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  | STEPHAN BRAUN / MATEUSZ SMOCZYNSKI ~ KEEP ON TURNIN`
ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT FOUNDATION 6 (Barcode: 5907222048061) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020
This is the debut album by the Jazz duo comprising of German cellist Stephan BraunFind albums by this artist and Polish violinist Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven pieces, two of which are original compositions (one each), one is a standard and the rest are arrangements of Funk / Fusion compositions, arranged by Braun (except for two arranged by Smoczynski).
The limited instrumentation does not seem to have any meaning as far as the duo is concerned, and with the help of some percussive trinkets and little electronics the duo sounds like a full orchestra, very far from the timid image of the string instruments.
The idea to concentrate on the well known Funk / Fusion pieces, originally performed by such masters of genre like Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist, Brecker BrothersFind albums by this artist, Steps AheadFind albums by this artist, John ScofieldFind albums by this artist and others, is especially surprising and creates a delightful and completely different treatment of the familiar music presented in a new environment. The newly arranged music does not miss an iota of the original Funkiness and feel and still sounds like it could move mountains. Smoczynski, not surprisingly, pays tribute to his idol, the Polish violin virtuoso Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, by including one tune from Seifert´s iconic album "Man Of The LightFind albums with this title".
Obviously these radical new arrangements and instrumentation disclose new aspects of the music, which might have been previously hidden from the ear, as well as showcase the incredible virtuosity of the two participants, which is unparalleled. The album proudly joins the highly respected idiom of "Art of the Duo", which often produces more enthralling music than much larger ensembles.
Overall this is a brilliant piece of highly unusual music, superbly executed and intelligently put together, which emphasizes the sophistication of European Jazz at its best. Hopefully this recording will not be the only record of this duo´s abilities and talents. Hats off Gentlemen!
| | Updated: 08/01/2021Posted: 08/01/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | BRECKER BROTHERS ~ THE COMPLETE ARISTA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979796225 (Barcode: 886979796225) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1975 - 1980 Released: 2012
Brothers Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist (trumpet / flugelhorn) and Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist (saxophone) are collectively and individually symbols of the American Jazz, Fusion and Funk scenes. They can be credited as co-inventors and pioneers of the American Jazz-Rock Fusion in the late 1960s and early 1970s (DreamsFind albums by this artist, Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist), especially as defining the Brass-Rock movement. By the mid-1970s they founded one of the most iconic and influential ensembles, calling it simply Brecker BrothersFind albums by this artist (or Brecker Bros.Find albums by this artist), which added Funk to the already well defined Fusion genre, creating a unique voice of unparalleled sophistication, feel and vitality, which had little, if any competition.
The Brecker Brothers band existed originally for about six years, recording six marvelous albums between 1975 and 1980 (a reunion band recorded two more albums in early 1990s) The lineup changed over time and in retrospect included the absolute cream of the crop of American Fusion and Funk musicians active at the time: saxophonist David SanbornFind albums by this artist, guitarists Bob MannFind albums by this artist, Steve KhanFind albums by this artist, Barry FinnertyFind albums by this artist and others, keyboardists Don GrolnickFind albums by this artist, George DukeFind albums by this artist and others, bassists Will LeeFind albums by this artist, Neil JasonFind albums by this artist and Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, drummers Harvey MasonFind albums by this artist, Christopher ParkerFind albums by this artist, Terry BozzioFind albums by this artist, Steve GaddFind albums by this artist and others. These names really tell the story, and the collective talents combined with the extraordinary compositions by Randy and Michael and the intricate arrangements created some of the unforgettable music, which still sounds as goof today as it did at the time it was recorded.
This Box Set collects all the original six albums, released on the Arista label, and adds a couple of little known albums recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1978, originally called "Blue MontreuxFind albums with this title" and "Blue Montreux IIFind albums with this title", which find Randy and Michael in the company of other Jazz luminaries: pianist Warren BernhardtFind albums by this artist, guitarists Steve Khan and Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Mike MainieriFind albums by this artist, bassists Tony LevinFind albums by this artist and Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve JordanFind albums by this artist, performing some Brecker Brothers material and other original compositions, all perfectly executed.
With Michael´s tragic death in 2007, hearing the Brecker Brothers again is no longer possible, so this Box Set is a great tribute to a closed chapter in the history of American music, which should be remembered, as it is timeless and essential. Changing fads and fashions slide away, leaving the solid gold shining…
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DREAMS ~ DREAMS / IMAGINE MY SURPRISE
BGO 0940 (Barcode: 5017261209405) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2010
The fantastic US Jazz-Rock ensemble DreamsFind albums by this artist, which unfortunately recorded only two albums, both included here, was one of the best examples of the American branch of Brass-Rock, a relatively short-lived sub genre of Jazz-Rock, which also included such superb ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist and a few others. Dreams originated in NY and had a somewhat flexible lineup of associated musicians, but the importance of these two albums is mainly due to the fact that they provided a debut recording opportunity to some of the genre´s most iconic figures: brothers -Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist (trumpet) - and drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist. Other Dreams members were already established figures on the scene, like bassist Doug LubahnFind albums by this artist (DoorsFind albums by this artist), guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Don GrolnickFind albums by this artist. Other group members were keyboardist / guitarist Jeff KentFind albums by this artist, trombonist Barry RogersFind albums by this artist, vocalist Edward VernonFind albums by this artist, bassist Will LeeFind albums by this artist and guitarist / trumpeter Bob MannFind albums by this artist. Musically the group mixed genres freely, with Jazz, Funk, Rock and Soul adopted at will and beautifully arranged to create some of the most memorable sounds of the period. The music is just perfect; although spontaneous and improvised, every note is just exactly where it belongs, every drum beat precisely on time, every phrase brilliantly placed, every tempo change and every instrumental solo and above all the overall interplay are just what a music fun needs – pure genius. It is hard to believe that a bunch of young musician was capable of producing such magnificent music, but then on the other hand considering that Dreams seeded Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Brecker BrothersFind albums by this artist and many other heroes of the Jazz and Fusion scene, perhaps one should not wonder. I own both these albums since the day they were released and have listened to them repeatedly over the years, always enjoying myself immensely and it was me who suggested to BGOFind albums on this label to reissue them – I´m glad they did! Now many more potential listeners have the opportunity to hear them as well – enjoy as this is essential stuff!
| | Updated: 28/02/2024Posted: | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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