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34 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.

JOHNNY ALMOND / MUSIC MACHINE ~ PATENT PENDING
VOCALION 8417 (Barcode: 765387841720) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005

Multi-instrumentalist / composer Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist was one of the most versatile and in-demand players on the British scene in the late 1960s. A member of the Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist, he also led a septet of young up-and-coming musicians called Johnny Almond Music MachineFind albums by this artist, which recorded two albums of which this is the first. Soon after recording this album Almond joined the new version of John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, which recorded the revolutionary The Turning PointFind albums with this title album. In that group he met guitarist Jon MarkFind albums by this artist, with whom he formed one of the best British Jazz-Rock groups – Mark-AlmondFind albums by this artist. Bass player Roger SuttonFind albums by this artist (ex-Brian AugerFind albums by this artist’s TrinityFind albums by this artist), who plays on this album, was also a founding member of Mark-Almond and would later be e member of Riff RaffFind albums by this artist and NucleusFind albums by this artist. Another player, the drummer Alan WhiteFind albums by this artist, would later join the legendary YesFind albums by this artist. This album is a splendid example of early Jazz-Rock, with strong Rhythm And Blues influences. Almond plays tenor, alto and baritone saxophones, flute, alto flute, organ, vibes, mellotron and bass clarinet – surely deserving the “music machine” nickname. His virtuosity (my favorite being his flute playing) is obvious. He also composed all but one of the eight tunes included here. Overall this is an excellent album and a great trip down the memory lane. Wholeheartedly recommended!
Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ATOMIC ROOSTER ~ ON AIR: LIVE AT THE BBC & OTHER TRANSMISSIONS
REPERTOIRE 1336 (Barcode: 4009910133620) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1970 - 1972 Released: 2018

This is an archival album by the British Progressive Rock group Atomic RoosterFind albums by this artist, founded by keyboardist / composer Vincent CraneFind albums by this artist. The album offers a collection of live material, recorded for the BBC Radio 1 and German and Belgian TV. The two CDs present all the audio material and the DVD presents the TV video material, which means that the audio tracks are duplicated as the soundtrack of the video material. Altogether this package offers eighteen audio tracks, most of which were composed by Crane, and fourteen video tracks (two of them duplicated as different camera positions). The majority of the material was captured in 1972 with just two songs recorded in 1970 and another two in 1971, by older lineups of the group. Most of the material is performed by the lineup that features Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist on lead vocals, Crane on Hammond organ and other keyboards, Steve BoltonFind albums by this artist on guitar and Ric ParnellFind albums by this artist on drums, the lineup that recorded the "Made In EnglandFind albums with this title" album. All the music was meticulously remastered and offers a superb sound quality.

Crane was undoubtedly one of the absolute top British Prog keyboardists of the time (late 1960s and early 1970s), every bit as good as Keith EmersonFind albums by this artist, but without the bloated pretentiousness, and stylistically close to Brian AugerFind albums by this artist. His work with Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist was absolutely light years ahead of the time and his Atomic Rooster years established also his position as a composer, who managed to come up with some of the most impressive Rock riffs ever. His imagination and inventiveness were absolutely unique.

Farlowe, who as my readers know already, I consider as one of the top Prog vocalists ever, offers the entire range of his sensibilities from Soul, Rhythm And Blues, Rock and Jazz, and his performances here are the best support to my claims as to his importance. Bolton and Parnell also perform spotlessly and with great energy, precision and above all god taste.

Overall this is a superb opportunity to revisit some of Prog´s best moments, which still offered bold statements and iron balls, before the genre went completely into self-pity, lethargic excursions into nowhere and above all everlasting boredom. This music is full of zest, ingenuity and nontrivial musical adventures and is a wonderful time capsule preserving these moments for posterity.

Early British Prog enthusiasts will find this collection essential and filling a gap in the Atomic Rooster story with material that is not readily available. As usual with the RepertoireFind albums on this label label, this album is excellently packaged and offers knowledgeable liner notes by their resident music historian Chris WelchFind albums by this artist. Wholeheartedly recommended!
Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 30/06/20182CD+DVD 3 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER ~ AUGER INCORPORATED
SOUL BANK 009 (Barcode: 4062548057089) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion

Recorded: 1965 - 2000 Released: 2023

This is a collection album by the great British keyboardist / composer / bandleader Brian AugerFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents twenty-five tracks, which span Auger’s entire career and include rarities and previously unreleased material. The tracks are presented in chronological order and include some early Jazz acoustic piano material, The SteampacketFind albums by this artist, The TrinityFind albums by this artist, Oblivion ExpressFind albums by this artist and more recent solo material.

I have been a faithful admirer of Auger since the mid-1960s, when I first heard him play live, and my fascination never weakened throughout the years. I closely followed his career and fanatically obtained every recording he took part in, including the reissues of his albums, which periodically appeared on the market since the concept of reissues was born. I have always considered him as one of the most talented and inventive musicians, with a chameleonic ability to sound just right in every musical environment. His Hammond work is absolutely second to none and his revolutionary recordings with Julie Driscoll rank among the best music ever created on this planet. Therefore, the music on these two CDs is absolutely divine and it is a great pleasure to listen to this collection, even if I consider collections as a bad idea in principle.

Having said all that, the history of Auger’s material being repeatedly reissued by different labels over time presents a grim picture is mismanagement and market misunderstanding, of which this album is a classic example.

I am sure that the true fans would prefer a single CD collection of previously unissued material than a mixture of released (which everybody owns already) and unreleased material. From the production / discographical point of view this collection is a disaster, since there is absolutely no information as to the recording dates and lineups of the individual tracks, no information as to where the previously released tracks originate from, etc. In short this is one gigantic blunder.

So, my dear Brian, you should really be more careful before you approve releases like this one, as they damage your reputation rather than pay a tribute you really deserve.

Overall, this is a collection full of great music, but suffering from unforgivable production blunders, which don’t hurt the music per se, but seriously question the purpose of it all. Love you anyway ;) and hope for some new music coming our way!
Updated: 10/09/2023Posted: 10/09/2023CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER ~ LANGUAGE OF THE HEART
GHOSTOWN (Barcode: 885767215412) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion

Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012

This is an album by British (resident in California) keyboardist / composer / bandleader Brian AugerFind albums by this artist produced and recorded with the American duo TeaFind albums by this artist (guitarist Franck BalloffetFind albums by this artist and percussionist / keyboardist Phil BunchFind albums by this artist). Several other musicians also participate on the album. The album presents seven original compositions, all co-credited to Auger and Tea.

Auger, as anybody reading my reviews already knows, has been my absolutely favorite Hammond organ player since I first heard him in London exactly fifty years ago and still is today. Nobody, and I mean nobody, managed to come even close to his exquisite feel and the ability to achieve a perfect cross-genre (before cross-genre was invented) mixture of Pop / Jazz / Soul / Groove, which he perfected while playing with his TrinityFind albums by this artist and Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist and later with the Oblivion ExpressFind albums by this artist.

Listening to this album is like taking the time machine trip five decades back and listening to Auger swirl around the Hammond, with precisely the same feel and sound I remember hearing in London clubs and later on the early albums. The compositions are all also perfectly in the same mold, which simply could not make me (and many of Auger´s faithful followers) more happy.

All the musicians taking part in the recording do a great job and except for the vocals, which I could do without (but which are definitely of secondary importance), the music comes together perfectly. Although I usually say that nobody does music like that anymore, obviously Auger is the notable exception to the rule.

Overall this is just an absolutely perfect Brian Auger album, which finds him doing what he does best – playing his Hammond like nobody else can do. In contrast to other "revival" efforts by many musicians who go back to the 1960s, which are mostly sad and pitiful, Auger manages simply to be himself here, carefree and obviously happy, which clearly projects through the music, which again is as timeless as it always was.

Thank you Brian for the gift of music over the years!
Updated: 26/07/2019Posted: 26/07/2019CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER / OBLIVION EXPRESS ~ A BETTER LAND (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 1056 (Barcode: 5050749410566) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1971 Released: 2004

2nd album by Brian AugerFind albums by this artist and his Oblivion ExpressFind albums by this artist. Much in the same style as the debut album, mixing rock and jazz elements as in between Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist and Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. The music got better with the years passing (as good wine does) and sounds fresh and lovely today, full of energy, elegance, sophistication and good taste. Why don`t they make albums like that today?
 CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER / OBLIVION EXPRESS ~ BRIAN AUGER`S OBLIVION EXPRESS (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 1055 (Barcode: 5050749410559) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1970 Released: 2004

1st album from 1970 by this brilliant UK group, which ranks among the best and most interesting early Jazz-Rock / Prog outfits. Brian AugerFind albums by this artist`s magic touch on the organ and the great support form the other band members create a highly sophisticated mixture of sounds and melodies. Modeled after conteporary (at the tome of the recording) jazz albums by artists like Miles DavisFind albums by this artist (In A Silent WayFind albums with this title)and John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist (DevotionFind albums with this title), this is a true masterpiece.
 CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER / OBLIVION EXPRESS ~ CLOSER TO IT (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 1101 (Barcode: 5050749411013) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1973 Released: 2005

4th album by Brian AugerFind albums by this artist’s group Oblivion ExpressFind albums by this artist, recorded after his decision to cross the Atlantic and settle in the US. Following this move most of the players in the band left to go back to UK and Auger (with bass player Barry DeanFind albums by this artist, who decided to stay) added three new players: Jack MillsFind albums by this artist on guitar, Godfrey MacleanFind albums by this artist on drums and Lennox LaingtonFind albums by this artist on congas. The album features Auger on vocals (although scarce) in addition to his exceptional keyboard work (organ, electric piano, moog and string machine). Auger contributed most of the wonderful material with just two tunes coming from outside the band (one by Marvin GayeFind albums by this artist). The music is, as usual, a mixture of jazz, rock, Rhythm And Blues and soul with plenty of space for the musicians to express their ability and improvise. Auger’s jazzy keyboard solos are simply remarkable. For the many Auger’s fans this is a most welcome addition to the reissue program as these editions are far superior to the earlier One WayFind albums on this label or DisconformeFind albums on this label editions.
Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER / OBLIVION EXPRESS ~ SECOND WIND (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 1100 (Barcode: 5050749411006) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1972 Released: 2005

3rd album by Brian AugerFind albums by this artist’s group Oblivion ExpressFind albums by this artist. It features a new vocalist, Alex LigertwoodFind albums by this artist, who lasted only for this one album and was undoubtedly the best the group ever had. Stylistically this albums serves as a bridge between the Jazz / Rock roots Auger pioneered for many years towards a more soulful oriented material, modeled after Les McCannFind albums by this artist and Eddie HarrisFind albums by this artist (his “Freedom Jazz Dance” gets a lovely treatment here). This was the first album to get the group to a much wider audience, including even charted in the US. It’s no secret that Auger has been one of my favorite keyboard players since the mid-1960s and I enjoy each and every one of his recordings to this very day. Apparently I am not alone in this position as Auger’s reissues seem to do extremely well, and rightly so. Highly recommended.
 CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER / OBLIVION EXPRESS ~ STRAIGHT AHEAD (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 1102 (Barcode: 5050749411020) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1974 Released: 2005

5th album by Brian AugerFind albums by this artist’s group Oblivion ExpressFind albums by this artist. It features Auger on vocals in addition to his exceptional keyboard work (organ, electric piano, moog and string machine). Bassist Barry DeanFind albums by this artist penned half of the material. Auger contributed only one of his compositions and one jazz standard (Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist’s “Bumpin’ On Sunset”) gets a nice treatment. The group includes a drummer and two percussionists, which explains the percussive nature of the arrangements. The music is, as usual, a mixture of Jazz, Rock, Rhythm And Blues and Soul with plenty of space for the musicians to express their ability and improvise. For the many Auger’s fans this is a most welcome addition to the reissue program as these editions are far superior to the earlier One WayFind albums on this label or DisconformeFind albums on this label editions.
Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER / TRINITY ~ BEFOUR (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 1054 (Barcode: 5050749410542) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1970 Released: 2004

2nd album by UK organ genius Brian AugerFind albums by this artist with his group, which now includes the incredible guitarist Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist as a permanent member. This is a superb example of early Jazz- Rock / Prog and perhaps one of the best albums in that genre. The sublime covers of Foure`s "Pavane" and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist`s "Maiden Voyage" sound as fresh as sprig lillies and the entire album is truly a breathtaking effort. Not to be missed!
 CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER / TRINITY ~ DEFINITELY WHAT! (DELUXE EDITION)
CASTLE 979 (Barcode: 5050159197927) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1969 Released: 2004

1st album by the amazingly talented UK organ player Brian AugerFind albums by this artist. With his profund understanding of jazz and perfect technique, Brian Auger was a prime example of all the vital elements one can expect from a great musician. His trio (called Trinity) worked with the superb singer Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist (see her releases), but also recorded separately. The music can be considered as early fusion or instrumental Jazz-Rock, but the labels just don`t cover the sophistication and the beauty of it - just sit down and listen!
 CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN AUGER / TRINITY ~ LIVE AT ROCKPALAST
REPERTOIRE 1474 (Barcode: 4009910147429) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 2011 Released: 2024

This is a live recording by legendary British Jazz / Fusion keyboards wizard Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, captured on October 20, 2011 in Bonn, Germany. It presents an attempt to relive the brief phenomenal success achieved in the late 1960s by Brian Auger and his TrinityFind albums by this artist with the singer Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist, which produced four quintessential early Fusion / Psychedelia British albums: “OpenFind albums with this title”, “Definitely What!Find albums with this title”, “StreetnoiseFind albums with this title” and “BefourFind albums with this title”. The lineup appearing here includes Auger on keyboards, bassist Les KingFind albums by this artist, Auger’s son Karma AugerFind albums by this artist on drums and his daughter Savannah GraceFind albums by this artist on vocals. The album presents thirteen tracks, most of which are contemporary redemptions of tracks from the a.m. albums. The accompanying DVD offset the video version of the same material.

I must admit that I had a lot of reservations about this project before I had the opportunity to listen to the music, for the obvious reasons. These four albums are an absolute “Holy Grail” of British recorded music, and any attempt to touch them in any form or shape sounds like blasphemy. But, with all due respect, it is Brian Auger’s music after all, so if anybody could be trying to revitalize it, it should be him.

I am relieved and happy to say that these new versions worked out pretty well after all; they are politely different from the originals and they respect the essence of the original music. Auger’s performances are absolutely sensational and his keyboards work lost nothing of its sensational virtuosity and inventiveness. The rhythm section keeps time, a bit less Jazzy and creatively than the original team, but times they are a-changin’. The greatest fear were of course the vocals, as nobody on earth comes close to the vocal abilities of Julie Driscoll, but Savannah skillfully manages to circumvent the challenge by avoiding copying Julie’s vocal groundbreaking innovations, and simply sticking to the tunes, which she does skillfully and without a hitch. She even manages to mimic some of Julie’s idiosyncrasies, which made me smile.

Overall, this is a respectful tribute to some of the greatest music recorded in UK in the late 1960s, brilliantly played by the Godfather of the original project, and for me the greatest organ player of all time. The fact that I managed to enjoy the music wholeheartedly means that is respectful to the origin and offers a first class aesthetic value. Thank you Brian for all the fantastic music you created over time, which made so many music-loving people so happy!
Updated: 24/08/2024Posted: 24/08/2024CD+DVD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM BOND ~ LIVE AT THE BBC AND OTHER STORIES
REPERTOIRE 1279 (Barcode: 4009910127926) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 1962 - 1972 Released: 2015

This is a Box Set of archival material by British saxophonist / organist / composer / bandleader Graham BondFind albums by this artist, one of the most idiosyncratic and pioneering figures of the British Jazz, Jazz-Rock and Prog scenes. The material collected here consists mostly of recordings made by the BBC, but includes also some ultra-rare home recordings, demos and other ditties, covering the period between 1962 and 1972, which more or less presents Bond´s entire career before his tragic death in 1974, aged just 36 at the time.

Regardless of what various music history sources have to say, Bond is singlehandedly responsible for the creation of the Jazz-Rock idiom around 1963, when he formed the Graham Bond QuartetFind albums by this artist, which featured guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, bassist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist (which were all destined to become superstars in the years to follow). The quartet amalgamated Bond´s experience with the Jazz world, gained while he was a member of the Don RendellFind albums by this artist Quintet, with the exploding Rhythm And Blues phenomenon, creating the earliest manifestation of Jazz-Rock known to man. One session of the Don Rendell Quintet with Bond as its member is included here and it also features as a guest musician saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, who would become another of Bond´s close associates when he formed the seminal Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist in 1965, which was later joined by the celebrated drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. Following the Organization´s breakup Bond formed the Graham Bond InitiationFind albums by this artist and later on collaborated with the poet / lyricist Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, who wrote also the booklet that accompanies this Box Set. Their recordings together are the last (chronologically) tracks in this collection.

The music included in this collection is of varied quality and sometimes of pretty Lo-Fi sound quality, even after it was carefully restored and remastered, but it is of enormous historic importance, as it documents not only Bond´s career but in fact the entire British Jazz scene, which was experiencing at that time a tremendous upheaval and explosion of new talents and ideological modifications of the very fabric of Jazz, which was parting from the American dominance and creating a new variety of the idiom, which would crystallize as European Jazz, spawning Jazz-Rock in the process.

Bond´s performances on the Hammond Organ are all superbly executed and it makes perfect sense that they influenced an entire generation of British musicians, who invented Progressive Rock next, such a Jon LordFind albums by this artist of Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist of ColosseumFind albums by this artist, Brian AugerFind albums by this artist and of course many others. In general the music portrays the atmosphere of the British scene at the time, where genres and classifications were pretty arbitrary and where the Jazz / Rock / Prog idioms were influencing and embracing each other with ease and natural affinity.

Kudos to the German RepertoireFind albums on this label label, which is one of the most important sources of reissues, for the meticulous work done on this set and for bringing this material back to life. This set continues the work done by Repertoire on the previous Graham Bond Box Set called "Wade In The Water – Classics, Origins and OdditiesFind albums with this title", which covers the recordings by Graham Bond Organization. Together these two Box Sets pay tribute to one of the greatest heroes of the British Jazz / Jazz-Rock pioneering figures, who is sadly often forgotten and is rarely given the credit he deserves for his revolutionary creativity.
Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 01/04/2016CD 4 Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN ~ MONSTER`S BALL
CLEOPATRA 2214 (Barcode: 889466221422) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock

Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022

At the remarkable age of eighty (he was born in 1942), British vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist still makes music more exciting than all the musicians, half or quarter his age, seem to be able to come up with these days. Amazingly, this is his second release in 2022 and the unstoppable energy and creativity knows no borders.

This time Brown abandons his usual formula of recording his own songs, and ventures into an insane world of covers of some Rock classics, all related to Halloween-like show about hell, fire, mayhem, monsters, zombies, etc., with a wink of course. The album presents thirteen (what else) songs, only three of which were penned by Brown, including a new version of his mega-hit “Fire” from 1968, but include also songs by CreamFind albums by this artist, Pink FloydFind albums by this artist and many other iconic Rock groups.

Brown is accompanied by an incredible gathering of Rock superstars: Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, Steve HillageFind albums by this artist, Carmine AppiceFind albums by this artist, Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, to mention but a few, all veterans of the scene who still prove they can kick a butt or two. The music rocks and is a great fun to listen to from start to finish, despite the potentially disastrous “various artists” gathering, which often fails miserably. Obviously Brown’s personality and incredible vocal power and producer Alan DaveyFind albums by this artist’s skills simply worked out.

Overall, this is an incredibly entertaining Classic Rock production, which works like magic and is able to offer quality music in the good old Rock idiom, which is almost completely absent from the scene these days. I really hope to be in Brown’s form when I get to be his age and in the meantime I can only recommend this great album to all of us geriatric people, who are the last survivors able to tell good music from trash.
Updated: 09/01/2023Posted: 09/01/2023CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JULIE DRISCOLL / BRIAN AUGER / TRINITY ~ LIVE ON AIR 1967-68
LONDON CALLING 5031 (Barcode: 5053792503117) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion

Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2019

This is an archival release of TV and live club performances by the legendary British vocalist Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist and keyboardist / composer Brian AugerFind albums by this artist and his TrinityFind albums by this artist, which were at the peak of their commercial success when these recordings were made. The Trinity lineup changed several times in this period and included guitarists Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist and Vic BriggsFind albums by this artist, bassists Roger SuttonFind albums by this artist, Rick LairdFind albums by this artist and Dave AmbroseFind albums by this artist and drummers Clive ThackerFind albums by this artist, Micky WallerFind albums by this artist and Clem CattiniFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks recorded in UK and France, which include several versions of the same songs, overall seven songs from the repertoire of Driscoll and Auger albums released at the time. The quality of these historic recording varies but overall is good enough to be listened to and enjoyed in full.

Auger is of course one of the forefathers of Jazz-Rock Fusion and his Hammond performances are second to none to this very day. Deeply rooted in Jazz, Auger managed to create a wonderful amalgam of Jazz / Groove / Soul / Rock, which proved be as popular at the time as the most commercial recordings. He is still active today, five decades later.

Driscoll was one of the most idiosyncratic British Pop stars of all times and her performances in the late 1960s stand proudly side by side by the most important female Rock vocalist of the era. She later married the British Avant-Garde pianist / composer Keith Tippett and changed her vocal style into innovative Avant-Garde vocal Jazz explorations. She is also still active today, five decades later. One of the tracks on this album offers a recording of Driscoll supported by a large orchestra, which is absolutely unique in her discography.

Considering the fact that the recorded legacy of Driscoll, Auger and the Trinity is relatively limited, every scrap of recorded music featuring their unique talents is invaluable.
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.

Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.

The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.

Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
Updated: 27/07/2019Posted: 27/07/2019CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JULIE DRISCOLL / BRIAN AUGER / TRINITY ~ OPEN (DELUXE EDITION)
CASTLE 0978 (Barcode: 5050159197828) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1967 Released: 2004

2nd album by one of the most distinctive female voices ever on the UK scene. Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist was undoubtedly the most talented interpretter of soul material in her unique style which mixes soul with jazz and heavy psychedelia. Combined with the amazing talents of the organ player Brian AugerFind albums by this artist (see his releases), they were deadly. Just listen to Julie`s performance of DonovanFind albums by this artist`s `Season Of The Witch` - this surely must be one of the highlights of female singing in music`s history. The bonus material includes their amazing psychedelic hit `This Wheel`s On Fire`, penned by Bob DylanFind albums by this artist. Absolutely essential in any person`s collection!
 CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

JULIE DRISCOLL / BRIAN AUGER / TRINITY ~ STREETNOISE (DELUXE EDITION)
CASTLE 980 (Barcode: 5050159198023) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock


Originally released in 1969 as a double LP, this was to be the last cooperation between Julie and Brian (well not really, as they re-united for another album years later). This is undoubtedly one of the best proto-Prog releases of all times and one of the best 1960s albums. Julie`s expressive vocals are just heartbreaking and Brian`s jazzy hammond is unsurpassed. The material - a mixture of originals and covers - is very well selected and includes the unforgettable ode dedicated to the tragic Czech uprising (Czechoslovakia), which was brutally put down by invading armies of the Soviet block. Over the years this album lost absolutely nothing of its strength and beauty. Definitely an essential listen!
 CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

FUSION SYNDICATE ~ BEAUTIFUL HORIZON
PURPLE PYRAMID 4685 (Barcode: 889466468520) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 2012 - 2023 Released: 2023

This is the third album by the Fusion SyndicateFind albums by this artist, a brainchild of American guitarist / composer / producer Fernando PerdomoFind albums by this artist, who assembled a group of Fusion / Prog superstars to record (mostly) his compositions with various lineups, which change from track to track. The collective lineup includes guitarists John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist and Robby KriegerFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, bassists Jah WobbleFind albums by this artist and Alphonso JohnsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist, among others. The album presents seven tracks, all original compositions by Perdomo.

The album also presents three bonus tracks produced and composed by bassist / composer Billy SherwoodFind albums by this artist, which originate from the debut eponymous album by Fusion Syndicate from 2012, which is difficult to find these days. It features such Fusion giants like bassist Percy JonesFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist and others. These bonus tracks were newly remastered and with the four bonus tracks added to the “A Speedway On Saturn`s RingsFind albums with this title” album, constitute a reissue of the debut album.

Although featuring excellent musicians, the album has nothing new to offer musically and has no coherent concept per se. There is plenty of excitement and excellent soloing by the participants, as expected, but sadly it confirms the notion that Fusion, following a relatively brief period of creativity and Artistic productivity during the Golden Decade (1965-1975) has been mostly dormant, if not dead since.

Overall, this is a well-played typical Fusion album, which adds nothing new to the genre’s illustrious past, but offers a pleasant listening experience to the genre’s hard to die fans.
Updated: 11/12/2023Posted: 11/12/2023CD 1 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

GRAF / SMITH / MATHISEN ~ SUNRAIN
LOSEN 163 (Barcode: 7090025831638) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion

Recorded: 2014 - 2015 Released: 2016

This is the debut album by the Norwegian Jazz-Funk Fusion trio led by veteran keyboardist (now living in the US) Haakon GrafFind albums by this artist with bass legend Per MathisenFind albums by this artist and drummer Erik SmithFind albums by this artist. The live recording presents nine original compositions, all by Graf. The CD is accompanied by a DVD, which presents another live recording of the trio captured six month earlier at the same Oslo club, which includes twelve tunes, also composed by Graf, about half of which also appear on the CD.

Haakon produced many splendid recordings over the years and it is a real pleasure to see (and hear) him again in such splendid form as he is on this album. There is perhaps nothing revolutionary here, as far as Jazz-Funk Fusion is concerned, but the excellent tunes and superb execution are enough to make this album a great fun to listen to. This is the European form of Funk, which is elegant, well behaved and sophisticated, and which differs from the American form mostly emphasizing the Groove and less concerned with the finesse of the tunes and virtuosity of the players. Stylistically this music brings fond memories of the bellowed Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, who first developed the European branch of Jazz-Funk Fusion, bringing it to perfection. Graf´s handling of the keyboards is very similar to Auger´s and therefore the apparent similarity, but obviously Graf has his very own voice as is clearly demonstrated herein.

Of course the stellar support Graf gets from his rhythm section brings this album to another level of perfection. Mathisen´s bass solos, especially those on the fretless bass, are spine chilling and he is cementing his position as one of the absolute top European electric bass players. Smith also emerges as a monster player with plenty of opportunities on this album to show his immense talent.

This music might appear as a bit "old fashioned" conceptually, but what the heck – it is absolutely brilliantly played from start to finish and the fact that these three superb musicians play music that stylistically emerged half a Century ago but still sounds fresh and vibrant only proves that good music is absolutely timeless

I had a great time listening to this album and watching the DVD and if you like European Jazz-Funk Fusion and great melodic Jazz, which makes your ass swing, grab this beauty ASAP. Satisfaction guaranteed!
Updated: 19/09/2016Posted: 19/09/2016CD+DVD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

JAN HAMMER ~ BLACK SHEEP / HAMMER
WOUNDED BIRD 0173 (Barcode: 664140017320) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock

Recorded: 1978 - 1979 Released: 2005

4th and 5th albums (originally released on the AsylumFind albums on this label label) combined here as one set. By the end of the 1970s Jan HammerFind albums by this artist moved completely into rock and these two albums are his best achievements in that genre. He could still write excellent songs and as these two albums feature three very good vocalists: Colin HodgkinsonFind albums by this artist – also a great bass player (Back DoorFind albums by this artist, Brian AugerFind albums by this artist), Bob ChristiansonFind albums by this artist and Glenn BurtnickFind albums by this artist, the result was surprisingly good. Quite close to Prog, these two albums include excellent instrumental work by Hammer, who uses the electronic keyboards like a true virtuoso. Just listen to his interpretation of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist’ “Manic Depression” to appreciate his abilities. As these two albums were unavailable for ages, it’s good to seem them back in circulation. People who are not familiar with this music might be quite surprised listening to them now.
 CD 2 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

HARDIN & YORK ~ CAN`T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN: THE ANTHOLOGY
GRAPEFRUIT 089 (Barcode: 5013929188907) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 1969 - 1974 Released: 2021

This wonderful 6CD Box Set compiles the recorded legacy of the British duo Hardin & YorkFind albums by this artist, comprising of keyboardist / vocalist / composer Eddie HardinFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter YorkFind albums by this artist. It includes the five albums recorded by the duo: “Tomorrow TodayFind albums with this title” (1969), “The World`s Smallest Big BandFind albums with this title” (1970), “Hardin & York LiveFind albums with this title” (A German bootleg from 1970), “For The WorldFind albums with this title” (1971) and “Hardin & York With Charlie McCrackenFind albums with this title” (1974), as well as a plethora of studio outtakes, live recordings and radio broadcasts.

Hardin and York met as members of the legendary British Pop / Rock outfit Spencer Davis GroupFind albums by this artist, which they left together to pursue more ambitious musical plans. Both participated on dozens of album by other British artists and released many solo projects. Hardin & York was a highly unusual undertaking, producing music by just two musicians with only occasional help from guests or studio musicians. They combined elements of Rock, Prog and Jazz-Rock Fusion into a superb amalgam typical of the period, with Hardin in charge of writing most of their material.

Hardin, who passed in 2015, was one of the greatest British Rock keyboardists, especially a superb Hammond organ player of the class of Brian AugerFind albums by this artist or Keith EmersonFind albums by this artist, as well as an outstanding composer and excellent vocalist. York, still with us at the time of writing, is a highly skilled and sensitive drummer, esteemed by his peers, with a unique approach and musicality. Together, as a duo, they were able to create music often richer and more complex than ensembles with much bigger lineups. Strangely Hardin & York achieved much more success on the continent, especially in Germany, than home, and they were of course not the only band that experienced that phenomenon.

Overall, this Box Set is a sublime time capsule preserving the incredible versatility, creativity and “out of the box” musical thinking, which characterize this unique period in British music, and which left such vast legacy, never to return. For fans of early British Prog and Jazz-Rock Fusion this Box Set is an absolute must of course, especially since it presents so much previously unreleased material and excellent remastering. What a jewel!
Updated: 21/12/2021Posted: 21/12/2021CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ISOTOPE ~ DEEP END
ESOTERIC 2274 (Barcode: 5013929737426) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 1975 Released: 2011

After playing with Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, Stomu Yamash`taFind albums by this artist and many leading Jazz ensembles, guitarist / composer Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, one of the most innovative and technically brilliant players on the British scene, eventually founded his own quartet, called IsotopeFind albums by this artist. In retrospect, Isotope was one of the finest early British Jazz-Rock ensembles, which played ambitious music and included some of the best players on the scene at the time. But as usual, playing fine music made it difficult to keep the group going for a long time, so after recording three excellent albums and sticking together for a few years, Isotope disappeared into oblivion. This was their 3rd and last album and the group was expanded into a quintet and included keyboardists Frank RobertsFind albums by this artist and Zoe KronbergerFind albums by this artist, bassist Dan K. BrownFind albums by this artist and drummer Nigel MorrisFind albums by this artist (who played with Boyle in Yamash`ta’s group) as well as several guest musicians. The music is brilliant from start to finish, slightly resembling Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, but of course completely original. This is an absolute must to all early British Jazz-Rock connoisseurs!
 CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ISOTOPE ~ ILLUSION
ESOTERIC 2273 (Barcode: 5013929737327) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 1974 Released: 2011

After playing with Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, Stomu Yamash`taFind albums by this artist and many leading Jazz ensembles, guitarist / composer Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, one of the most innovative and technically brilliant players on the British scene, eventually founded his own quartet, called IsotopeFind albums by this artist. In retrospect, Isotope was one of the finest early British Jazz-Rock ensembles, which played ambitious music and included some of the best players on the scene at the time. But as usual, playing fine music made it difficult to keep the group going for a long time, so after recording three excellent albums and sticking together for a few years, Isotope disappeared into oblivion. This was their 2nd album and the quartet included keyboardist Laurence ScottFind albums by this artist, great bassist Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist (Soft MachineFind albums by this artist) and drummer Nigel MorrisFind albums by this artist (Hopper and Morris played with Boyle in Yamash`ta’s group). The music is brilliant from start to finish, slightly resembling Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, but of course completely original. This is an absolute must to all early British Jazz-Rock connoisseurs!
 CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ISOTOPE ~ ISOTOPE
ESOTERIC 2272 (Barcode: 5013929737228) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 1973 Released: 2011

After playing with Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, Stomu Yamash`taFind albums by this artist and many leading Jazz ensembles, guitarist / composer Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, one of the most innovative and technically brilliant players on the British scene, eventually founded his own quartet, called IsotopeFind albums by this artist. In retrospect, Isotope was one of the finest early British Jazz-Rock ensembles, which played ambitious music and included some of the best players on the scene at the time. But as usual, playing fine music made it difficult to keep the group going for a long time, so after recording three excellent albums and sticking together for a few years, Isotope disappeared into oblivion. This was their 1st album and the quartet included keyboardist Brian MillerFind albums by this artist (who also wrote most of the music on this album), great bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist (NucleusFind albums by this artist) and drummer Nigel MorrisFind albums by this artist (who played with Boyle in Yamash`ta’s group). The music is brilliant from start to finish, slightly resembling Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, but of course completely original. This is an absolute must to all early British Jazz-Rock connoisseurs!
 CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALEXIS KORNER’S BLUES INCORPORATED ~ BBC SESSIONS VOL.1 1962-1965
RHYTHM AND BLUES 097 (Barcode: 5060331753742) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock

Recorded: 1962 - 1965 Released: 2024

This is an archival album, which presents recordings by Alexis KornerFind albums by this artist’s Blues IncorporatedFind albums by this artist, made in early 1960s by guitarist / pianist / vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Alexis Korner, the Godfather of British Blues. These recordings were made with a plethora of British Blues, Rock and Jazz musicians, reading like a who´s who of the British Blues / Blues-Rock / Rock And Roll / Jazz and early Jazz-Rock Fusion, comprising of dozens of names, which passed through Korner´s legendary group over time.

As bizarre as it might appear, Korner was a white Jewish boy, born in Paris, who arrived in the UK in 1940, escaping the Nazi persecution, and who in time almost singlehandedly reanimated the interest in the Blues on the local British scene, leading to a phenomenon called the British Blues Revival, which started by the mid-1950s and literally exploded by the mid-1960s, when it became the British Blues Boom. In retrospect this musical idiom proved to be one of the most fundamental cornerstones of British Rock, later spreading also to the European continent. Korner´s charismatic personality and influence were a decisive factor leading to the formation of such musical icons as Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, FreeFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist, ColosseumFind albums by this artist and countless others. Korner continued his career until his untimely death in 1984.

The material collects recordings from six different sessions, a total of twenty-four tracks. The collective personnel taking part in these recordings includes, alongside Korner, vocalists Cyril DaviesFind albums by this artist, Long John BaldryFind albums by this artist and Herbie GoinsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist, Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, Nigel StangerFind albums by this artist, Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Bernie GeorgeFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Dave StevensFind albums by this artist, Johnny ParkerFind albums by this artist and Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, bassists Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, drummers Charlie WattsFind albums by this artist, Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, Ronnie DunnFind albums by this artist and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist. It does not get any better than this, does it?

Overall, this album is full of magnificent music, presented in chronological order by date of recording, which is an absolute treasure chest and a historic document of the outmost importance. Although the sound quality of some of the tracks, especially the early ones, is a bit shaky, the importance of the music sets everything aside. This is an absolutely essential release to all British Blues connoisseurs!
Updated: 02/10/2024Posted: 01/10/2024CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA ~ LIVE AT THE BERKELEY COMMUNITY THEATER NOVEMBER 9, 1972
RENAISSANCE 901 (Barcode: 630428090125) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 1972 Released: 2024

This is an archival live album by the original lineup of the legendary Fusion group Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by British guitarist / composer / bandleader John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, with American violinist Jerry GoodmanFind albums by this artist, Czech keyboardist Jan HammerFind albums by this artist, Irish bassist Rick LairdFind albums by this artist and American (born in Panama) drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents nine lengthy tracks, taken form the group’s debut album “The Inner Mounting FlameFind albums with this title” and the not yet released at the time second album “Birds Of FireFind albums with this title”. All the music was composed by McLaughlin except one tune composed by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist.

The album is an incredible document of the way Mahavishnu Orchestra sounded and performed in their early days, with an obvious emphasis on improvisation. Two of the tracks are over twenty minutes in duration and another three well over ten minutes, which naturally allows for extensive soloing and group improvisation, which is rarely heard on the group’s studio albums. Although McLaughlin is at the epicenter of the performances, Goodman and Hammer get plenty of opportunity to show their improvising chops, as does the rhythm section of course.

Listening to the music over fifty years later plainly shows that the early 1970s were Fusion’s finest hours and everything since then was a slow degradation of the genre. McLaughlin freshly out of Miles Davis group is in absolute top form, and shows that he was the Godfather of Jazz-Rock Fusion after experimenting with improvisation while still living in UK and playing with Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Brian AugerFind albums by this artist and others and perfecting his stellar stylistics with Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist and Miles Davis. It’s worthwhile to mention that the two pivotal American Jazz-Rock Fusion groups of the time, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, had more European input / influence than American, which is hardly surprising.

Overall, this is an immensely important historical document of the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre, which shows one of the most interesting, innovative and influential bands, recorded live and at the full splendor of its powers. Despite the sound quality, which is not ideal, but allows a painless listening experience, the quality of the music is monumental and the retrospective opportunity to relive these moments is an absolute bliss, lasting for two whole hours! Essential!
Updated: 11/11/2024Posted: 11/11/2024CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend

NOT NECESSARY BAND ~ NIEKONIECZNIE KONIECZNY
NOT ON LABEL 01 (Barcode: 606707129411) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz

Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021

This is the debut album by the Not Necessary BandFind albums by this artist led by veteran organist / composer / arranger Pawel SerafinskiFind albums by this artist, one of the unsung heroes of the Polish Jazz scene active since the 1970s. The quartet also includes saxophonists Piotr BaronFind albums by this artist (another Polish Jazz veteran) and Kuba RaczynskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Radek BolewskiFind albums by this artist, the last two are representatives of the new generation of the local scene. Members of the hip-hop group ThinkadelicFind albums by this artist guest briefly on one track. The album presents six tracks, three of which are original compositions by Serafinski, one is co-composed by the quartet members and two are composed by the legendary Polish composer Zygmunt KoniecznyFind albums by this artist.

The music is all mainstream oriented Jazz, with touches of Blues and Soul, very relaxed and lyrical. Serafinski composed some elegant tunes, which offer great melody lines and are superb platforms for improvisation. Konieczny is of course a Master songweaver, and his two compositions are classics.

As a sucker for the Hammond organ I simply cannot help the nostalgia / sentiment to overflow any rational approach and like the music, even if only for the great fun it brings to the listener. It does sound rather retro, but that was probably intentional, and the album has a distinct 1970s attitude, which in today’s music is a blessed whip of fresh air, rather than a sign of being old-fashioned.

The quartet offers a very unusual sound ambience, with just the organ up front, supported by the sax players, no bass (which is compensated by organ pedals) and the drums keeping the time vigorously and tastefully. Funs of Brian AugerFind albums by this artist and Graham BondFind albums by this artist will obviously find this quite familiar stylistically.

Overall, this is a very well put together album, which offers great music and excellent performances, with a focus on the Hammond organ sound, which of course makes it a must for the many lovers of this legendary keyboard. The minimalist, subdued atmosphere of this music is a welcome contrast to the terrible noise that surrounds us today most of the time.
Updated: 15/12/2021Posted: 15/12/2021CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ORGAN SPOT ~ OITAGO
SJ 083 (Barcode: 5905489721086) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz

Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025

This is the 2nd album by Polish Jazz trio Organ SpotFind albums by this artist, released following a twelve years’ gap, led by organist / composer Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist with guitarist Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz MaslowskiFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The album presents eight tracks, three composed by Mika, two by Galas, one co-composed by them both and two are standards.

The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, with strong Blues influence, but since the Hammond organ is my all-time favorite instrument, and Galas is a true Master of the Hammond organ, nothing could keep me happier than another album by this splendid trio. Mika is a fabulous guitarist and Maslowski keeps time splendidly and creatively, so these three musicians don’t need any help to create a full-sounding band. Kaletka is a welcome, but not essential companion.

The original compositions are all splendid, as is the sound and recording, which basically means that for me this is an instant balm on my old bones, which keeps me perfectly happy, without expecting anything more that the soothing sound of the organ and the great music. I admire Galas for sticking with the Hammond tradition, not trying to re-invent the instrument, or make it anything that it is not. Respecting the tradition and keeping it alive is everything one can ask for in this case.

Overall, this is another excellent album by Galas and the trio, which is an instant gratification for every Hammond lover of the planet. Anybody who loves the Hammond Masters, both Jazz and Jazz-Rock oriented (see Brian AugerFind albums by this artist), will be in seventh heaven.
Updated: 20/03/2025Posted: 20/03/2025CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

PALADIN ~ JAZZATTACK
ROCK SYMPHONY 075 (Barcode: 7898217280758) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1970 Released: 2002

UK Prog group PaladinFind albums by this artist released two very interesting albums in the early 1970s (the self-titled debut and the second album called Charge!Find albums with this title) and then promptly disappeared form the scene – a fate common to hundreds of Prog bands. In 1996 the band members decided to reissue the two albums on CD and while working on the reissue they discovered some demo tapes recorded before the recording of the debut album. This album includes all of these and some additional previously unreleased material. The music is very jazzy, similar to early instrumental Jazz-Rock, somewhere between Brian AugerFind albums by this artist and SantanaFind albums by this artist. The bonus tracks include vocals. This is one of those lost Prog gems (there must be thousands of those around) to be rediscovered a quarter of a century later – always a joy.
 CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

PANDEMIC ONO BAND ~ PANDEMIC ONO BAND
OGD 0011 (Barcode: 4582336783452) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022

This is the debut album by Japanese quartet called Pandemic Ono BandFind albums by this artist, which consists of guitarist Yoshi MiharaFind albums by this artist, Hammond organ player Midori OnoFind albums by this artist, bassist Tetsu ToshimaFind albums by this artist and drummer Chico NishinoFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, six of which are original composition by the band members and four are arrangement of Rock and Jazz standards.

The album, which was recorded partly live and partly in the studio, sounds remarkably like something that was recorded in the late 1960s, closely resembling early Jazz-Rock recordings by Brian AugerFind albums by this artist.

The music is dominated by the Hammond C3 sound, with occasional soloing by the guitar and heavy / Rocky rhythm section accompaniment. The result is a wonderful nostalgic trip to times before these musicians were born. The quartet manages to reproduce the sound and the atmosphere so realistically, that if put to a blind test would have probably passed as a lost early British recording. Even the recording quality is a bit rough around the edges, adding to the authenticity. The original compositions are solid and the arrangements interesting, which adds to the genuine listening pleasure this album manages to achieve.

Overall, although the music does not offer anything not heard previously, it is a brilliant trip down the memory line and a sublime tribute to the early Hammond Fusion players. I’d love to hear Auger’s comment too this music. I had an absolute blast listening to this album and I hope the quartet continues to pursue this direction in the future. Very well done!
Updated: 15/10/2022Posted: 15/10/2022CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

PASSPORT ~ DOLDINGER JUBILEE CONCERT
WOUNDED BIRD 5070 (Barcode: 664140507029) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008

5th album by German Jazz-Rock Fusion band PassportFind albums by this artist, founded and led by reedman / composer Klaus Doldinger, recorded live with a long list of guest artist. Along with Passport members: saxophonist Doldinger, keyboardist Kristian SchultzeFind albums by this artist, bassist Wolfgang SchmidFind albums by this artist and drummer Curt CressFind albums by this artist, the guest include British organist extraordinaire Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, drummer Pete YorkFind albums by this artist and guitarist Alexis KornerFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Europe at the time) saxophone giant Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist and virtuoso German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist – definitely an awe-inspiring superstar lineup. The music is mostly written by Doldinger with just one Jazz standard used to showcase Auger´s exceptional organ playing and a Blues standard for everybody to jam along. The live recording showcases the extraordinary instrumental abilities of all the musicians involved and is a great example of the European Jazz-Rock Fusion at the time. Warmly recommended!
 CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RUDY ROTTA ~ ME, MY MUSIC AND MY LIFE
PEPPER CAKE 2071 (Barcode: 090204625833) ~ ITALY ~ Blues-Rock

Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011

This is a 2CD album by the great Italian Blues-Rock guitarist / vocalist / composer Rudy RottaFind albums by this artist, recorded with various bands and a host of Blues-Rock luminaries, like guitarist Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, harmonica player Carey BellFind albums by this artist, Godfather of British Blues John MayallFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Brian AugerFind albums by this artist and guitarist Robben FordFind albums by this artist. The album presents twenty-five tracks, mostly his original and some Blues and Pop standards arranged by him.

Although relatively little known to the international Blues audiences, Rotta played with some of the greatest names of the genre and released a long series of wonderful albums. He was very respected by his peers and his guitar playing is considered as some of the best Blues guitar ever. This album sums up his entire career, which lasted for over four decades, and is untimely death in 2017 robbed the world of an incredible talent.

Overall, this is a great Blues-Rock album by one of the most iconic European representative of the genre, which offers a great set of songs and some superb guitar playing by him and his guests. For Blues-Rock fans, who never heard about Rotta, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with his work. Satisfaction guaranteed!
Updated: 19/05/2022Posted: 19/05/2022CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ SUNFLOWER SUPERJAM
EAR MUSIC 4029759101833 (Barcode: 4029759101833) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock

Recorded: 2012 Released: 2015

This is a live recording of the annual fundraiser concert for The Sunflower Jam charity, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London with the participation of top British Rock stars and some guests from abroad. Organized by Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, the event was also partly a tribute to his Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist bandmate Jon LordFind albums by this artist, who sadly passed just a couple of months before the event took place. The album presents fourteen tracks of ass kicking Rock music and the companion DVD presents the concert in its entirety, adding four tracks that did not fit on the CD due to playing time constrains.

The gallery of names is very long and includes some superstars like Alice CooperFind albums by this artist, Brian MayFind albums by this artist, John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist, Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist, Uli Jon RothFind albums by this artist, my all time favorite Hammond player Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, who plays some wicked solos, and many more (if these names are not familiar to you, please don´t read any further).

Various lineups formed by the participating musicians perform Rock standards and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and informal, emphasizing the joy of playing together. Of course there is no end to spectacular guitar soloing and some great vocal performances.

The music is a tribute to the "real" Rock of the 1960s and 1970s, when the idiom enjoyed its golden days, and shows that many of the Rock idols are still great performers.

Overall this is a great piece of Rock fun performed by the best musicians out there, so what else can one ask for. Rather than innovate, this kind of albums are preserving the tradition. I wish I could have been there…
Updated: 06/09/2020Posted: 06/09/2020CD+DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend

LENNY WHITE ~ BIG CITY
WOUNDED BIRD 0441 ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 1977

2nd album. Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist takes a more rock / funk approach here with two excellent rock guitarists (Ray GomezFind albums by this artist and Neal SchonFind albums by this artist) replacing the two more jazzy guitarists on the debut album. Other guest musicians include Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, Jerry GoodmanFind albums by this artist and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist. Also brass arrangements are used extensively, which give the album a great solid sound. There is a wide variety of moods and all in all it is a memorable album.
 CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

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