Record Reviews

BBI ~ BBI SOLEIL ZEUHL 15 (Barcode: 8713657090813) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1996 Released: 2008 French trio BBIFind albums by this artist recorded just one album before the members moved on to other projects. The members were guitarist Laurent ImperatoFind albums by this artist (ex-XaalFind albums by this artist), bassist Philippe BussonnetFind albums by this artist (MagmaFind albums by this artist, One ShotFind albums by this artist) and drummer Jean-Claude BuireFind albums by this artist (ex-OfferingFind albums by this artist). The album is quite similar to the instrumental Jazz-Rock Fusion guitar oriented music played by One Shot, driven by the superb bass lines played by Bussonnet. The music is highly energetic and improvised, with the guitar performing some wild pyrotechnics. The repetitive rhythmic patterns and the intensive sound of the French Zeuhl school, developed by the Magma camp, are of course the foundation, but this album is definitely more Fusion oriented that any of the Magma albums. Three of the six composition present here, written by Bussonnet will appear later in reworked form on the first One Shot album three years later. Magma and Zeuhl fans will jump on this album, but it is recommended to all listeners who love guitar power trios. Thanks to Soleil ZeuhlFind albums on this label one more gem from the French heritage has been rescued from oblivion. The music was mastered and restored by the Israeli sound wizard Udi KoomranFind albums by this artist.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KOSSOFF / KIRKE / TETSU / RABBIT ~ KOSSOFF / KIRKE / TETSU / RABBIT ORK 7 (Barcode: 5013929592728) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2007 Only album by the quartet Kossoff / Kirke / Tetsu / RabbitFind albums by this artist, which was formed in mid-1971 as a result of the demise of FreeFind albums by this artist Mk. 1 (following the release of "HighwayFind albums with this title") with the band´s guitarist Paul KossoffFind albums by this artist and drummer Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist joining forces with Japanese born bassist Tetsu YamauchiFind albums by this artist and Texan keyboardist John BundrickFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Rabbit). The band lasted only for a brief period of time, before Free Mk. 2 were re-established in 1972, but the album they recorded together remains a classic example of Blues-Rock. Somewhat similar (not surprisingly) to the sound and feel of the music Free produced, it is more relaxed and features some of the best guitar work Kossoff ever managed to put on tape. Of course the leading vocals of Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist are sadly missed, but Kossoff, Kirke and Bundrick handle that department admirably well. In retrospect this albums still sounds great 40 years later and its reissue on CD is a most welcome event. Recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MCCANDLESS / TAYLOR / BALDUCCI / RABBIA ~ EVANSIANA DODICILUNE 365 (Barcode: 8033309693651) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2017 This is a brilliant, and sadly quite obscure album by the international Jazz quartet comprising of American saxophonist / clarinetist / oboist Paul McCandlessFind albums by this artist (of OregonFind albums by this artist fame), British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Italian rhythm section: bass guitarist Pierluigi BalducciFind albums by this artist and drummer Michele RabbiaFind albums by this artist. As the title (subtly) suggests, the music is a tribute to the legendary American pianist / composer Bill EvansFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, seven of which are compositions by Evans and the remaining three are by Leonard BernsteinFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, all fitting the bill (sic) perfectly. The idea of the album’s producer Gabriele RampinoFind albums by this artist was to present Evan’s music in a European Jazz perspective and his choice of Taylor was of course ideal, as amongst the many great European pianists, Taylor obviously represented the same lyrical approach to Jazz composition and performance, as Evans, with a specific European flavoring naturally. The choice of McCandless was similarly accurate, as among all the American reedmen, he was always closest to the European harmonic and melancholic sensibilities, rather than traditional American Blues oriented tendencies. The two Italians complete the lineup naturally, supporting the two soloist amicably and tastefully, even if the electric bass in these circumstances might have risen a brow. Overall, this is a gentle, beautiful piece of music, which firmly belongs in every collection of recordings by John Taylor, and which can be still found on the DodiciluneFind albums on this label site, along many splendid albums this Italian label released over time. For dedicated British Jazz followers, this is of course an absolute must!

Updated: 17/03/2026Posted: 17/03/2026

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend