Record Reviews

GINGER BAKER ~ FALLING OFF THE ROOF WOUNDED BIRD 2900 (Barcode: 664140290020) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 2006 2nd album by the Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist trio, which includes two jazz giants: Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist on guitar and Charlie HadenFind albums by this artist on bass. Baker is of course mostly known as a rock superstar for his role in the legendary CreamFind albums by this artist (also a drums / bass / guitar trio), but since the 1990s he returned to active duty as a jazz drummer, with a variety of projects in the jazz realm, this trio being one of them. Of course Baker always was a jazz drummer, long before he played for rock audiences. His work with the Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist in the early / mid 1960s is just one of the manifestations of his jazz background, but it even goes far back to the 1950s UK trad bands. Baker was always one of the most original drummers and generations of drummers studied his every beat. He is heavily influenced by African rhythms and he played and studied African percussion for many years. All this adds up to make him a most atypical jazz drummer, immediately distinguishable from any of his peers. The sound and the music are quite different from most guitar trios, to some extent due to Baker’s unusual approach to drums, but also due to the choice of the material. Only two standards (by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist and Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist) are present, all the rest of the music was penned by the trio members. The level is of course none less than exceptional, only to be expected from such distinguished players. This is a very interesting and different jazz album, worthy of investigation.

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MICHAEL GIBBS BAND ~ SYMPHONY HALL, BIRMINGHAM 1991 DUSK FIRE 116 (Barcode: 5065001032677) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 2018 This in an archival release presenting a live recording by a band led by the British trombonist / composer / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, which comprises of fourteen British and American Jazz musicians, who play music composed by Gibbs and John ScofieldFind albums by this artist. The Brits include such legendary musicians as trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Tony CoeFind albums by this artist and (then very young) Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and others and the American guests include guitarist / composer John Scofield, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill StewartFind albums by this artist. The concert captured on this album was the tenth of a twelve concert UK 1991 tour. It presents eleven pieces, seven of which were composed by Scofield and arranged by Gibbs and four were Gibbs´ compositions. Gibbs shows a consistent affinity towards the guitar and guitar players throughout his entire musical career. His early albums featured British guitarists like Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist and Ray RussellFind albums by this artist, later on he included in his bands the Belgian guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, and then Americans like Scofield, Hiram BullockFind albums by this artist and Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist. Scorching guitar solos and a Rocky feel are therefore a habitual part of Gibbs´ musical DNA and this album is no exception. The Scofield tunes originate from his debut album for the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label "Time On My HandsFind albums with this title" and from the follow up "Meant To BeFind albums with this title", as well as from the still unreleased at the time of the concert next album "Grace Under PressureFind albums with this title". A couple of the Gibbs tunes were premiered during these concerts. Musically the album follows the "typical" Gibbs´ patterns, with the brass fanfares and swinging background sections, which slowly step back to make space for the soloists, and eventually come back to wrap things up. There are plenty of opportunities for almost everybody to play a solo and the tightly swinging rhythm section keeps everything exactly in check. Naturally Scofield is given the most extensive soloing space and he delivers everything one might expect from him. This album, as all the albums released on the Dusk FireFind albums on this label label, under the watchful eyes of Peter MuirFind albums by this artist, is a tremendous document of British Jazz history, and is an invaluable addition to any British Jazz collection. The fact that this album features also American musicians makes it no less British, as it is after all Gibbs who sets the tone here, even if Scofield is the front person most of the time. Comparing this music with the versions recorded by Scofield on his solo albums reveals the differences in musical depth and perception, revealing the fact that a British flavor, zing and zest are able to turn pretty straightforward American music into a tasty dish. The excellent sound quality of this recording makes this album even more desirable than it appears to be at the first glance and of course it is wholeheartedly recommended to all British Jazz connoisseurs, who are still alive and kicking in spite of the statistical truth pointing elsewhere.

Updated: 29/05/2018Posted: 22/05/2018

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES LLOYD ~ TRIOS: CHAPEL BLUE NOTE 602445266494 (Barcode: 602445266494) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2022 This is the first album in the series of “Trio of Trios” albums by the legendary American Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, recorded with guitarist Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist and bassist Thomas MorganFind albums by this artist. It is a live recording. The album presents five tracks, three composed by Lloyd and two standards. One of the true “last of the Mohicans” of American Jazz, Charles Lloyd (born in 1938), remains still at his full capacity and his recording legacy keeps growing, now at his advanced age, more rapidly than during earlier periods of his life. Highly productive phases of recording for the ECMFind albums on this label label and lately for Blue NoteFind albums on this label are just exploding with creativity, vitality and aesthetic beauty, in complete disregard of his age, created often with musicians less than half his age. This album offers a highly melodic, almost romantic music, with some Bluesy tendencies, which features Lloyd playing floatingly, playfully and as always masterly, supported amicably by the guitar, played by Frisell, who records with him continuously since 2015, and the delicate bass lines by Morgan. Lloyd is undisputedly the main soloist and the lengthy tracks allow him to perform wave after wave of improvisation, which stays respectfully within the melodic and harmonic framework. It is pretty amazing to hear Lloyd in such superb form, which defies any speculations about aging musicians. His tone is still crystal clear, and the notes appear in a perfect flow, without the slightest hesitance, with the Master being in total control at all time. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of Jazz music, serene and lyrical, which flows gently and gracefully, as if time is of no substance. Of course all three albums in this series, although completely different from each other, are equally worthwhile and recommended.

Updated: 31/07/2024Posted: 31/07/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

PAUL MOTIAN ~ PAUL MOTIAN ECM 2260/65 (Barcode: 602537223466) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 - 1984 Released: 2013 This superb Box Set contains the first six albums by the legendary American drummer / composer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist, released on the ECMFind albums on this label label, which are: "Conception VesselFind albums with this title" (ECM 1028) recorded 1972, "TributeFind albums with this title" (ECM 1048) recorded 1974, "DanceFind albums with this title" (ECM 1108) recorded 1977, "Le VoyageFind albums with this title" (ECM 1138) recorded 1979, "PsalmFind albums with this title" (ECM 1222) recorded 1981 and finally "It Should`ve Happened A Long Time AgoFind albums with this title" (ECM 1283) recorded 1984. Except for just two cases all the music is composed by Motian and performed by various ensembles: three are by a trio, two by quintet and one by sextet. The musicians include pianist Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist, guitarists Sam BrownFind albums by this artist and Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Carlos WardFind albums by this artist, Charles BrackeenFind albums by this artist and Joe LovanoFind albums by this artist, bassists Charlie HadenFind albums by this artist, David IzenzonFind albums by this artist, Jean-Francois Jenny-ClarkFind albums by this artist and Ed SchullerFind albums by this artist and several others These albums are all superb examples of Motian´s talent as a composer, who is able to weave beautifully melodic tunes, which nevertheless are open enough to serve as vehicles for extensive improvisations. Except for the first album in this Box Set all other ensembles led by Motian are pianoless and relay mostly on guitar as the harmonic instrument, expressing Motian´s deep affection for this instrument. Of course Motian´s most important contribution to the Jazz idiom was his revolutionary approach to drumming, which in his case almost completely transformed the instrument´s role form time keeping tool to an instrument performing alongside the other instruments in the ensemble. Motian´s intimate and complex music may be somewhat difficult for a mainstream Jazz fan, but it truly deserves an open-minded effort to be penetrated and then enjoyed in full. This music is after all an important chapter in American Jazz, which is ambitious and highly aesthetic, and which manages to break from the stale traditionalism into new vistas. Side Note: These albums are not available on CD individually, so this is the only way to obtain them in CD form.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend

PAUL MOTIAN ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE CAM JAZZ 1008 (Barcode: 8024709114228) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1983 - 1992 Released: 2010 This superb Box Set collects all the albums recorded by the legendary American drummer / composer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist on the twin Italian independent labels: Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label. Motian needs no introduction to any serious Jazz connoisseur; suffice to say that his prolific output and an outstanding career stretching over five decades until his death in 2011 are a testimony of a modern Jazz Giant. The music ranges in format from a quintet with saxophonists Jim PepperFind albums by this artist and Joe LovanoFind albums by this artist, guitarist Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist and bassist Ed SchullerFind albums by this artist, trio with Lovano and Frisell and duos with pianists Paul BleyFind albums by this artist and Enrico PieranunziFind albums by this artist. Remastered, mini-sleeved, and with a great bargain price – this Box Set an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice Fabulous - some really good wild early Frisell!

Updated: 12/04/2020Posted:

CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PAUL MOTIAN ~ TIME AND TIME AGAIN ECM 1992 (Barcode: 602517011373) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is a brilliant album by the trio led by drummer / composer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist with guitarist Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Joe LovanoFind albums by this artist. Recently deceased Motian was one of the most prominent American Jazz musicians, always pushing the boundaries of the music and looking for new aesthetic challenges. His numerous recordings from 1950s onwards are an endless source of excellent Jazz music, and this one is no exception. A perfect marriage between the Free Form and melody, which Motian was always balancing, comes here to its perfect fruition, executed by three Master musicians in their absolute prime. Of the ten compositions on this album Motian composed seven, Lovano one and the remaining two are standards. Listening to this album is like watching abstract paintings in a Museum of Modern Art; depending on your mood and state of mind you´ll hear different things each time, but always at the end you´ll be left wishing for more. Brilliant stuff, which should not be missed by any serious Jazz lover!

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ FUSION FOR MILES: A BITCHIN` BREW MASCOT 7166 (Barcode: 8712725716624) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 This is the 3rd project in the series of Fusion tributes, conceived, produced and arranged by Jeff RichmanFind albums by this artist. This time he is paying tribute to the Big Boss himself, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. Ten compositions by Miles Davis are given a modern fusion treatment, each featuring a different guitarist. The inspiration comes of course from the electric jazz period of Miles, around Bitches BrewFind albums with this title, which of course featured John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist – the same man who was paid a tribute by Richman’s previous project. The rhythm section this time consists of Vinnie CalaiutaFind albums by this artist – drums, Alphonso JohnsonFind albums by this artist – bass and Larry GoldingsFind albums by this artist – organ. Ex- Miles Davis saxophonist Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist provides the link to the original music and the featured guitarists include Mike SternFind albums by this artist, Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist, Bill ConnorsFind albums by this artist, Pat MartinoFind albums by this artist, Bireli LagreneFind albums by this artist, etc. “Conventional” lovers of Miles Davis might find this treatment a bit bold, but fusion fans will definitely enjoy every minute of this.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

EMIL VIKLICKY ~ WINDOW & DOOR SUPRAPHON 6064 (Barcode: 099925606428) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1979 Released: 2012 This long overdue reissue finally brings back to life the sessions recorded by the Czech pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist with three American musicians: guitarist Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist, bassist Kermit DriscollFind albums by this artist and drummer Vinton JohnsonFind albums by this artist. Czech violinist Jan BeranekFind albums by this artist guests on one track. Viklicky got to know these musicians during his stint at the Berklee Collage of music in Boston and invited them over for the June 1979 session, which was quite an extraordinary event on the Czechoslovak scene during the Socialist times. Of the fourteen tracks recorded during these sessions, eight were released as the LP "WindowFind albums with this title" a year later, five as the A-side of the LP "DoorFind albums with this title" in 1985 and the last remained unreleased until 1997. Twelve of the tracks were composed by Viklicky and one each by Driscoll and Frisell. The music is a Jazz-Rock-Funk Fusion voyage, with Viklicky playing electric keyboards. The rapport between these musicians is truly extraordinary and the resulting music still keeps the listener twitching involuntarily in his shoes. Viklicky´s compositions are brilliant as always, and the Funky rhythms don´t conceal his unusual melodic approach. Frisell fans will find this early recording also very interesting, as he was still in the stage of developing his unique playing technique. This music remains as relevant, as it was at the time of the recording and in retrospect it was remarkably advanced and quite ahead of its time. Of the countless Fusion recordings made in the 1970s and since, this music is one of the few examples of unique identity, which did not blend into the background. It should be quite a revelation for a new generation of listeners exposed to it for the first time, over three decades after it was recorded, as well as those Fusion lovers who think they have already heard it all. I enjoy it now as much as I did the first time around, hoping more people will discover it themselves. A must for every Fusion connoisseur!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KENNY WHEELER ~ ANGEL SONG ECM 1607 (Barcode: 731453309821) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 This is a painfully beautiful album by British trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, one the most creative and artistically perfect Jazz musicians on this planet. Here in a drum-less quartet with veteran US saxophonist Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist, guitarist Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist and British genius bass player Dave HollandFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine new original compositions by Wheeler, all quite lyrical and exquisitely melodic, as always. It is very interesting to hear Konitz and Frisell play here in a serene and somewhat subdued way, contrary to their usual expressive and more energetic approach. Holland is truly amazing, taking the rhythmic duties all upon him and still managing to add some melody lines as well. This is angelic music indeed, in every respect, a perfect piece of music from start to finish and a must to any serious Jazz connoisseur. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

JAKUB ZOLUBAK TRIO ~ LIVE AT JAZZSTATE NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Ambient Fusion Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is the debut album as a leader by Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Jakub ZolubakFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio which includes bassist Radek LukaszewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Patrycja WybranczykFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live at the Warsaw SPATiF club during the weekly Jazzstate gig, run by Karolina SzewcFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are original compositions by the leader and one is by Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist. The music is very subdued and delicate, with melancholic melodic themes, played by the guitar over solid bass and mostly hardly audible drum support, almost all within strict mainstream borders. After a few of these tunes everything starts to sound more or less the same and there is very little development as the time passes by. The guitar work is fine, but somewhat repetitive, and although one might appreciate the effort the album offers very little to get excited about. Stylistically the music fails to make a clear statement, as it is only marginally Jazz oriented, and I suppose most listeners would put it on the Fusion shelf, due to the spacy sound of the electric guitar. Overall, listeners who like romantic Jazzy guitar tunes, which flow gently sort of “in the background”, might enjoy this. Personally this music does nothing to me and it was an effort to listen to it till the very end. But it is only me…many other critics seem to love this music. Go figure…

Updated: 26/12/2021Posted: 25/12/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JOHN ZORN ~ COBRA HATOLOGY 580 (Barcode: 752156058021) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1985 - 1986 Released: 2002 This is a long overdue reissue of the legendary album by American musician / composer / bandleader John ZornFind albums by this artist, one of the most iconic figures of the late 20th Century Avant-Garde and music experimentation scenes. "CobraFind albums with this title" is one of the earlier monumental works by Zorn, which established him as a member of the "major" league of contemporary composers, such as Morton FeldmanFind albums by this artist, Frederic RzewskiFind albums by this artist, Karlheinz StockhausenFind albums by this artist and other icons of the "new" serious contemporary music. Many of the compositional devices used by his contemporaries are present here, as the music is basically a freely improvised collage of sounds made by electronic, electric and acoustic instruments and human voices. In places it is similar to musique concrète, in others to an ambient soundtrack, and so on, changing constantly. However, what sets it apart from most Avant-Garde music is an intrinsic connection to Jazz and Rock, evident clearly at places, especially in phrases played by the electric guitars (played by Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist, Arto LindseyFind albums by this artist and Elliott SharpFind albums by this artist. This album includes two quite different versions of the music, the earlier one recorded live and the slightly later one recorded in the studio. It´s fascinating to compare the two, as they are truly revealing as to the process of music creation in an improvised environment. This is not an easy listening experience and it was never intended to be one – total open-mindedness is absolutely required, but the intellectual reward is exhilarating and elating. Come on you brave-hearted…

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOHN ZORN / GEORGE LEWIS / BILL FRISELL ~ MORE NEWS FOR LULU HATOLOGY 655 (Barcode: 752156065524) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1989 Released: 2010 This is a long overdue reissue of the delightful album by a great trio comprising of saxophonist John ZornFind albums by this artist, trombonist George LewisFind albums by this artist and guitarist Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist, musicians who are usually associated with the Free Jazz / Avant-Garde US scene, but on this album reexamine their roots and play their brilliant interpretations of Bop Jazz, composed by four great musicians / composers, who were active in the 1950s and 1960s: trumpeter Kenny DorhamFind albums by this artist and pianists Hank MobleyFind albums by this artist, Freddie ReddFind albums by this artist and Sonny ClarkFind albums by this artist. This is a second album they recorded together, all of it captured live, as opposed to the first meeting, which was mostly recorded in the studio. Although truly unusual as far as instrumentation is concerned, this trio sounds just brilliantly and their redemption of these wonderful but mostly forgotten tunes composed decades earlier is remarkable and sounds fresh and innovative in every respect. Add to this the exceptional ability of the trio members and their phenomenal interplay and you get a brilliant album from start to finish. Listeners familiar with the work of these three iconic musicians will be delighted to hear them in this setting and people unfamiliar with them can hear this without fear of heavy intellectual struggle with the music, as it is accessible and melodic as much as it is brilliant!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOHN ZORN / GEORGE LEWIS / BILL FRISELL ~ NEWS FOR LULU HATOLOGY 650 (Barcode: 752156065029) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1987 Released: 2008 This is a long overdue reissue of the delightful album by a great trio comprising of saxophonist John ZornFind albums by this artist, trombonist George LewisFind albums by this artist and guitarist Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist, musicians who are usually associated with the Free Jazz / Avant-Garde US scene, but on this album reexamine their roots and play their brilliant interpretations of Bop Jazz, composed by four great musicians / composers, who were active in the 1950s and 1960s: trumpeter Kenny DorhamFind albums by this artist and pianists Hank MobleyFind albums by this artist, Freddie ReddFind albums by this artist and Sonny ClarkFind albums by this artist. Although truly unusual as far as instrumentation is concerned, this trio sounds just brilliantly and their redemption of these wonderful but mostly forgotten tunes composed decades earlier is remarkable and sounds fresh and innovative in every respect. Add to this the exceptional ability of the trio members and their phenomenal interplay and you get a brilliant album from start to finish. Listeners familiar with the work of these three iconic musicians will be delighted to hear them in this setting and people unfamiliar with them can hear this without fear of heavy intellectual struggle with the music, as it is accessible and melodic as much as it is brilliant!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend