Record Reviews
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  | GINGER BAKER / SALT ~ LIVE IN MUNICH GERMANY 1972
VOICEPRINT / TMQ 056 (Barcode: 604388738229) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2010
This live recording is one of several releases based on the private archives of legendary drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, which finally see the light of day. Although not intended for a formal release and suffering from "bootleg" sound quality problems, the musical importance of this material is so significant, that it overshadows any technicalities and is essentially a Godsend. This album brings a live recording of Baker´s ensemble SaltFind albums by this artist, which he founded following the demise of Air ForceFind albums by this artist. Salt never recorded any albums during its short life-span, and therefore this material by the band is invaluable. In Salt Baker assembled a group of British Jazz players, which played in the last Air Force lineup, augmented by African vocalists and drummers, taking an even more radical step towards World-Jazz Fusion. Some great players are present: saxophonist / flautist Steve GregoryFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bud BeadleFind albums by this artist and others. But the great surprise of this recording is the participation of the legendary Jazz drummer Art BlakeyFind albums by this artist, who "battles" with Baker in a series of drum exchanges. Definitely worth investigating, especially in view of the fact that the sound quality on this album is quite excellent, as it originates from a TV recording made of the concert.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ART BLAKEY ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA AND RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 887254359920 (Barcode: 887254359920) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1956 - 1959 Released: 2015
This superb Box Set includes all the albums by the seminal American Jazz drummer and pioneer of the Hard Bop genre Art BlakeyFind albums by this artist, released by the ColumbiaFind albums on this label and RCAFind albums on this label labels. These recordings span just a short period of four years, between 1956 and 1959, but they include some of the archetypical Jazz of the 1950s and document the birth of the Hard Bop era.
Art Blakey and his Jazz MessengersFind albums by this artist were one of the most dominant Jazz ensembles for decades and featured some of the top American Jazz players at the time, the list of which reads like a who´s who of American Jazz: trumpeters Donald ByrdFind albums by this artist, Lee MorganFind albums by this artist and Bill HardmanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Hank MobleyFind albums by this artist, Jackie McLeanFind albums by this artist, Ira SullivanFind albums by this artist, Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist and Benny GolsonFind albums by this artist and pianists Horace SilverFind albums by this artist, Sam DockeryFind albums by this artist, Ray BryantFind albums by this artist and Wynton KellyFind albums by this artist all play on these albums as do many other first rate players.
Blakey was one of the first American Jazz musicians, who were interested in African music, looking for sources of American Jazz. He incorporated African rhythms and techniques into the way he played, which created a unique and almost immediately recognizable drumming style. The Jazz Messengers served for many years and until Blakey´s death in 1990 as one of the most important cradles of young American Jazz musicians and very many top players who arrived on the scene were groomed as members of the Messengers, including such luminaries as Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist and literally dozens of others.
Although this music is quite familiar to all serious Jazz fans, it is always great to hear it as played by the original musicians who "invented" it in the first place rather than listen to the countless imitations recorded over and over again since. The last three CDs in this Box Set include live recordings by Blakey and Jazz Messengers recorded in Paris, which were originally released only on French RCA and therefore are much less known.
In retrospect this music still sounds fresh and sparkling today, as if absolutely untouched by time, completely justifying its classic status. Of course this is also an essential lesson in Jazz history and tradition, and as such an absolutely indispensable part of any serious record collection. Its availability will perhaps lead the young generation of Jazz players to listen to the source of the genesis of Modern Jazz.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 07/01/2016 | CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAROL MENNIE ~ I`M NOT A SOMETIME THING
CDM 1004 (Barcode: 616892610120) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1999 Released: 2004
This debut album by US singer Carol MennieFind albums by this artist, wife and life companion of guitarist extraordinaire Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist, is full of surprises. Stepping into the domain of extraordinary Jazz vocal heritage can be extremely risky and many vocalists failed miserably while trying. Mennie manages to avoid the precarious trap by doing the only thing an artist should do – rather that copying prior achievements by others she simply does her own thing. Her deep, sexy and seductive alto is clear and strong enough to carry any tune and she chose material that suits her vocal abilities perfectly. Of course a part of the credit goes to Minasi, who arranged the tunes and was the album’s musical director, as well as to the wonderful cast of contributing musicians, which includes Minasi’s “regulars” bassist Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist and cellist Tomas UrlichFind albums by this artist and other musical friends like Patience HigginsFind albums by this artist on reeds, Valery PonomarevFind albums by this artist (ex-Art BlakeyFind albums by this artist) on trumpet, Michael Jefry StevensFind albums by this artist on piano, Jay RosenFind albums by this artist on drums and Tom McGrathFind albums by this artist on percussion. Minasi’s guitar work is, as usual, superb, showing his deep knowledge of the guitar tradition and ability to play “straightforward” and still be unique. The material includes some favorite standards and five original Minasi’s songs (both music and lyrics), that are as good as the standards. The singer can be both deeply lyrical on the slow ballads and funny and humorous on the up-tempo songs, preserving her personal touch with elegance and gusto. The album is full of precious moments, beautiful instrumental solos and touching vocal delivery, which together create a piece of music that doesn’t try to be pretentious, yet is interesting, intelligent and highly unusual at all times. This is a kind of album that works both in rainy evenings and sunny mornings – a music for all seasons. I truly enjoyed this and honestly await Carol’s next album, hopefully sometime soon.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | THELONIOUS MONK ~ THE COMPLETE BLUE NOTE RECORDINGS
BLUE NOTE 724383036325 (Barcode: 724383036325) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1947 - 1958 Released: 1994
This superb Box Set contains all the music recorded by the legendary American pianist / composer Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist for the no less legendary Blue NoteFind albums on this label label. It includes his first sessions as a leader, recorded between 1947 and 1952, a later guest appearance with Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist (1957) and a live recording with John ColtraneFind albums by this artist (1958). This music was released originally on 78 rpm records, 10-inch LPs, 12-inch (normal) LPs and finally on CDs. This box includes the complete remastered material presented in chronological order and adds many previously unreleased bonuses and an excellent booklet with background information.
This music, although recorded at the formative years of Bebop, is distinctly "different" from the Bebop "mainline" and often quite "out there", as Monk´s idiosyncratic compositions and unique playing technique made him stand out already at the very early stages of his career. Fellow musicians would often put Monk and his music in a separate niche, most of them admiring his mind-boggling and often outlandish ideas.
Monk´s complete disregard of conventions and visionary approach to music is one of Jazz greatest mysteries. Today, over six decades after this music was recorded, no other musician was able to come even close to Monk´s weird note sequences and harmonies, pauses and rhythmic hiccups, long arpeggios and single notes, in short complete individuality, as rare as bird´s milk. Some even speculate as to his alien origin in lack of a better explanation of his unparalleled genius.
The music comprises mostly of Monk´s original compositions, many of which were destined to become Jazz standards and some standards, which often sound quite unusual after receiving the famous Monk treatment. Monk is accompanied by some of the most iconic Jazz figures, like drummer Art BlakeyFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Milt JacksonFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Kenny DorhamFind albums by this artist bassist Paul ChambersFind albums by this artist and many others.
This box is not only full of great music but also an excellent document of Jazz history. Piano Jazz connoisseurs should definitely include this in their "must have" list, but most avid Jazz lovers will find it fascinating and even essential. Although Monk´s later output is better known, this period is by no means less significant and in many respects, especially as far as revolutionizing Jazz composition, is perhaps even more momentous. Buy or die!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 4 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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