Record Reviews

JOACHIM KUHN TRIO / HR-BIGBAND ~ OUT OF THE DESERT LIVE ACT 9521 (Barcode: 614427952127) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This is the fourth album by German pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and his trio with Moroccan vocalist and oud / Guembri Master Majid BekkasFind albums by this artist and Spanish drummer Ramon LopezFind albums by this artist, accompanied by the hr-BigbandFind albums by this artist (Frankfurt Radio Big Band) and recorded live at the 2010 JazzFest Berlin. It is a continuation of the "Out Of The DesertFind albums with this title" studio album recorded by the same trio in Morocco a couple of years earlier, but offers seven new compositions, six by Kuhn and one by Bekkas. Kuhn also arranged the music to include the wonderful hr-Bigband conducted by Ed PartykaFind albums by this artist. The music is a brilliant example of Jazz-World Fusion at its best. Kuhn´s openness to a wide range of musical influences during his long and fruitful career, which explored diverse musical genres combined with his Avant-Garde approach and the prolific recorded legacy is a glorious portrayal of the European Jazz idiom. His fascination with African / Middle Eastern music is not surprising and his affinity and ability to channel his musical ideas into that specific direction is an absolute marvel. Kuhn and his cohorts play superbly, as expected, and the Big Band arrangements manage to add a new dimension and incredible power to the music, creating one of the most colorful and profound statements of this kind. It is highly recommended to compare this album to the other recordings by this trio, which will emphasize both the differences and the similarities between this unique project and the source it originates from, which can be truly educational. The fascination with the African dessert music is of course share by many European musicians since the 1960s, including Rock stars like Brian JonesFind albums by this artist. Of course, as all recordings by Kuhn, this is an absolute must to all serious lovers of European Jazz, Avant-Garde, Jazz-World Fusion and sublime music in all its forms. Go get it as every day of your life before you heard this album was missing something…

Updated: 18/07/2020Posted: 10/07/2020

CD 1 Digipak Essential Recommend To A Friend

JOHN MAYALL ~ CRUSADE (EXPANDED EDITION) DECCA 842175 (Barcode: 602498421758) ~ UK ~ Blues Recorded: 1967 Released: 2007 4th album by John MayallFind albums by this artist and his BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist and the 3rd album Mayall recorded in 1967 (with another double live album also recorded later in the year), which positions this appropriately titled release as part of his tireless crusade to spread the blues with all his might. Considering the fact that during the year that preceded the recording Mayall lost two of the greatest blues guitar players (Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist and Peter GreenFind albums by this artist) as his front men, his remarkable ability to recreate to group is truly legendary. The new lead guitarist stepping in the footsteps of the departing legends was the young Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist, who turned out to be not only an appropriate replacement, but also a true revelation. His extraordinary technique and superb feel for the blues made him an ideal partner for Mayall. Taylor would stay with Mayall for about two years, which turned out to be very productive and result in a series of excellent albums. Later on he’s leave Mayall to join the Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist as a replacement for the tragically departed Brian JonesFind albums by this artist. The revamped Bluesbreakers included also the legendary John McVieFind albums by this artist (of Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist fame), the extremely talented drummer Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist and a brass section consisting of Chris MercerFind albums by this artist (tenor sax) and Rip KantFind albums by this artist (baritone sax). The entire album was recorded in just one day (except for the bonus material), proving how professional and talented these wonderful musicians really were. Mayall wrote the bulk of the material, and a few blues standards are also used. In retrospect this is one of the formative British blues albums and a prime example of the genre. Essential listening material for every blues fan.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend