Record Reviews
11 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | MARCIN BOZEK ~ AFFAIR WITH ART
NASZE NAGRANIA 006 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by the Polish bassist / composer Marcin BozekFind albums by this artist, recorded solo using electric bass. The album includes just three tracks, the longest of which is almost half an hour in duration. The music is all spontaneously improvised
Since the day I´ve heard Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist´ "Journal VioloneFind albums with this title" in 1968 (and later on Dave HollandFind albums by this artist´s "Emerald TearsFind albums with this title" almost a decade later) I have learned not to take anything for granted, especially so solo bass albums, which in some cases emerged as cornerstones of modern music, Jazz or otherwise. However, there is always also a possibility that a solo bass album might simply turn out to be a worthless masturbation.
One must always admire the boldness of an artistic statement, such as this album. Regardless if one is able to connect to this music or not, one should at least respect the inner urge of an artist to express his emotions. After all nobody is forcing anybody to listen to a particular album after all.
This music suffers from the same problem that other Avant-Garde explorations also often suffer from; it is a total statement completely disregarding the listener, a self-concentrated satisfaction of an urge rather than an attempt to communicate. Therefore it remains mostly uncommunicative, and probably unable to make the listener to enjoy the experience. Notwithstanding however, art is not always meant to be pleasurable, en contraire, some best examples of artistic expression are deliberately non pleasurable, in order to shock and subvert.
To put it plainly, this is not music for everybody, or even better put it is music for very few listeners, who are able to take the plunge with the artists into the unknown, regardless of the result. Avant-Garde is here to stay, and this is Avant-Garde at its boldest. If only because of that, I´m all for it.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | BOB DOWNES / OPEN MUSIC ~ DIVERSIONS
VOCALION 8434 (Barcode: 765387843427) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
Flautist / saxophonist / composer Bob DownesFind albums by this artist was one of the pioneers of the British free-form Jazz. Apart from leading his own groups, most notably the Open MusicFind albums by this artist trio presented here, he also played with Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Keith TippettFind albums by this artist, Ray RussellFind albums by this artist’s Rock WorkshopFind albums by this artist and many others. He was also one of the first musicians to start their own record label, which was called OpenianFind albums on this label, on which this album was originally released. The Open Music trio included, apart from Downes, one of the following bass players: Barry GuyFind albums by this artist, Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist (the first two are present on this recording) and drummer Denis SmithFind albums by this artist. Downes composed all the music and played mostly various flutes, although he was equally fluent playing the alto saxophone. The music is excellent and truly visionary for the time of the recording. The level of interplay between the trio members is exceptional and the virtuosity of the players is exemplary and the album lost none of its vigor and charm over the years. A great example of early British Free Jazz at its best, suitable for most Jazz listeners, as although highly improvisational, the natural flow of the music makes it easily acceptable to most people. The music on this album was used several times as a part of dance show, with the trio performing live and accompanying the dancers. Free Jazz listeners should definitely try this gem.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOËLLE LÉANDRE / BARRE PHILLIPS ~ A L`IMPROVISTE
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 16 (Barcode: 634479752964) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
French bassist Joëlle LéandreFind albums by this artist is one of a relatively few women pioneers on the Free Jazz and Improvised Music scene to earn a legendary status. Her activities on the scene have brought her in contact with the most distinguished performers, both European and American (such as Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist). She also worked in the field of contemporary Classical music with composers like Pierre BoulezFind albums by this artist and John CageFind albums by this artist. Her partner for this recording is no other than another bass virtuoso – American born (but living in France since the early 1970s) Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist, one of the most esteemed Free Jazz and Improvised Music players, with a career stretching back to the 1960s and cooperation with such great musicians like John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist, Paul BleyFind albums by this artist and many others. His ECM album with Dave HollandFind albums by this artist “Music From Two BassesFind albums with this title” was the first bass duo recording (1971), which brings us to this superb duet. Excellently recorded by the French Radio, the music is a completely improvised set, full of beautiful conversations and exchanges between the players, who display almost telepathic contact. Full of deep feeling and lyricism, but always inspired by the fire and passion for the music, the duo performs some incredible music, which although demanding, is most enjoyable. It is a great example of how Improvised Music can stay being Avant-Garde in nature, but become mature and technically flawless. Highly recommended to lovers of acoustic bass and challenging musical experiences.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD-R 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | HAROLD RUBIN / BARRE PHILLIPS / TATSUYA NAKATANI ~ 3 ON A THIN LINE
HOPSCOTCH 25 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2012
This completely Improvised Music, created by clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist, bassist Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist and percussionist Tatsuya NakataniFind albums by this artist was recorded live at the Levontin 7 club in Tel Aviv, known since many years as the meeting place of Israeli Avant-Garde. These three masters of Improvised Music played a continuous set, which was later divided into six separate tracks for the sake of the album, but the music is not credited to any particular performer and therefore remains a spontaneous creation of the three collaborators.
Harold Rubin, Israel´s most creative and extraordinary musician, is a true magician, creating a completely unique world of sound with his clarinet. This recording is a document of that magic, which Rubin is able to create in spite of his relatively advanced age, and contrary to the anticipated trend, his playing simply gets better all the time. As someone, who has been lucky to be able to follow his astounding development for now almost three decades, I am constantly surprised every time I hear him playing live or listening to his recordings. He is simply a Force Of Nature, with almost no parallel scale on this planet. The happiness of knowing such a Genius personally and working with him is almost always accompanied by a sadness and disappointment from the fact that his Art is known to just a miniscule group of music lovers.
Accompanied by veteran improvises of international reputation and admiration Rubin is able to stretch out and display his entire arsenal of abilities and sensitivities, which is, as always simply stunning. This music flows freely like a wind over fields of flowers, twisting and turning constantly and taking the listener places he never visited previously "upon the wings of music". Of course words can hardly even touch the lofty feelings and emotions involved with the experience and listening is the only true alternative.
Everybody familiar with Rubin´s music will of course love this album instantly. To others it might serve as an introduction, although more accessible (to general public) material by him is available, some of it on my JazzisFind albums on this label label. This particular album comes also with cover art created by Rubin, which of course is a beautiful bonus. In short, this is a portrait of a multi-talented Renaissance Man at work. A must!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JIRI STIVIN ~ FIVE HITS IN A ROW
GAD 080 (Barcode: 5903068120060) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2018
This is a long overdue reissue of the legendary album by the Czech Jazz flautist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, recorded with an international quintet which included Polish violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, American (living in Europe) bassist Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist and Czech guitarist Rudolf DasekFind albums by this artist and drummers Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist or Milan VitochFind albums by this artist. The original album presented five original compositions, with the title track being a five part suite. All the music was composed by Stivin, except one piece composed by Phillips. This remastered and expanded edition adds four bonus tracks, which originate from an earlier album by Stivin (only side A of an LP), recorded a year earlier and featuring a trio with bassist Petr MarcolFind albums by this artist and drummer Milan Vitoch.
The music is a pinnacle of early Easter European Free Jazz, which flourished behind the Iron Curtain, mostly in Poland but also in Czechoslovakia and GDR (East Germany). Stylistically the music is very similar to the British Free Jazz scene at the time; ferocious, uncompromising and totally committed.
All the participants were great pioneers of modern European Jazz and their contribution to the genre is of course invaluable. The fact that such advanced and free spirited music was recorded and released by the Czechoslovak state record label SupraphonFind albums on this label is one of the many miracles that characterize the Jazz scene behind the Iron Curtain and can be understand only by the cognoscenti of that subject. The fact remains that Free Jazz flourished under the Socialist Regime and the albums recorded at the time are some of the best representations of the genre ever created.
As usual, kudos to the Polish GADFind albums on this label Records label for bringing this wonderful music back into circulation. Eastern European Jazz connoisseurs will find this album truly amazing and the younger generations are able to test the phrase "nihil sub sole novum" when they approach Free Jazz and Improvised Music recordings.
Overall this is a must have for all collectors and fans of East European Jazz recorded behind the Iron Curtain, as well as connoisseurs of Free Jazz, who wish to study the sources of the genre!
| | Updated: 07/08/2018Posted: 07/08/2018 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN SURMAN ~ HOW MANY CLOUDS CAN YOU SEE?
VOCALION 8428 (Barcode: 765387842826) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2006
2nd solo release by saxophonist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist and one of the most pivotal recordings of the era, which defines modern British Jazz. If Surman was still searching for a clear direction on his debut album, recorded just a year earlier, he surely found it here. This is phenomenal music, from start to finish. The basis of the group that recorded this album is Surman’s quartet with Surman on baritone and soprano sax and bass clarinet, John TaylorFind albums by this artist on piano, Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist on bass and Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist on drums. On two tracks the lineup is expanded with the addition of other great players like Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, John WarrenFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist on saxophones and Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist on trombone and a few others. Surman’s previous rhythm section with Harry MillerFind albums by this artist on bass and Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist on drums is present on one track. The music was all composed by Surman except one track, which was composed by his collaborator, also baritone saxophonist John Warren (see their album together Tales Of The AlgonquinFind albums with this title). In short, this is one of the greatest recordings of the modern British Jazz formative years and a must in any serious record collection.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN SURMAN ~ WESTERING HOME
FMR 016 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 Released: 1995
British saxophone Colossus John SurmanFind albums by this artist was one of the busiest European Jazz musicians in the late 1960s. Between the time he recorded his eponymous debut album as a leader in 1968 and this 1972 recording Surman took part in no less than 45 recording sessions, both as a leader and sideman, recorded in UK, Germany and France. His position at the vortex of the burgeoning European modern Jazz and Improvised Music scene was a catalyst expanding the musical horizons and contributing to the scene’s rapid development by creating new musical discoveries. Surman’s musical fingerprints were all over the music, regardless if his input was just a guest solo appearance or a leading position. His legendary group called simply The TrioFind albums by this artist (with bassist Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist and drummer Stu MartinFind albums by this artist), active between 1969 and 1971, was one of Europe’s most visionary ensembles and its recording legacy stands out as a beacon of European Jazz to this very day. Following this frantic activity Surman decided to take a radical side step and re-evaluate his output and musical approach. The result was this magnificent album, recorded completely solo by Surman by multi-tracking (overdubbing) the instruments (various saxophones, keyboards and percussion instruments) – an extremely bold and innovative approach to recording at that time (Surman will use this same approach in the future). These “conversations with himself” are all deeply personal statements; soul-searching, revealing and contemplative, all exquisitely executed. Baritone and soprano saxophone duels, long solos, shifting rhythms and moods – all the ingredients of great music are here for the listener to absorb and delight in. Surman proves again not only his brilliant technique as a player and composer, but must importantly being an innovator and pioneer of groundbreaking ideas. The album remains to this very day as a milestone of modern European Jazz and one of the great achievements of Surman’s illustrious career. The album was originally released on the HelpFind albums on this label label – a short-lived subsidiary of IslandFind albums on this label dedicated to “bizarre” stuff - and unavailable for many years. Great to have it back in circulation. Wholeheartedly recommended.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN SURMAN / JOHN WARREN ~ TALES OF THE ALGONQUIN
VOCALION 8410 (Barcode: 765387841027) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005
Canadian born saxophonist / composer John WarrenFind albums by this artist and British Jazz giant John SurmanFind albums by this artist were “soul brothers” in many respects: both played primarily the baritone saxophone, both composed fabulous modern Jazz and both played together on many of the period’s pivotal albums. This joint effort was the culmination of their work together, which remains as one of the greatest European Jazz albums of all times. Warren composed all the music, which includes four shorter pieces and the extended five-part suite, which gives the album its title, all performed by a Big Band, comprising of the creme de la creme of British Jazz musicians at the time. It includes trumpeters Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, sax players: Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, John Surman and John Warren, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, bass players: Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist and drummers: Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist and Stu MartinFind albums by this artist (and other less known players). The compositions, arrangements, orchestration and performances are all stellar from start to finish and the overall quality of the music is completely outstanding and miles ahead of any competition. It is interesting to compare this album with any Big Band recording made at the same time in America and see that the Brits left their American counterparts aeons behind by that time. I have been harshly criticized many times (by Americans of course) for saying that although Americans invented Jazz, Europeans perfected it. Anybody listening to this album and still not admitting this to be true must be completely deaf. To me this is a perfect album, one of very few that deserves to be called “perfect” in every respect. Beyond essential!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE WESTBROOK ~ MARCHING SONGS VOL.1 & 2
RIGHTEOUS 23:12 (Barcode: 5013929981225) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2009
This magnificent piece of music by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist is an iconic recording in the history of modern British Jazz. The huge band, which recorded this music, includes absolutely everybody who was anybody on the scene at the time: saxophonists John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, trombonists Malcolm GriffithFind albums by this artist and Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist, bassists Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist, drummers Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist and John MarshallFind albums by this artist; these being only some of the 30 participants. The music is an extended suite (originally released on 2 LPs) with the main theme being an anti-war protest, as appropriate at the time when the Vietnam was in the center of everybody´s attention. The music was composed almost entirely by Westbrook, with a few sections composed by Surman. There is no point in explaining the significance of this music and its pioneering nature (which I have already done many times here), suffice to say that this is an absolute masterpiece in every respect and no decent Jazz record collection should exclude this historical milestone. Absolutely essential!
| | Updated: 10/03/2023Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ATTILA ZOLLER / LEE KONITZ / ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ ZO-KO-MA
MPS 602517797482 (Barcode: 602517797482) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2008
This is a reissue / remaster of an album by three brilliant Jazz musicians, Hungarian (resident in Germany at the time) guitarist / composer Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist / composer Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist and German trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, who are accompanied by the rhythm section comprising of American bassist Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist and drummer Stu MartinFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, which include quintet, trio duo and solo tracks by the participating musicians, all original compositions by them. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and the booklet include his original liner notes (sadly only in German). Berendt often sized the opportunity to put visiting or resident musicians into the recording studio, creating some of the most exciting lineups ever.
The music is a brilliant example of the European Jazz, which was being forged by mixing the American traditions with local new approaches, and although three of the musicians on this album are Americans and only two Europeans, the music is miles ahead already from the source. Eventually Zoller, who was the most “mainstream” musician herein, settled in the US, whereas Phillips and Martin became part of the European scene for many years.
Although the music offers still some mainstream tendencies, especially on the tunes composed by Zoller, the rest of the tracks, especially the trio/duo/solo parts, are way more Free oriented. Obviously all the musicians perform brilliantly, as expected, and the music lost absolutely nothing of its power and originality over time.
Overall, this is another great example of albums produced by Berendt, which pushed the boundaries of Jazz and shaped the face of European Jazz. This is a part of the MPSFind albums on this label legacy and a must in every decent Jazz collection, albeit not easy to find these days.
Side Note
The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet.
In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker.
Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace.
In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically.
Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.
| | Updated: 30/09/2024Posted: 30/09/2024 | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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