recorded legacy.

Updated: 10/08/2023Posted: 10/08/2023

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend