Record Reviews

BARBARA THOMPSON`S PARAPHERNALIA ~ THE LAST FANDANGO TEMPLE 1501 (Barcode: 5070000075402) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the farewell album by British Jazz saxophonist / flautist / bandleader Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist and her band ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist, which included keyboardist Peter LemerFind albums by this artist, violinist Billy ThompsonFind albums by this artist (no relation), bass guitarist Dave BallFind albums by this artist and her husband, drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, who also recorded the music in his Temple studio. A few guests appear on selected tracks. The album presents ten tracks, eight of which were composed by Thompson, one was co-composed with Lemer and finally one was composed by Lemer. Thompson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1997 and bravely fought the illness against all odds, continuing to perform live and recording until 2014, when this album was recorded. This was her last recording. She left us in 2022, following the unexpected demise of Hiseman in 2018. I had the honor and immense pleasure to know them both for many years. The music, which Barbara composed during the ten years before this album was recorded, presents her brilliant skills as a composer of unusual depth and scope, which incorporated Classical Music, Jazz and World Music influences, creating a unique and instantly recognizable stylistics. The presence of Billy Thompson’s violin sound, Lemer, who played with Barbara since many years, Ball’s vast experience and of course Hiseman’s sublime drumming make them an ideal team to support the intricate music, which is truly fascinating for the entire duration and might surprise many listeners familiar with Barbara’s earlier recordings by its rich textures and complexity. In many respects it is her Magnum Opus. Overall, this is a brilliant album by one of British Jazz most fascinating personas, which left a deep personal mark on the local scene for decades. Sadly, no longer with us, but her music continues to live on, and keeps her legacy blooming. For British Jazz and Jazz-Rock Fusion fans this is an absolute must!

Updated: 16/12/2025Posted: 16/12/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BARBARA THOMPSON`S PARAPHERNALIA / NYJO ~ BULLETPROOF TEMPLE 1502 (Barcode: 634114065930) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is an album by the ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist ensemble, led for many years by British Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, which included keyboardist Peter LemerFind albums by this artist, violinist Billy ThompsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Dave BallFind albums by this artist. They are accompanied by the NYJOFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. National Youth Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist) directed by Mark ArmstrongFind albums by this artist. Thompson’s daughter Ana GraceyFind albums by this artist sings on two tracks. Thompson does not play on the album, since it was recorded after she had to resign from active performing as a result of her illness, but she overlooked and co-produced the album with Ana. The album presents 10 tracks, all of which are original compositions by Thompson, which appeared on her earlier albums as well as on albums by ColosseumFind albums by this artist, United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, NYJO and others. The album is dedicated to the memory of drummer / composer / bandleader and Thompson’s husband Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, who died unexpectedly in 2018. The music is as wonderful as one can imagine and offers a beautiful tribute to the brilliant career of Barbara Thompson, with an emphasis on her highly original composing genius. It is splendidly performed by the Paraphernalia members and the young members of the NYJO, who offer many exciting solo parts. Most of the material gets an updated arrangement for the Big Band / Orchestra setting, which is often quite different from the original versions of these compositions. Overall, this is a most welcome tribute album to one of the great British Jazz Ladies, who is also not with us any more, following her passing in 2022. For people like yours truly, who followed closely the careers of Jon and Barbara for decades, this is a moving piece of music, which brings so many fond memories, but the music is of course completely universal and should last forever into the future. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 05/02/2026Posted: 05/02/2026

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ GLAD DAY LIVE WESTBROOK 002CD (Barcode: 5060195515791) ~ UK ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2008 Released: 2014 This is a DVD / CD set presenting a live recording of the "Glad Day" Jazz & Poetry project, which combines the poems of celebrated British poet William BlakeFind albums by this artist with the music composed by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist. Filmed and recorded in concert in December 2008 at Toynbee Studios in London, the music was performed by vocalists Phil MintonFind albums by this artist and Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Mike Westbrook on piano, accordionist Karen StreetFind albums by this artist, violinist Billy ThompsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve BerryFind albums by this artist and the London College of Music Chamber ChoirFind albums by this artist directed by Paul AyersFind albums by this artist. Most of the compositions were arranged by Adrian MitchellFind albums by this artist, and a couple of them by Kate Westbrook. The filming and recording of this material involved the lamented Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. The material on the DVD and CD is identical except for one track on the CD which was re-recorded a day later. Westbrook´s association with the poetry of Blake goes back to the early days of his career, with the release of the legendary album "Tyger (A Celebration Of William Blake)Find albums with this title" released in 1971, which also involved Mitchell, and which remains criminally unreleased on CD to this very day. In 1980 Westbrook released another Blake related album called "The Westbrook Blake (Bright As Fire)Find albums with this title" and then in 1999 he released the studio version of "Glad DayFind albums by this artist" as a 2CD album. Ten of the twelve compositions included in the studio version are present on this live album. The poignant and truly revolutionary poetry of Blake challenged Westbrook to create some of his most magnificent work, combining the British traditions of Folk, Classical and Choral music with his Jazz inspirations. The result is one of the most inspiring Jazz & Poetry projects ever created. It offers a sublime balance between the lyrics and the instrumental parts, which compliment each other perfectly. The carefully selected group of musicians performing the music is absolutely perfect for the job. Mike Westbrook plays several deeply moving solo piano parts, as do Thompson and Street on their respective instruments. Berry is equally proficient playing arco and rhythmic pulsations. The unusual instrumental setting (accordion & violin) works out magnificently. Minton and Kate Westbrook are as usual beautifully expressive, sensitive and elegant. The choir parts are delicate and modest, as required by this fragile sonic environment. In short this is simply a perfect piece of musical artistry from start to finish. For British Jazz lovers and Westbrook followers this is an absolute must of course. For music connoisseurs not familiar with his work (shame on you!) this is a perfect introduction to his musical world, accessible to every sensitive person on this planet.

Updated: 10/10/2018Posted: 10/10/2018

DVD+CD 2 Recommend To A Friend