Record Reviews

JOE FARRELL ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS SONY 888750636829 (Barcode: 888750636829) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1970 - 1975 Released: 2015 This Box Set collects five of the six albums recorded by brilliant American flautist / saxophonist / composer Joe FarrellFind albums by this artist and released between 1970 and 1975 on the legendary CTIFind albums on this label Records label. They are: his debut as a leader and first album "Joe Farrell QuartetFind albums with this title", the second "OutbackFind albums with this title", the fourth "Penny ArcadeFind albums with this title", the fifth "Upon This RockFind albums with this title" and the sixth "Canned FunkFind albums with this title". His third album "Moon GermsFind albums with this title" was separately reissued on CD in 2001 by SonyFind albums on this label. Farrell joined the first incarnation of Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist in 1972 and took part in the recording of their first two legendary albums. The music presented on these five albums falls quite neatly into two separate categories: the first two albums are complex modern Jazz / Jazz-Rock Fusion and even include some Free Form moments, whereas the next three albums are Groove / Funk oriented. The first album ("Joe Farrell Quartet") is especially noteworthy, as it is one of the most important and beautiful documents of the era. Farrell´s quartet, which also included pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist (all from Miles DavisFind albums by this artist electric band) is augmented by the presence of guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist on two tracks, turning the resulting quintet into a mighty power of Nature. It is worthwhile to compare these tracks with McLaughlin´s debut album "ExtrapolationFind albums with this title" or the Jack BruceFind albums by this artist album "Things We LikeFind albums with this title", which also features McLaughlin. Together these three a.m. albums contain some of the most important and powerful music ever made. The second album places Farrell alongside Corea again, but this time with bassist Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist and legendary drummer Elvin JonesFind albums by this artist, with whom Farrell recorded a series of superb albums for the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label between 1968 and 1971. It presents superb modern Jazz and Fusion, played by Masters of the trade. Together with the third album ("Moon Germs"), which is not present in this Box Set, which features Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist on piano, Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist on bass and again Jack DeJohnette on drums, and of course his numerous recordings as a sideman, Farrell established his position as one of the leading figures on the US scene. The remaining three albums document the transition Farrell made from modern Jazz / Fusion into Jazz-Funk, which is characterized by more emphasis on melodic content and Funk / Groove rhythmic patterns. Although many of Farrell´s fans had a hard time getting used to this new musical direction, his work in that genre was always top notch, with impeccable musicianship and wonderful compositions. He cooperated with several top players specializing in that specific area, like guitarist Joe BeckFind albums by this artist, bassist Herb BushlerFind albums by this artist and others. In retrospect these albums are classics of the genre, sound superbly fresh today and honestly had very little true competition by anybody else over the years. Farrell, who sadly died in 1986, aged just 48, was definitely an exceptional player and composer, who contributed immensely to American Jazz by constantly searching for new way of expression, ignoring genre constrains and mainstream thinking. This Box Set is an essential listening to every Jazz / Fusion fan on this planet. Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases 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 for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 05/04/2024Posted:

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ CROSSINGS WARNER BROS. 47542 (Barcode: 093624754220) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2001 CrossingsFind albums with this title was Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s last album for Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and the 2nd part of his sextet album trilogy, which started with MwandishiFind albums with this title and continued with SextantFind albums with this title after Hancock switched labels to ColumbiaFind albums on this label. The sextet’s lineup (Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums) remained steady for all three albums, which of course contributed to the phenomenal level of interplay they were able to achieve. Musically the album continues the path set by its predecessor, with long (this time the longest track is almost 25 minutes long) atmospheric compositions which allow a lot of space for collective and individual improvisations. Hancock composed the central piece and Maupin the two additional tunes. Hancock, who was always extremely aware of the latest developments on the music scene as well as open-minded, invited the electronic music pioneer Patrick GleasonFind albums by this artist to play the Moog synthesizer on this album, which added a new dimension to the music, which sounds even more contemplative and spiritual. The resulting sound vistas are truly amazing. This is visionary music in every respect, touching the listener on every plane of awareness – esthetic, emotional and intellectual. Another essential classic!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ FAT ALBERT ROTUNDA WARNER BROS. 47540 (Barcode: 093624754022) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2001 Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s solo career (apart from his work done with his Mentor Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, with whom he stayed for over five years as the member of the legendary second quintet) produced an overwhelmingly diverse body of work which positions him as one of the Giants of 20th Century music. After recording a series of excellent and immensely influential albums on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label in the 1960’s, Hancock switched to Warner Bros.Find albums on this label where he recorded just three albums, this one being the first of these. Recorded shortly after Hancock left the Miles Davis group, it contains music he wrote for a TV series, rearranged for a jazz sextet. The funky approach was Hancock’s first attempt to play around with funk (influenced among others by the revolutionary work done with the genre at that time by Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist). This started a love affair that would be extensively developed a few years later after Hancock switched labels again, this time to ColumbiaFind albums on this label. He plays the Fender Rhodes electric piano exclusively leaving the acoustic piano aside for a few years until the formation of the V.S.O.P.Find albums by this artist quintet. The funky arrangements are extremely clever and exquisitely performed by the sextet, which includes Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist on flute and sax, Johnny ColesFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Garnet BrownFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Albert HeathFind albums by this artist on drums. The music sounds beautifully fresh and vibrant today, loosing nothing of its original charm and magic. A timeless classic!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ MWANDISHI WARNER BROS. 47541 (Barcode: 093624754121) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2001 Following his departure from the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist established his own sextet, which would serve as his musical vehicle in the next step of his explorations. The sextet included Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums. Hancock recorded three revolutionary and visionary albums with this group, before changing his chameleon-like path again, this time into funk. These three albums were MwandishiFind albums with this title and CrossingsFind albums with this title released on Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and his ColumbiaFind albums on this label debut SextantFind albums by this artist. The extraordinary music present on these albums is the next step in the future of Jazz, the creation of a multi-genre Fusion, which “genetically spliced” Jazz with Rock, Funk and World Music, creating a new musical universe. In fact one should see these recordings in the right perspective, comparing it to the music Miles Davis was creating (from Bitches BrewFind albums with this title onward) and his disciples: John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist with Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist and Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist with Weather ReportFind albums by this artist and Herbie Hancock with his sextet. All this music (created roughly at the same time) falls beautifully into place supplementing the big picture. Of course one should always credit it as much to its wonderfully talented creators as to their Mentor Miles Davis. The music on Mwandishi is beautifully atmospheric. The unusually (for Jazz) long tracks (one over 21 minutes and the two others over 10 minutes long) leave plenty of space for group improvisation and generous solo space for all the musicians. Hancock sticks to the electric piano, by now mastering the instrument to perfection. He composed two of the tracks and Priester the remaining one. A few guest musicians, including SantanaFind albums by this artist’s percussionist Jose AreasFind albums by this artist and drummer Leon ChanclerFind albums by this artist contribute their input. This music can be heard time after time, revealing new emotions and hidden treasures every time. An essential classic!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ SEXTANT COLUMBIA 64983 (Barcode: 5099706498322) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 1998 SextantFind albums with this title was Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s debut album for ColumbiaFind albums on this label (an association that would last for three decades) and the 3rd part of his sextet album trilogy, which started with MwandishiFind albums with this title and CrossingsFind albums with this title recorded for Warner Bros.Find albums on this label The sextet’s lineup (Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums) remained steady for all three albums, which of course contributed to the phenomenal level of interplay they were able to achieve. Musically the album continues the path set by its predecessors, with long atmospheric compositions, which allow a lot of space for collective and individual improvisations. Hancock composed all the music on this album and again included in the recording the electronic music pioneer Patrick GleasonFind albums by this artist, who plays the Moog synthesizer. The music continues the direction pioneered by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, with modal compositions and usage of electric instruments, but is spiced it with the addition of African rhythms and funk (to be expanded in the next edition of his group and the recording of the legendary Head HuntersFind albums with this title album), creating a highly expressionist soundscapes of rare beauty. Visionary music and another essential classic!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

BENNIE MAUPIN ~ THE JEWEL IN THE LOTUS ECM 1043 (Barcode: 602517232501) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 Released: 2007 This great and unfortunately little known album by US reedman Bennie MaupinFind albums by this artist is a superb example of the artistic freedom extended to musicians by the legendary ECMFind albums by this artist label. Maupin is of course known from his input to the revolutionary music recorded by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and later by the Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist sextet and in fact this album was recorded shortly after the recording of the three so called "MwandishiFind albums with this title" albums and later the immensely successful "Head HuntersFind albums with this title". The core members of Hancock´s sextet are here: Hancock himself on piano and electric piano, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist and bass, Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums, augmented by trumpeter Charles SullivanFind albums by this artist and percussionists Frederic WaitsFind albums by this artist and Bill SummersFind albums by this artist. The music, all composed by Maupin, is deeply meditative and low key, but full of beauty and reflection. There is ample space for improvisation and interplay, all of which is done with great care and restraint, but the overall result aesthetically perfect. Perhaps not an "easy" album to listen to, especially for the first time, but music without challenge is not really worth pursuing, is it?

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MICHAL URBANIAK ~ JAZZ LEGENDS 1 UBX 1013 (Barcode: 5905912551907) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rap Fusion Recorded: 1980 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of the album by Polish Jazz violin virtuoso / composer / bandleader Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, originally released in the US in 1981 as "Music For Violin & Jazz QuartetFind albums with this title" and credited to the one time ensemble called NY5Find albums by this artist, which included Urbaniak and four distinguished American Jazz musicians: guitarist Ted DunbarFind albums by this artist, pianist Kenny BarronFind albums by this artist, bassist Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the short-lived JAMFind albums on this label (Jazz America Marketing) label, founded by Richard SpringFind albums by this artist, and was the label´s first release with catalogue number 001. The album was produced by the legendary Jazz producer Michael CuscunaFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded on December 17 & 18, 1980 following a week´s residency by the quintet at the renowned NY Village Vanguard club, where the music was polished live and readied to be recoded. The album presents eight tracks, three of which are original compositions by Urbaniak and five are standards For Urbaniak, who arrived in NY from Poland in 1973, this album was an important milestone in his life-long quest to be recognized as a bona fide Jazz musician by his American idols and playing and recording with such luminaries was definitely a seal of approval. Although he recorded a stream of revolutionary albums earlier on, both in Poland and in the US, he was playing a unique Jazz-World Fusion / Funk, which was brilliant but not exactly recognized as "pure" American mainstream Jazz as such. Therefore this album was practically his first mainstream Jazz recording, symbolizing Urbaniak becoming a part of the "pack", or at least his hope to achieve that status, which in retrospect proved to be an impossible dream. Listening to this album from a forty years perspective proves a few interesting aspects. Urbaniak was at his peak an absolutely amazing violin player, way better that any other violinist on the US scene at the time. His technique, impeccable aesthetics, superb groove and Swiss clock precision timing, combined with a natural feel for Jazz, improvisation and harmony set him apart from other Jazz musicians on the NY scene. He was also an absolutely brilliant composer, which is why his original compositions on this album are way more interesting than the rest of the material. As for the contributions by the quartet; well they are exactly what one would expect from highly experienced and professional players – they do their job. They keep time, they solo adequately and they play the same way they have been playing always, regardless what gig was on, in short they play American Jazz. Despite the effort, Urbaniak, even on this album, stays faithful to his basic instincts. The Polish melancholy, the childhood melodies and the European aesthetics are all still there for all see (and hear). Thank God for that! Not surprisingly the original album sold poorly and was ignored by American media, soon to be deleted from the market. It is great to see it reissued by Urbaniak on his own UBXFind albums on this label label, as it surely deserves to be remembered and enjoyed!

Updated: 14/06/2020Posted: 14/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend