Record Reviews

ALBERT BEGER ~ THE PRIMITIVE NMC (ISRAEL) 330012 (Barcode: 7290003506293) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995 1st album by Albert BegerFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent Jazz musicians in Israel and alongside Harold RubinFind albums by this artist a main propagator of the Israeli Free Jazz movement. Beger studied music extensively in the US (Berkley Collage in Boston and then New York) and upon his return to Israel established his quartet and started performing regularly. Since 1995 he recorded a series of excellent albums, which present his remarkable technique as a player, his exceptional improvisational abilities and his talent as a composer. At the time of the recording of this album his quartet included the best-ever Israeli drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist (who plays on many albums released on my Jazzis label), bassist Gabriel MeyerFind albums by this artist and Asutralian born pianist living in Israel John BostokFind albums by this artist. Beger composed all the music included here and the quartet performs with vision and vigor. The music is firmly based in the mainstream Jazz tradition, with distinct melody lines, but the improvisations tend to move towards the Free Jazz idiom. Although not an easy listen, this album can still be enjoyed by most “conventional” Jazz listeners. More adventurous listeners are recommended to seek out Beger’s later albums. Out of print - last copies in stock!

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ALBERT BEGER ~ THIS LIFE NMC (ISRAEL) 20288 (Barcode: 7290003512928) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997 2nd album by Israeli saxophonist Albert BegerFind albums by this artist and his quartet with John BostockFind albums by this artist on piano, Gabriel MeyerFind albums by this artist on bass and Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist on drums. As usual Beger wrote all the music on this album, which is excellently performed by the quartet members. The album marks Beger’s transition between modern Jazz and Improvised Music, which he will be involved with on his later recordings. The material on this album is still firmly based on the Jazz tradition, with melodic content and traditional harmonic structures. Beger’s solos however are mostly free form, spinning and floating above the basic chord changes. His virtuosity and flair are clearly apparent and the album established Beger as one of Israeli leading players. All the other quartet members do an excellent job, each in his respective field. Bostock is a master of harmony, supplying the main melodic structures and playing a few excellent solos. Meyer’s solid bass glues the music together and keeps the time beautifully and Sirkis, by far the best Israeli drummer, drives the music forward with his excellent feel and energy. As all Beger’s output, this album firmly confirms that although small, the Israeli Jazz scene is capable of producing recordings of the same quality as anything recorded in Europe or the US. Recommended! Out of print - last copies in stock!

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FUSION SYNDICATE ~ BEAUTIFUL HORIZON PURPLE PYRAMID 4685 (Barcode: 889466468520) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2012 - 2023 Released: 2023 This is the third album by the Fusion SyndicateFind albums by this artist, a brainchild of American guitarist / composer / producer Fernando PerdomoFind albums by this artist, who assembled a group of Fusion / Prog superstars to record (mostly) his compositions with various lineups, which change from track to track. The collective lineup includes guitarists John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist and Robby KriegerFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, bassists Jah WobbleFind albums by this artist and Alphonso JohnsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist, among others. The album presents seven tracks, all original compositions by Perdomo. The album also presents three bonus tracks produced and composed by bassist / composer Billy SherwoodFind albums by this artist, which originate from the debut eponymous album by Fusion Syndicate from 2012, which is difficult to find these days. It features such Fusion giants like bassist Percy JonesFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist and others. These bonus tracks were newly remastered and with the four bonus tracks added to the “A Speedway On Saturn`s RingsFind albums with this title” album, constitute a reissue of the debut album. Although featuring excellent musicians, the album has nothing new to offer musically and has no coherent concept per se. There is plenty of excitement and excellent soloing by the participants, as expected, but sadly it confirms the notion that Fusion, following a relatively brief period of creativity and Artistic productivity during the Golden Decade (1965-1975) has been mostly dormant, if not dead since. Overall, this is a well-played typical Fusion album, which adds nothing new to the genre’s illustrious past, but offers a pleasant listening experience to the genre’s hard to die fans.

Updated: 11/12/2023Posted: 11/12/2023

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MACIEK PYSZ ~ A JOURNEY DOT TIME 9044 (Barcode: 604043904426) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the second album by Polish (resident in London) guitarist / composer Maciek PyszFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with celebrated Italian bandoneónist / pianist Daniele di BonavenuraFind albums by this artist, Russian bassist Yuri GoloubevFind albums by this artist and Israeli drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist (also resident in London). The album presents twelve compositions, ten of which are originals by Pysz, one is an original co-composed with Italian guitarist Gianluca CoronaFind albums by this artist and one is composed by Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the wonderful Artesuono Studio in Italy and engineered by Stefano AmerioFind albums by this artist with spectacular sound quality. Pysz continues the path already established on his debut album, which presents him as a superb composer and a virtuoso guitar player, which in spite of his young age (born 1982) propels him directly to the very top of contemporary Jazz-World Fusion musicians. The beauty and depth of the compositions presented on this album as well as their extraordinary execution are simply marvelous. The music, although obviously deeply personal, is at the same time completely universal, crossing melodic and rhythmic boundaries with ease and amalgamating the absolute best of the diverse Musical cultures from all over the world. Pysz has an ability to weave exquisite melodies, which in spite their sweetness manage to avoid completely even the slightest suspicion of cliché and kitsch. This is a very rare gift and he uses it exceptionally well. The three musicians that accompany Pysz on his journey are all top professionals: di Bonavenura provides the perfect harmonic and melodic counterpart to the guitar parts and his melancholy and delicate lyricism are simply ideally suited to this music, Goloubev is one of the most sophisticated bassists in Europe, his sound is absolutely unique and his emotional intelligence is incomparable, and finally Sirkis, who grew "under my wings" at the early stages of his career, turned into one of the Master drummers of our times, playing very subtly on this album, but his sole solo spot here is such a classic of the trade that it should be studied by all drummers. There is no doubt that this is an amazing album, full of musical beauty, aesthetic pleasure and extraordinary musicianship, an album that has only a very few equals among the numerous other albums released on a world scale. Blessed by the talent and the friendship of his fellow musicians Pysz gives the world a brilliant gift of music, which should leave not a soul untouched. Essential listening for Body and Soul!

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MACIEK PYSZ ~ INSIGHT 33 RECORDS 231 (Barcode: 5020883337319) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is one of those unexpected pleasant surprises that arrive in my mail box from time to time, which are not only musical delights but also have a personal aspect, closing one of the infinite connections woven during my life as a Jazz activist. Maciek PyszFind albums by this artist is a Polish guitarist / composer resident in London since 2003 and is considered as one of the most interesting upcoming players on the scene. His cohorts are Russian bassist Yuri GoloubevFind albums by this artist, a classically trained player living now in Milan, and Israeli drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, also resident in London, considered as one of the best players around. Of course Sirkis is one of the many "kids on the block" that grew up under my wings and received their first recording opportunity on my record label, hence I consider him as one of my "musical children" spread all over the world. The trio performs nine original compositions, all by Pysz (one co-composed with the Italian guitarist Gianluca CoronaFind albums by this artist), who was also in charge of the exquisite arrangements. The music is a wonderful amalgam of influences mixing Jazzy improvisations with multicultural backgrounds including Gypsy, Flamenco, Latin and Brazilian folklore and European Classical music. Rhythmic influences also touch upon Middle Eastern pulsations. Together these elements are wonderfully interwoven, producing a completely unique musical identity, which belongs to the guitar based Jazz-World Fusion universe pioneered by such luminaries as Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist or John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, among others. Without any exaggeration, this music is every bit as good as the music created by these great Masters. But the excellent compositions and arrangements are also accompanied by superb performances. All three players are obvious virtuosi, each capable of astounding performance, and when combined are capable of truly wondrous music making. Pysz has a superb technique but even more so a deep feeling. The acoustic / classical guitar laughs and weeps, switches between cheerful lightheadedness and moody melancholy. The single notes and the chords are always in harmonious relation to each other and to the two other musicians. Goloubev is already quite famous as a classical player, but his performances here show that his feel and respect for Jazz are of no lesser magnitude. Sirkis, who "holds his horses" and intelligently fits his percussive magic to the delicate acoustic surroundings, simply binds the entire musical experience into a complete and perfect artistic message. As if all the above was not enough, the album is also superbly recorded, with an astonishing sonic ambience and dynamics of the highest quality, which turns the experience of listening to the music into a true delight. This is obviously "guitar heaven" for guitar buffs, but any true music connoisseur should find this album extraordinary in every sense. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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MARKUS REUTER / OCULUS ~ NOTHING IS SACRED MOONJUNE 105 (Barcode: 692287910525) ~ GERMANY ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is an album by German touch guitarist / composer Markus ReuterFind albums by this artist, recorded with a group of musicians associated with the MoonJuneFind albums on this label label and the producer Leonardo PavkovicFind albums by this artist as well as his cohorts from other projects like Stick MenFind albums by this artist: Israeli drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, Italian bassist Fabio TrentiniFind albums by this artist, British violinist David CrossFind albums by this artist and guitarist Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist and American Ambient composer / keyboardist Robert RichFind albums by this artist, collectively known as OculusFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the usual "crime location", i.e. Spanish studio La Casa Murada, by Reuter, Sirkis, Trentini and Cross and later overdubbed by Wingfield and Rich. The album presents five extended pieces, all more than ten minutes in duration, which are not credited and assumed to be co-credited to the participating musicians. The music, although mostly improvised, is based on strictly pre-designed structures created by Reuter, which the musicians had to follow in order to create a coherent development of the music. However, for the listener the music offers a flux, which can be individually interpreted, and the listener´s perception is in fact a crucial ingredient in the music itself. Ambient vistas, supported by leading bass lines and rhythmic structures created by the drums take the listener on a journey, which can only be enjoyed under a total submission to the music, without involving intellectual analytic processes. The music manages successfully to avoid genre limitations and attempts to be categorized. Each listener can find whatever he sees fit in this music, from Avant-Garde electronic music, via Improvised Jazz and Rock Music or Fusion and Progressive Rock. It is an excellent example of contemporary music, which basically ridicules genre classification, which music criticism suffers from constantly, and proposes an opportunity to accept it for what it is: simply music. Of course there are plenty of superb individual statements by all the participants, and again each listener will probably enjoy certain aspects of the music that others might overlook, but this is exactly the point. Like all great Art, music is completely individual (not subjective, as is often wrongly stated). The beauty of Humanity is all in our individualism, which makes us what we really are, of which the perception of music is just one facet. This music, as I have repeatedly stated, comes with a price tag ;) It is not for a casual listener nor can it be enjoyed without a considerable emotional effort, which if often way too much to ask from people these days. Oh well, c´est la vie!

Updated: 24/09/2020Posted: 24/09/2020

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HAROLD RUBIN ~ BLUE BAG NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 Harold RubinFind albums by this artist is one of the very few true Renaissance men I’ve had the pleasure to meet and befriend over the years. An architect, a poet, a painter and an outstanding musician, but also a wonderful human being, who hates bullshit of any form and shape. This, often bold, honesty is present in every creative process Harold is involved with, and what makes his music so wonderfully different and outstanding. Blue Bag is a musical suite, a complete work of art, rather than a collection of separate and unrelated pieces of music. It is probably Harold’s most “accessible” album. It involves a larger group of musicians (as opposed to his regular trio / quartet setting) and for the first time also features vocals. Stylistically it involves, in addition to the obvious jazz contents, some rock elements (for the first time since Harold played with ZaviotFind albums by this artist), some theatrical aura and a much clearer melody lines. The entire album brings fond memories of Brecht’s operas and works by musicians like Gunter HampelFind albums by this artist and his wife Jeanne LeeFind albums by this artist or Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist. It also prominently features for the first time Harold’s poetry, which constitutes the libretto for the entire suite. The musicians playing with Harold include Mark SmulianFind albums by this artist, his partner in Zaviot, who proves he can play the guitar as skillfully as he can handle the bass, Smulian’s wife the wonderful singer Gani TamirFind albums by this artist, Israel’s best drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist (who plays on many albums released on my JazzisFind albums on this label label), extremely talented trombonists Reut RegevFind albums by this artist and Rafi MalkielFind albums by this artist, and bassist Amit CarmeliFind albums by this artist. Harold contributes his unique brand of clarinet virtuosity and occasionally recites / narrates his fantastic poetry with the music playing in the background (reminiscent of the wonderful “Jazz & Poetry” movement of the 1960’s). If I could, I’d make every person on this planer to listen to this Magnum Opus, but obviously I can’t do that. Hopefully some of you will read this and subsequently discover some of the best music ever recorded on this planet.

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SIRKIS / BIALAS INTERNATIONAL QUARTET ~ COME TO ME STONED BIRD 004 (Barcode: 702811649729) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by the quartet co-led by Israeli drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist and Polish vocalist Sylwia BialasFind albums by this artist, both currently resident in London, which also includes two excellent British musicians: pianist Frank HarrisonFind albums by this artist and bassist / chromatic harmonica player Patrick BettisonFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, five each composed by Sirkis and Bialas, who also wrote the lyrics (in Polish) to five of the album´s tracks. Thank God that Bialas had the common sense to stick to her mother tongue, when singing lyrics, rather than trying to sing in English, a fatal mistake made by most Polish Jazz vocalists, which in most cases simply devastates their efforts. But Bialas also balances wisely and beautifully between singing lyrics and using her voice as an instrument, improvising scat and vocalese passages. As a result this album immediately arises to the level of one of the best vocal achievements I had the pleasure to hear this year. But of course the vocal parts are only one of the ingredients of this album, which also includes excellent compositions and superb performances, turning the entire listening experience into a most pleasing aesthetic adventure. The overall mood of the album is overtly melancholic, consistent in a sense with the Polish Jazz attitude, which means that Bialas is a dominant influence here, which does not surprise me at all. Sirkis, who is usually quite a powerful drummer, plays delicately and beautifully melodically all the way through. Harrison, who carries the main accompanying responsibility, is simply exquisite in what he does, both as a soloist and as a supportive pillar behind the vocalist. Bettison keeps supplying the pulsating bottom lines, which pave the way for the music and move it forward. His harmonica solos are a nice icing on the cake, but personally I could do without them. In short the entire quartet seems to act as a symbiotic organism, in complete contrast to the usual singer / band circumstances. As I keep saying lately, the freedom of movement, which characterizes contemporary Europe, results in many international encounters, which have a high potential of becoming marvelous mixtures and exchanges between Artists. This album is a typical example of such encounter, and the listeners are blessed to receive this piece of music into their laps. Intelligent, emotional, moving music of this magnitude is rare in today´s chilling reality of non-culture and gems like this one should be embraced and admired. One can only hope this is but a beginning of a lasting creative force. This is an outstanding debut by all means and hopefully many people around the world will be eventually exposed to it.

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ASAF SIRKIS ~ SHEPHERD`S STORIES STONED BIRD 003 (Barcode: 680569811257) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is an excellent album by Israeli (living in London) drummer / composer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with Greek guitarist Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist and Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist, both also living in London. Several guest musicians are featured on selected tracks. The album contains eight original compositions, all written by Sirkis. Musically the album broadly belongs to the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre, although it also amalgamates other influences, mostly folkloristic and ambient themes. There is a strong presence of melodic elements, most rather melancholic and somewhat mystical, which create an atmosphere of reflection and serenity. And yet the music is full of dynamics and drive, both on the low-key tracks and obviously on the up-tempo numbers. All these musicians are clearly masters of their trade. Spiliotopoulos plays some incredible licks, which could cause even the most famous guitarists to miss a heartbeat. His flow and apparent virtuosity are especially effective on the up-tempo numbers, where his performances sound similar to those of Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, without any attempt to copy them of course. Stavi is a very intelligent and proficient bassist, and his solid bass lines serve as the foundation upon all the music is based. He is also beautifully melodic and hassle-free. Sirkis, whom I know since his very early days as a drummer, became a Master of his trade, playing some amazing rhythmic patterns but always emphasizing the melody as well. His rolling technique is simply breathtaking, as is his ability to play forcefully and yet unobtrusively at once is truly sublime. This is an album for people who love guitar-based instrumental music, but don´t expect and razzle-dazzle neck-breaking trickery, ready to enjoy some elegant and meaningful music. This album promises to grow on the listener with time, always uncovering new vistas with every visit.

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ASAF SIRKIS ~ SOLAR FLASH MOONJUNE 117 (Barcode: 692287911720) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2021 This is an album by Israeli drummer / composer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist recorded with a great trio including also British keyboardist (and a drummer himself) Maestro Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist and bassist Kevin GlasgowFind albums by this artist. Polish vocalist Sylwia BialasFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks as does British guitarist Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Sirkis. I have had the pleasure of knowing Sirkis since his first steps as a musician and his first recordings were on my JazzisFind albums on this label label in the early 1990s and I enjoyed his success as one of the busiest drummers on the European Jazz scene over time. His impressive recorded legacy, both as a leader and sideman, recently mostly associated with the MoonJuneFind albums on this label label, is the best testimony of his great talent. The music on this album is probably his finest achievement as a composer so far. Most of the compositions are deeply lyrical and melancholic, resembling the music that characterizes Polish Jazz, and his examination of his Polish roots (that we both share) in the three-part “Polish Suite” present on this album, is definitely a deeply moving experience, with his wife’s vocalese emphasizing the East European influence. The instrumental performances are of course stellar, with Husband’s great sensitivity and Wingfield’s virtuosity combined into an irresistible flow of melodic magic. Sirkis keeps his drumming parts to a minimum, as highly appropriate for this deeply emotional music, which is a sign of his great taste and modesty. Overall, this is a monster album, full of great music and hair-raising performances by some of the best musicians around, which should keep all true music lovers around the globe perfectly happy. Although rooted in the Jazz-Rock Fusion idiom, it is so diverse and open-minded, that straightforward labeling does not apply to it at all. Hats off, my friend!

Updated: 16/09/2021Posted: 16/09/2021

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SOFT MACHINE ~ OTHER DOORS MOONJUNE 130 (Barcode: 692287913021) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is the 3rd album by the iconic British Jazz / Fusion band Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, following their return to the original moniker in 2015, after dropping the “Legacy” suffix. It follows the 2018 studio album “Hidden DetailsFind albums with this title” and the 2020 live album “Live At The Baked PotatoFind albums with this title”. The lineup includes guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist / keyboardist Theo TravisFind albums by this artist, bassist Fred Thelonious BakerFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. Bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, who retired from the band by the end of 2021 and was replaced by Baker, guests on two tracks. It is the last album featuring Marshall, who died in 2023 a few months after this album was released and was replaced by Israeli drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, a mixture of old and new compositions, seven of which were composed or co-composed by Travis and four composed or co-composed by Etheridge. The music is the usual wonderful amalgam of Jazz and Fusion, based on beautiful melodic themes and brilliantly performed by these exceptional veteran musicians. Despite the fact that there is no attempt to innovate or revolutionize anything, which was the modus operandi of Soft Machine in their early days, the music played here is a synthesis of decades of experience and an attempt to keep the flame ablaze, without looking back. Overall, this is an amazing piece of music, which should be a lighthouse of inspiration to the dozens of young Fusion bands, who sadly are not getting a right whiff of things. One can depend on these musicians to get it perfectly right, and to inspire and amaze the listener by their talents and acquired experience, continuing the six decades of well earned respect with pride.

Updated: 08/06/2024Posted: 08/06/2024

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TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ ARCHIPELAGOS F-IRE 32 (Barcode: 5060092193221) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is the second album by Greek (resident in London at the time) guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with his customary cohorts at the time: Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, both also resident in London. Two guest musicians appear, each on one track only: guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist and legendary (sadly no longer with us) trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, who plays a brilliant solo like only he could. The album presents eight original tracks, all composed and arranged by Spiliotopoulos. Spiliotopoulos is certainly one of the most original voices among contemporary guitarists, playing and composing in a completely unique style which is incomparable with any other guitar player that I have heard and immediately recognizable. Considering the fact that there are countless guitar players out there, his individuality is already a great asset. Combined with his virtuosic abilities, it makes Spiliotopoulos a phenomenon worth following. The music is a sort of Jazz-Rock Fusion, mostly sonically, as the actual melodies are way more delicate and complex than the average Fusion production, full of beautiful melancholy and intrinsic Mediterranean peace of mind. Spiliotopoulos, Stavi and Sirkis fir together ideally, as documented also on other recordings they are all featured on, and it shows. The interplay and camaraderie present here are simply marvelous. Overall this is a beautiful album recorded by three Master musicians, which proves that Jazz-Rock Fusion has still something to offer when taken seriously. Wholeheartedly recommended, and if you can find a copy grab it ASAP.

Updated: 11/03/2016Posted: 11/03/2016

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TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ WAIT FOR DUSK KONNEX 5166 (Barcode: 4017867031210) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is the debut album by Greek (resident in London at the time) guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet format with French saxophonist Robin FinckerFind albums by this artist and Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, all three also resident in London. The album presents nine tracks, all composed and arranged by Spiliotopoulos. The music belongs to the Jazz-Rock Fusion idiom, although it is much more complex and sophisticated than most Fusion recordings, with excellent melodic themes and extended improvisations. The flow and grace of these tunes is delightful and the album is one continuous fun to listen to from start to finish. Spiliotopoulos has a unique approach to guitar playing and although the guitar is the most common instrument in music today, his tone, fingering and phrasing are truly extraordinary, which is true only in very few cases. It is hard to say if this is a result of his Greek roots and the omnipresent bouzouki dominance in Greek music, but there is something that makes him immediately to stand out after hearing just a few notes. The leader gets excellent support from his cohorts, all highly professional players of great talent. Fincker plays some admirable solos and supports Spiliotopoulos by playing unisono passages on the melody intros and of course the rhythm section is a dream team, which turns any album they are on into a joyous occasion. This is a most impressive debut recording, introducing a superb guitarist, which is definitely worth to be followed as he should get far with his music and his virtuosic abilities as a player. The album is now out of print but if anyone can get hold of a copy, it is certainly highly recommended.

Updated: 08/04/2016Posted: 08/04/2016

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WINGFIELD / REUTER / STAVI / SIRKIS ~ THE STONE HOUSE MOONJUNE 083 (Barcode: 692287908324) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by a Fusion / Ambient quartet comprising of British guitarist Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Markus ReuterFind albums by this artist and Israeli (resident in UK) rhythm section: bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all co-credited to the four members of the quartet. The music is a highly developed and completely improvised Fusion effort, which allows the quartet members to freely express their individual statements during the extended musical journeys taken within each of the lengthy tracks. The music wanders on several parallel planes, created by the double guitar lead and supported amicably by the rhythm section. Long ambient passages incorporate World Music elements, which can not be exactly pinpointed, but definitely have an Eastern feel about them. Considering the fact that all the music was composed spontaneously during the recording process, the communication between the musicians is truly telepathic. The individual performances by all quartet members are, as expected, quite amazing, both on the individual level and especially so on the ensemble level. Combining two expressive guitar players, like those present here, could have easily ended up in a chaotic race, but thankfully is skillfully avoided. The rhythm section proves to be able to carry this heavy weight front line intensity without a hitch, with a steady pulsation this particular duo is known for since years. Overall this is a splendid effort which should make all guitar fans extremely happy, especially since many of the things heard on this album are quite unique and certainly innovative. Fusion and Prog fans might also find this music to be exactly their cup of tea, and last but not least the many Wingfield´s followers will discover both a continuation of his previous work and ventures into new territory. Well done Gentlemen!

Updated: 23/02/2017Posted: 23/02/2017

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MARK WINGFIELD ~ PROOF OF LIGHT MOONJUNE 071 (Barcode: 692287907129) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This excellent album by British guitarist / composer Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist is another proof of his well earned position as one of the most interesting guitar players on the Isles, which he is consistently establishing since the turn of the Century. His prolific discography includes many gems and this new album proudly joins the list. Recorded in a trio setting with two Israeli (resident in UK) musicians, bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, the album presents nine original compositions, all by Wingfield. The music is a unique variety of Fusion, with Wingfield´s whining guitar and forceful rhythm section driving the tunes firmly, but at the time subtly and intelligently. Wingfield manages to create his own guitar sound, which is phenomenally rare these days and displays a highly personal style of expression, which is full of quirky phrases and twists and turns, which keep the listener´s ears erect at all times. The compositions are all very solid, with great melody lines and intrinsic complexity, which makes it impossible to guest what comes next, which of course is highly engaging. Although Wingfield is obviously the leader, the album is above all a trio effort. Stavi and Sirkis are both Master instrumentalists and their virtuosic support turns this album into a group effort, which is definitely more than the sum of its parts. Stavi supplies the steady bass lines, which keep the music flowing, which frees Sirkis to stretch and develop his rhythmic frenzy, so typical of his personal style. The Stavi / Sirkis rhythm section is obviously an ideal Fusion vehicle one can ask for and Wingfield definitely made the right decision taking them on board. Overall this is an adventurous Fusion (and beyond) album featuring virtuosi performances by all the trio members, which should make every connoisseur of the genre ecstatically happy. Considering how trivial most Fusion albums released these days are, this is a rare gem indeed, definitely worthy of repeated listening sessions. Well done Gentlemen!

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