Record Reviews

GEORGE ADAMS ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE CAM JAZZ 1018 (Barcode: 8052405140616) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 - 1983 Released: 2012 This superb Box Set collects all the albums recorded by the legendary American flautist / saxophonist / composer George AdamsFind albums by this artist on the twin Italian independent labels: Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label. The set includes five albums, three of which were recorded with the quartet he co-led with pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist and which also included bassist Cameron BrownFind albums by this artist and drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist, and the other two were recorded with a quintet co-led with drummer Dannie Richmond and which also included trombonist Jimmy KnepperFind albums by this artist, pianist Hugh LawsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Mike RichmondFind albums by this artist. Adams is best known as a member of the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist ensembles or bands led by Gil EvansFind albums by this artist and Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist and later as a co-leader of the quartet with pianist Don Pullen. His musical interests covered a very wide range of sub-genres, from Rhythm And Blues to Free Jazz and he felt quite comfortable playing in any of them, often on the same album. His passionate performances and his occasional vocal escapades made him one of the most colorful and loved Jazz performers in the 1980s. His premature death at the age of 52 robbed the American Jazz scene of one of its most original personalities. In the late 1980s Adams was a member of the short-lived quartet called PhalanxFind albums by this artist, which also included guitarist James Blood UlmerFind albums by this artist, one of the most adventurous ensembles of that period. Remastered, mini-sleeved, and with a great bargain price – this Box Set an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker 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 to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

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

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DARIUS / MIDNIGHT BLUE / NEW CONDITIONS BGO 895 (Barcode: 5017261208958) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 - 1976 Released: 2009 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album, which is a third installment and a companion to the two previous BGOFind albums on this label reissues of his early recordings, includes the first three recordings by Collier released on his own record label MosaicFind albums on this label Records, one of the first independently owned Jazz labels in Britain. He composed all the music presented here and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist (trombone), Art ThemenFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist (guitar), Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist, Roger DeanFind albums by this artist (piano) and John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier of often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DEEP DARK BLUE CENTRE / PORTRAITS / THE ALTERNATE MOSAICS BGO 822 (Barcode: 5017261208224) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1972 Released: 2008 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album, which is a companion to the previous BGOFind albums on this label reissue of his early recordings, includes the very first recording by Collier released on DeramFind albums on this label in 1967, his last of the early 1970s recordings released on the tiny SaydiscFind albums by this artist label in 1972, before he established his own records label MosaicFind albums on this label, and a sensational never previously released alternate version of the live material, which produced the original "MosaicsFind albums with this title" album. He composed all the music presented here (except one tune) and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Bob SydorFind albums by this artist, Dave AaronFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist (oboe), Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist, Philip LeeFind albums by this artist (guitar), Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist (piano) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier of often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DOWN ANOTHER ROAD / SONGS FOR MY FATHER / MOSAICS BGO 767 (Barcode: 5017261207678) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2007 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album collects the three albums Collier recorded for the FontanaFind albums on this label / PhilipsFind albums on this label labels in 1969 / 1970, following his debut recording on DeramFind albums on this label from 1967. He composed all the music presented here (except one tune) and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Bob SydorFind albums by this artist, Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist (oboe), Nick EvansFind albums by this artist, Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist (trombone), Philip LeeFind albums by this artist (guitar), John TaylorFind albums by this artist, Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist (piano) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier is often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ HOARDED DREAMS CUNEIFORM 252 (Barcode: 045775025223) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1983 Released: 2007 This extraordinary album contains a previously unreleased recording of Graham CollierFind albums by this artist’s Big Band performance of his suite “Hoarded Dreams”. The music was commissioned by the Arts Council of Great Britain (UK Government body that over the years faithfully supported UK Jazz scene and provided endless opportunities for UK musicians to compose and record) for the 1983 edition of the Bracknell Jazz Festival. For the occasion Collier assembled a spectacular Big Band (including 19 musicians), which he conducted. The players are a multi-national creme de la creme of European Jazz, with such distinguished names as Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist (Poland), Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist (Finland), John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist (UK), Manfred SchoofFind albums by this artist (Germany), etc. This awesome personnel ensures that the performance is truly stellar, with soaring solos and endless display of virtuosity and collective interplay. The brilliant music, suiting elegantly and perfectly the purpose of providing solo space for such a broad group of instrumentalist proves again that Collier is undoubtedly one of the true Giants composers of Modern Jazz of the caliber of Charles MingusFind albums by this artist. Absolutely stunning! See also the Garahm Collier album released on Jazzis Records

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ SYMPHONY OF SCORPIONS / THE DAY OF THE DEAD BGO 1028 (Barcode: 5017261210289) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 - 1978 Released: 2011 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, a dear personal friend of mine who died in 2011, is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album, which is a fourth installment and a companion to the three previous BGO reissues of his early recordings, includes the last two recordings by Collier released on his own record label MosaicFind albums on this label Records, one of the first independently owned Jazz labels in Britain. He composed all the music presented here and plays bass on the first recordings (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist (trombone), Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Mike PageFind albums by this artist, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist (guitar), Roger DeanFind albums by this artist (piano), Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist (bass) and Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Both these releases were inspired by the works of British poet and novelist Malcolm LowryFind albums by this artist, one of the most innovative writers of the 20th Century. "The Day Of The DeadFind albums with this title" (originally released as a double LP) includes extended fragments from Lowry´s masterpiece "Under The Volcano" and his other writings, narrated by John CarberyFind albums by this artist on top of the music performed by the band. Both works rank amongst Collier´s greatest achievements and his most adventurous recordings, with a loose composed frame and extensive group improvisations. Collier is often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

FINGERS ~ THE COMPLETE FINGERS REMEMBER MINGUS JAZZ IN BRITAIN 55 (Barcode: 5060774190692) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 - 1993 Released: 2024 This is an expanded reissue / remaster of an album by British Jazz quintet FingersFind albums by this artist, led by bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist, which also included saxophonists Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist and Bruce TurnerFind albums by this artist, pianist Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist. The original album was recorded in 1979 and released on the legendary SpotliteFind albums on this label label in 1983, which needless to say has been in my collection since then. It included only five tracks, some of which were edited to fit on the LP, which are here expanded to include the complete recording session on CD1 and CD2, total eleven tracks including alternate tracks. CD3 presents eight unreleased tracks, originating from BBC broadcasts or other sources, recorded between 1979 and 1993 (see details on the album’s artwork). Although the music herein, either that by Charles MingusFind albums by this artist or by other composers, is basically mainstream oriented, the unique “Fingers’ treatment” it receives here turns is into an orgy of improvisation, which more often than not ventures into the Free territory, especially when Coxhill is in the lead. The atmosphere of the session is somewhat similar to what one might hear on Mingus’ albums, so the resulting music is a tribute with a British twist, which fans of Mingus and those familiar with his music should enjoy immensely. These are some of the finest British Jazz players after all, so it’s hardly surprising that the performances are stellar. Under the steady bass grip by Green, the music manages to swing even when the melody wanders far away, only to return like a wave. Some spectacular soli, which are lost on the original abridged edition, are here to bring a wide smile upon the listener’s lips. The relaxed, almost informal atmosphere of the session, serves the music well, as the result proves. Overall, this is another brilliant release by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, which does not rest on its laurels, keeping us on edge awaiting the next showdown. Thy good people behind the labels have of course access to more great music that they can possibly handle, so it all comes down making the right choices, which so far has been impeccably done. Thanks, as always, for the music, which never fails to bring a tear in the corner of an eye.

Updated: 01/07/2024Posted: 01/07/2024

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

PRZEMYSLAW FLORCZAK ~ IMAGE OF MY PERSONALITY SJ 003 (Barcode: 5902596066024) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2012 This is the debut album by a young Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Przemyslaw FlorczakFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet which includes also organist Pawel TomaszewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel PuszczaloFind albums by this artist and drummer Sebastian KuchczynskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, six of which are original compositions, all by Florczak, and one is a Charles MingusFind albums by this artist piece. Florczak is also a member of the excellent group BiotoneFind albums by this artist. The album is very impressive, especially as a debut, and presents a portrait of mature musicianship by the leader both as a performer and a composer. All the quartet members are excellent players, both as individuals and collective contributors. The decision to use the organ, rather than acoustic piano, turns this album into a completely unique experience, as this highly unusual combination opens a whole new world of sonic experience and wonderful unisono passages. The saxophone and the organ simply blend together fabulously and one wonders why they are not used together more often. The compositions are also surprisingly excellent, well within the Jazz mainstream but incorporating many cross-genre elements, like bits of Funk, Bossa and even World-Music influences. Beautifully put together and intelligently arranged, they are a true pleasure to listen to. This music is fun (in the best meaning of the word) from start to finish, being both accessible to a wide range of listeners and sophisticated enough to draw the attention of the connoisseurs. Florczak plays beautifully throughout, being especially impressive on the lyrical pieces, where his wonderful tone and delicate delivery is often breathtaking. Tomaszewski is also "stealing" a large part of the show with his superb organ lines, which bring on memories of times long gone. The rhythm section is simply perfect for the job, providing the vehicle for the two soloists to shine and keeping the wagon on the road. The album has a surprisingly exquisite sound quality, which turns out to be less surprising after reading the bane of sound engineer Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist on the cover, who was in charge "only" of mix and mastering this time, but his signature is well recognized. Overall this is a true gem, sadly somewhat overlooked on the crowded Polish Jazz scene, where albums are being released at an incredible rate, but definitely worth digging out and investigating. Well done indeed!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JANUSZ MACKIEWICZ ~ FROGSVILLE ECNALUMBA 0002 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2008 This is the second album as a leader by Polish Jazz bassist / composer Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist. It is a live recording, which also features saxophonist Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist, trombonist Grzegorz NagorskiFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam CzerwinskiFind albums by this artist, all well seasoned players from the Polish Baltic Tricity scene. The quintet performs seven compositions, six of which are original compositions: four by Mackiewicz, one each by Bukowski and Herbasz and the last one is a Charles MingusFind albums by this artist tune. The music is all well within mainstream Jazz, but the excellent compositions and spotless execution turn it into a very pleasant listening experience, mostly low key and somewhat subdued. The music is definitely not trying to break any new musical ground, but it does represent highly professional well played contemporary Jazz, which is accessible to a wide Jazz audience and should satisfy most regular Jazz connoisseurs all over the world. In many respects this music has a nostalgic feel of the Bebop hay days as captured during the 1950s and 1960s on Blue Note, Prestige and other labels, but with a more contemporary sound quality. This album is definitely worth checking out, especially for Polish Jazz collectors, as it proves beyond any doubt that Polish Jazz musicians can play classic Jazz as well as the guys across the pond.

Updated: 01/06/2018Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ LIVE AT MONTREUX 1975 EAGLE 826992041322 (Barcode: 826992041322) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1975 Released: 2018 This is an archival 2CD album by American bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival. It presents a quintet recording on CD1, with pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist, drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist / vocalist George AdamsFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist. On CD2 the lineup is expanded to a septet with the addition of baritone saxophonist Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Benny BaileyFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, four of which last for over ten minutes and one lasts for over half an hour. It is one of the last live recordings by Mingus, before his health issues prevented him from performing. He died less than four years later in 1979 at the ridiculous young age of fifty-six. The music, mostly composed by Mingus with the exception of one classic standard, reflects his typical modus operandi, with the band playing shifting themes with constantly changing tempi, full of brilliant improvisations, led brilliantly by the leader and his inimitable bass pulsations. The meeting with Mulligan is especially moving and shows the deep personal respect between these two American Jazz Giants, who are able to find a common language despite their contrasting stylistic attitudes. Overall, this is an important document of one of the greatest and most original American Jazz figures, and despite the fact that many live recordings from this period appeared on the market in the meantime, each of them is absolutely unique and special and all are worth a respectful place in a serious Jazz records collection. Mingus was definitely one of a kind, which nobody can deny.

Updated: 12/09/2024Posted: 12/09/2024

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ MINGUS AH UM (50TH ANNIVERSARY LEGACY EDITION) COLUMBIA 48010 (Barcode: 886974801023) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1959 Released: 2009 Of all American Jazz Masters, the figure of bassist / bandleader / composer Charles MingusFind albums by this artist is surely the most enigmatic, misunderstood and misinterpreted up to this day. Very few people truly understand his revolutionary approach to music in general and Jazz in particular, his ability to free himself and his closely knit circle of musicians from generations of both musical and racial prejudice, both of which can be tragically blind and bitter. Mingus was a musical universe by himself – although associated with Jazz, his music encompassed many forms of music: Blues, Gospel, African Music, all genres of Jazz from Dixieland to Free and in later days even Rock and Fusion. In order to truly comprehend his music one must study and repeatedly listen to his enormous recorded legacy as well as read his words, bequeathed to us in his writings. This beautiful album takes as a step further towards the goal to discover or re-discover the man and his music, as it includes for the first time the complete ColumbiaFind albums on this label recording sessions from 1959, with producer Teo MaceroFind albums by this artist, which resulted in two albums: "Mingus Ah UmFind albums with this title" and "Mingus DynastyFind albums with this title". Both albums are included with many outtakes and alternate tracks, all beautifully remastered and sounding superbly clear and vivid. Rather than repeat myself saying how essential and superb this music is, let me just say that some of the most memorable and everlasting music written by Mingus is present here. Essential you say? I agree!

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ MINGUS AT CARNEGIE HALL (DELUXE EDITION) ATLANTIC 603497844326 (Barcode: 603497844326) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 Released: 2021 This is an expanded reissue / remaster of a live album by legendary American bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, recorded on January 19, 1974 at the NY Carnegie Hall. The music was recorded by a sextet, which included trumpeter Jon FaddisFind albums by this artist, saxophonists George AdamsFind albums by this artist and Hamiet BluiettFind albums by this artist, pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist and drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist. The sextet was expanded to a nonet on two tracks, with the addition of three saxophonists: John HandyFind albums by this artist, Rahsaan Roland KirkFind albums by this artist and Charles McPhersonFind albums by this artist. This 2CD edition presents seven tracks, adding five tracks (and over seventy minutes) of unreleased material. Four of the tracks last over twenty minutes and one just under twenty minutes. Three of the tracks are original compositions by Mingus, one is by Pullen, one is by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, one is a standard and finally one is a short spoken word introduction. The restored sound is absolutely pristine. The music is, in many respects, a closing chapter of American Jazz, which summarizes the great Bebop period and the entry into Free Jazz, offering a gallery of instrumental Masters, who lament the grand times with obvious nostalgic glace over the shoulder, realizing the fact that the ride is over. The great leader / guru, one of the last standing figures of American Jazz, was playing one of the last live concerts in his career and would be dead in a few years and there was nobody in sight to carry the torch. But the music is of course grand, from start to finish, with incredible soloing and great group improvisations, kept carefully in check by the boss. They were, after all, the crème de la crème of the scene at the time and clearly could outplay anybody out there. Mingus’ compositions are ideal vehicles for the orgy of sound and camaraderie that prevails, and despite the fact that they are not innovating anything, they clearly learned the lesson of the decade preceding this recording, laying any doubts about Bebop being over to rest. Overall, this is a monster album, which deserves an honorable place in every decent Jazz records collection, not only because of the incredible amount of great music it offers, but more importantly because of the message it so vividly sends to the Jazz world: Bebop was great, we took everything there was to take from it, now please let it rest in peace!

Updated: 28/01/2024Posted: 28/01/2024

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ MINGUS THREE (DELUXE EDITION) RHINO 603497841035 (Barcode: 603497841035) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1957 Released: 2022 This is an expanded reissue / remaster of an album by American Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with pianist Hampton HawesFind albums by this artist and drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents the remastered seven original tracks (two Mingus originals, one Hawes original and four standards) on CD1 and eight outtakes from the session, all previously unissued, on CD2. This is a very rare opportunity to hear Mingus in the classic piano trio setting, where his bass playing is exceptionally fitting for this setting and his soloing is out there to be heard distinctly. The relaxed atmosphere of the recording brigs the best out of all three players, and the music swings splendidly, full of little quirks and turns jokingly exchanged between them. The presence of the outtakes, which laid undiscovered for fifty-five years in the vault, is a brilliant addition to the album, and allows both the fans to re-examine the different approaches to the same tune, which the trio tried out, and a couple of aborted attempts at them. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of Jazz history and an exceptional piano trio recording for lovers of Swing and Bebop, played by the best musicians at the time. The remastered sound quality is wonderful and the pleasure of listening to this splendid music can be enjoyed at full. Highly recommended!

Updated: 27/06/2024Posted: 27/06/2024

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ PASSIONS OF A MAN: THE COMPLETE ATLANTIC RECORDINGS 1956-1961 RHINO 72871 (Barcode: 081227287122) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1956 - 1961 Released: 1997 This superb Box Set includes the music Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, one of the most charismatic and outspoken jazz musicians, recorded between January 1956 and November 1961 – almost a six years span. It includes the 6 albums released by AtlanticFind albums on this label (Pithecanthropus ErectusFind albums with this title, The ClownFind albums with this title, Blues & RootsFind albums with this title, Oh YeahFind albums with this title, Tonight At NoonFind albums with this title and the double live album Mingus At AntibesFind albums with this title) as well as the Teddy CharlesFind albums by this artist album Word From BirdFind albums with this title on which Mingus plays bass. Some previously unreleased alternate takes are also included, as well as a long (over 70 minutes) interview with Mingus by Nesuhi ErtegunFind albums by this artist, the producer of all these sessions. This period is considered his most productive and stable and the bulk of his best compositions are included here. He plays bass and piano and the list of names of the musicians playing with him here sounds like a “who’s who” of modern jazz, including Jackie McLeanFind albums by this artist (alto sax), Mal WaldronFind albums by this artist (piano), Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist (drums), Booker ErvinFind albums by this artist (tenor sax), Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist (alto sax and bass clarinet), Ted CursonFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Bud PowellFind albums by this artist (piano) and many others. This is magnificent music in every respect – Mingus at his peak as composer and bandleader, surrounded by musicians of the highest class creates beautiful collages linking blues, bebop and the emerging free form jazz. I highly recommend to read Mingus’ autobiography “Beneath The Underdog” (one of the most original and striking jazz books ever written) as a companion to this music. Absolutely essential!

Updated: 11/01/2024Posted:

CD 6 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA & RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886979795921 (Barcode: 886979795921) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1957 - 1989 Released: 2012 American bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly one of the most iconic personalities in the entire history of the Jazz art form. Often considered as one of the top Jazz composers, comparable only to Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, his legacy has indeed enriched our Culture by some most remarkable achievements. His flamboyant and outspoken personality, his strong and uncompromising social and political views and his extrovert behavior created a mythical status, which he enjoyed already during his lifetime and which certainly remains as part of his legacy. His first and foremost interest was always the Jazz composition and he left a superb legacy of fascinating music, parts of which have become anthems of 20th century Culture. His favorite environments were always big ensembles (nonet / tentet) or a full Big Band, ideal for his compositions and arrangements, which were usually complex, multilayered and called for musicians with virtuosi abilities. Although Mingus never fully committed to Free Jazz, when Jazz marched in that direction in the 1960s, he was already a great innovator a decade earlier when he incorporated Classical music tools and World Music influences into his compositions and utilized collective improvisation, which was a standard in his ensembles. The Mingus discography is quite convoluted and although most of his recordings were released over the years on the AtlanticFind albums on this label label, he recorded also for several other labels, including RCAFind albums on this label (once) and ColumbiaFind albums on this label (twice). Strangely those non-Atlantic recordings are in retrospect considered some of his most important and certainly most widely know output. This divine Box Set includes remastered and expanded versions of his only album released on RCA in 1962 (but recorded half a decade earlier in 1957) called "Tijuana MoodsFind albums with this title", the two 1959 masterpieces "Mingus Ah UmFind albums with this title" and "Mingus DynastyFind albums with this title" with a bonus CD of alternate tracks from these two albums, the 1971 masterpiece "Let My Children Hear MusicFind albums with this title" and the 1972 live album "Charles Mingus And Friends In ConcertFind albums with this title". It also includes the 1989 tribute album called "Mingus EpitaphFind albums with this title", commemorating the 10th anniversary of his death and performed by the absolute crème de la crème of American Jazz scene at the time. Remastered and expanded with bonus tracks, which often double the original album´s content, this is definitely one of the greatest Box Sets ever produced and an absolute must have relic for any music connoisseur on this planet. There are not enough lofty words left to explain any further, just better git it in your soul!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ THE LOST ALBUM FROM RONNIE SCOTT`S RESONANCE 2063 (Barcode: 617270122846) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2022 This is an archival 3CD album by American bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the Ronnie Scott’s club in London during Mingus’ residence there on August 14 and 15, 1972. The music is performed by a sextet, which comprises of Mingus on bass with trumpeter Jon FaddisFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Charles McPhersonFind albums by this artist and Bobby JonesFind albums by this artist, pianist John FosterFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy BrooksFind albums by this artist. The album presents only nine tracks, since three tracks last half an hour and more and another one about twenty minutes. The material presents extended version of iconic Mingus’ compositions. Also included is an impressive 64-pages booklet with great photographs, an essay by British Jazz historian / writer Brian Priestley and interviews with musicians from Mingus’ ensembles. The music is a wonderful document of Mingus and his modus operandi during his late period, which included expanded versions of his classic compositions, like those included herein, with a significant freedom allowed to the band members to improvise in various settings, like solo, duo, trios and so on, periodically returning to the main theme and then floating away again and again. The fact that the album was released fifty years after this music was recorded proves how far-thinking and everlasting this music was and still is today. There is of course plenty of opportunities for the individual musicians to show their chops, and it is one of the latest recordings featuring Mingus soloing extensively, before his illness limited his performing abilities. The album offers excellent sound quality and was recorded properly on a multitrack equipment, and the source material was excellently remastered. Overall, this is a classic Mingus recording, which represents his genius as player, composer, bandleader and a Jazz visionary, who always knew exactly what he wanted to say in his music and offered an unwavering dedication to his vision of Jazz, often against the “Jazz establishment” at home. For Mingus many fans and followers, this is an absolute must have in their collection of his recordings, but all true Jazz lovers should find this fascinating. There was, after all, only one Charles Mingus…

Updated: 24/03/2024Posted: 24/03/2024

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ TIJUANA MOODS (THE COMPLETE EDITION) RCA 174999 (Barcode: 743217499921) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1957 Released: 2000 Bassist / pianist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist was an exceptional, iconoclastic figure on the American Jazz landscape. Afraid of nothing and of no one, Mingus was not only a genius musician, but also a great story teller, always saying whatever he truly meant, however outrageous, immoral or shocking. His straightforwardness earned him many enemies among the American Jazz "establishment", often influencing his career in a negative way. This album is a great example of the above; recorded in 1957 and directly influenced by an alcohol / sex craze experienced in the Mexican "Wild South" border town of Tijuana, in an attempt to forget, what Mingus calls "a very blue period in my life", the sensuous and revolutionarily outrageous music was released only 5 years later, waiting for some people to take the stick out of their behind and allow this genius work to be heard. Although Mingus often referred to this album as the "best record he ever made", recognition of the fact that Mingus was light-years ahead of many of his contemporaries was slow to float up. Of course the music of Mingus is beyond description… Jazz, obviously, but so much more… and always brilliant. The music here is obviously influenced, however subtly, by the Mexican Mariachis heard often during that wild night in Tijuana, but it is all Mingus; his usual suite-like approach of composing music not as a collection of unrelated individual pieces but as a continuum, all coming together and following that wonderful crazy logic of his, which the listener only finds out about when the music is over. A Master of melody, Mingus actually never lets the listener enjoy it for more that a brief moment, jumping all over, around, aside, back at it, and out of it again. Of course he also knew how to pick up his band members, often running the show with an iron fist, but honestly, how the ensemble could function any other way, considering how devilishly complex the music they performed was. And yes, they were all brilliant players: trombonist Jimmy KnepperFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Curtis PorterFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Clarence ShawFind albums by this artist, pianist Bill TrigliaFind albums by this artist and drummer Danny RichmondFind albums by this artist (Mingus´ lifetime musical buddy, who joined his band just a few weeks before the recording). This wonderful edition adds a previously unreleased track, recorded at the same sessions as the album, which features a superb example of Mingus´ writing, narrated here by Lonnie ElderFind albums by this artist on top of the ensemble playing – a typical Jazz & Poetry setting fondly reminding the Beat days. A second CD full of alternate takes is also added. Need I say essential? Yes I do!

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ BREMEN 1964 & 1975 SUNNYSIDE 1570 (Barcode: 016728157025) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 - 1974 Released: 2020 This is an archival 4CD album by American bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, recorded live in Bremen, Germany. It presents two concert recordings, separated by eleven years, each captured on a 2CD set. The album presents fifteen tracks, five of which are over ten minutes in duration, four are over twenty minutes in duration and two are over thirty minutes in duration. Most of the music is composed by Mingus, two tracks are standards and two others are composed by members of his ensembles. By the time the second concert was captured, Mingus was already suffering from a serious health issues and it is one of his last live recordings. CD1 & CD2 present the Mingus sextet with trumpeter Johnny ColesFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist and Clifford JordanFind albums by this artist, pianist Jaki ByardFind albums by this artist and drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist. CD3 & CD4 present the Mingus quintet with trumpeter Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist, saxophonist George AdamsFind albums by this artist, pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist and Richmond (the only musician to play on both concerts). The music includes the iconic Mingus’ compositions, spanning his entire career, each and every one in a unique concert version, which depended on the specific lineup, the mood of the concert and of course the leader’s disposition, which means that regardless of how many versions of the same tunes one owns, they are always different, often dramatically different from every other version of the same tune. The two lineups are also very different; the sextet is dominated by the presence of Dolphy, whose hair-rising performances, especially those on flute and bass clarinet, are absolutely stunning, while the quintet might seem more relaxed and settled, but no less intense or sophisticated. Just two months after the concert captured herein, Ayler would be tragically dead, which makes his appearance here one of his last. Overall, this is a monumental piece of Jazz history, which deserves an honorable place in any serious Jazz collection, even if Mingus’ recordings, including live ones, are already proudly present therein. The 1964 concert is a true eye (ear) opener, disclosing the dramatic entry of Free Jazz into the core of the Jazz tradition, but every second of the music captured on this album is true Holy Grail!

Updated: 26/05/2024Posted: 26/05/2024

CD 4 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ CHANGES: THE COMPLETE 1970S ATLANTIC STUDIO RECORDINGS ATLANTIC 603497838363 (Barcode: 603497838363) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 - 1978 Released: 2023 This 7CD Box Set combines all the studio recordings made by the great American Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist for the AtlanticFind albums on this label label during the last period of his life between 1973 and 1978. These recordings were released on seven albums, which appear here in their remastered versions: “Mingus MovesFind albums with this title”, “Changes OneFind albums with this title”, “Changes TwoFind albums with this title”, “Three Or Four Shades Of BluesFind albums with this title”, “Cumbia & Jazz FusionFind albums with this title”, “Me, Myself An EyeFind albums with this title” and finally “Something Like A BirdFind albums with this title”. All the music on these albums, with a few exceptions, was composed by Mingus. CD1 adds two outtakes and CD5 adds one outtake. The LP version of this Box Set adds an entire LP8 with seven outtakes. The list of participating musicians on these albums looks like the who’s who of the American Jazz scene at the time, with the most notable ones being saxophonists George AdamsFind albums by this artist, George ColemanFind albums by this artist and Ricky FordFind albums by this artist, pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist, drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist, guitarists Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist and Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, and many others. The above albums mark the second period of Mingus recordings for Atlantic. Between 1956 and 1961 he recorded several albums for the label, but he was not under exclusive contract with the label at the time. Those albums can be found in the great Box Set released in 1997, called “Passions Of A Man: The Complete Atlantic Recordings 1956-1961Find albums with this title”. Overall, this Box Sets presents some of the most important American Jazz recordings of all time, preserving the incredible legacy of one of its most important protagonists. Mingus was a great innovator and at the same time a key keeper of the flame, combining the American Jazz tradition with modern trends, unlike most of his contemporaries, who preferred to be stuck in the past. This last period of his life turned out to be also perhaps his most productive and daring, definitely the most mature and aesthetically balanced. All of the music in this Box Set is a Holy Grail of American Jazz, sadly also one of the last displays of its productivity and genius. For Jazz lovers, who don’t own all these albums separately, this Box Set is an absolute must, but those who already have all this material in their collections, it adds almost nothing new, except for neat packaging and remastered sound quality.

Updated: 11/01/2024Posted: 11/01/2024

CD 7 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

JONI MITCHELL ~ ARCHIVES – VOLUME 4 (THE ASYLUM YEARS 1976-1980) RHINO 603497823680 (Barcode: 603497823680) ~ CANADA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 - 1979 Released: 2024 This is the 4th archival Box Set presenting recordings by the iconic Canadian singer / songwriter Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. It includes six CDs worth of material spanning the years 1975 to 1979. The recordings include home and studio demos, live performances, alternate album tracks and other sources. All of the songs (except a few cases) are Mitchell originals and all were never previously released. CD1 presents eighteen tracks form various live concerts in 1975 and the 1976 US tour and one home recording. CD2 presents seventeen more tracks from the 1976 US tour. CD3 presents nine demos for the “HejiraFind albums with this title” album, three live concert tracks and two tracks from the “Hejira” sessions. CD4 presents two tracks from the “Don Juan`s Reckless DaughterFind albums with this title” album sessions, three tracks from the “MingusFind albums with this title” album sessions, eight live concert tracks from 1978 and four alternate tracks from “Mingus” sessions. CD5 presents one track from “Mingus” sessions, two live concert tracks from 1979, two tracks from the 1979 tour rehearsals and nine live concert tracks from the 1979 US tour. CD6 presents sixteen additional live concert tracks from the 1979 US tour. This wonderful time capsule enables listeners to take a time machine some forty-five years back in time and imagine they are sitting in a studio console room just a few meters away from Mitchell, who is singing her heart out or attending her concerts. At those peak moments of her career she was absolutely marvelous as a performer and a completely unique songwriter, who would change the face of music in the forthcoming decades. Accompanied by the top Jazz players of the period, including Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist and others, she sounds simply marvelous. Overall, this is a brilliant Box Set of enormous historical importance and an absolute must to all true Mitchell fans. The excellent sound quality of these recordings allows taking a fully enjoyable trip back in time, visiting the source of Mitchell’s illustrious career, with a hope that the next volumes of the archival series will bring many more hours of previously unheard material. This is beyond recommendation!

Updated: 16/11/2024Posted: 16/11/2024

CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BARTLOMIEJ OLES QUARTET ~ ELEVEN PHRASES – LIVE IN CSK NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is an album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with saxophonist Bartlomiej PrucnalFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Bartosz PieszkaFind albums by this artist and the leader’s twin brother, bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and presents three original compositions by the leader, with the central piece being an eleven-parts suite, which last for almost fifty minutes. Following the musical path of the Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, as they are collectively often referred to, both together and individually, since their debut recordings in 1999, i.e. for the last twenty-five years, has been one of the most profound experiences on my Polish Jazz quest during that period. With over three dozen albums to their credit, their highly diverse output, which spans Free Jazz / Improvised Music, Jazz-World-Fusion, and many other, often difficult to characterize experiences, is definitely one of the most impressive achievements on the local Jazz scene since the turn of the Millennium. Musically, the compositions presented on this album are in many respects a full circle closure, returning to melody and harmony, after years of exploration of more abstract forms and soul searching. Perhaps years of experience are the necessary ingredients in order to relax, grow up and return to the basics. Whatever the processes behind writing this music are, they prove to be highly effective and the result is brilliant in every respect. Reinforced by two younger, but highly experienced representatives of the Polish Jazz scene, the Oles Brothers rhythm section proves again to be the best one out there, switching moods, tempi, volumes and complexities with ease and elegance, pushing the epic suite forward step by step, somewhat similarly to the modus operandi of the great Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, who also used to expand his pieces during live concerts to last, as if time was of no essence. In the liner notes Bartlomiej Oles, tells us that the suite was composed over a period of over twenty years, with the individual parts reflecting the ups and downs of his life during that time. Regardless of the circumstances leading to their creation, they are all exceedingly beautiful, sometimes sweet, sometimes sad, but always deeply moving. We, the listeners, should be grateful for sharing them with us. Overall, this is another marvelous album by Bartlomiej and his cohorts, a highly emotional musical experience, somewhat surprising by its lyricism and gentleness, all for the good of course. I am sort of speechless here, which does not happen to me often. I regret not to being there, when this music was recorded, but I had my share of luck of hearing you play live, so thanks for capturing it for posterity. A big, big hug and as usual a deep bow…

Updated: 25/03/2024Posted: 25/03/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

FRANCESCA PALAMIDESSI ~ IN OTHER WORDS I AM THREE RAGTIME 003 ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is a vocal tribute album to the music of Charles MingusFind albums by this artist by Italian (resident in Belgium) singer / arranger Francesca PalamidessiFind albums by this artist, who is accompanied by an excellent quintet consisting of pianist Hendrik LasureFind albums by this artist, clarinetist Matteo PastorinoFind albums by this artist, guitarist Simone SchirruFind albums by this artist, bassist Francesco GalatroFind albums by this artist and drummer Armando LuongoFind albums by this artist. It presents six classic pieces by Mingus, arranged by Palamidessi. This is her debut album. Palamidessi treats the Mingus material with a lot of flair and individual elucidation, which allows her and the quintet members to spread their wings and play their hearts out, rather than present yet another mainstream interpretation of this music, which has been done so many times before. As a result this album is full of surprises and unexpected quirks, which every great Jazz album should be full off. She has a strong, clear voice and a lot of bold ideas, which she´s not afraid to try out. She sings both lyrics and vocalese, which is her true forte. The long improvised vocalese passages are a true inspiration. She gets a superb and sympathetic support form her band mates, who all contribute to the overall effect of this album. Lasure is with her literally hand in hand, Pastorino plays some naughty bass clarinet inserts that send sparks down your spine, Schirru is all about ambient mysticism, which creates a beautifully weird background, and of course the rhythm section carries all that craziness bravely forward, with Galatro in charge of the pulsation and Luongo keeping everybody in the right timeframe. This music might not be very easy for the less experienced listeners. Mingus was a space alien as far as his twisted melody lines are concerned, so even before the musicians here start to go all over the place this is already far from trivial and when the ensemble moves away from the basic melody lines, things get a bit twisted, in a wonderful way of course. So if you don´t "get it" in the fist attempt, listen again as this music is definitely too good to be left aside. Respecting the Masters and stretching their music to new vicinity is the perfect recipe for making good music. I´m glad it was used here and happy it worked as well as it did. In view of so many mediocre vocal albums released in the Jazz idiom, this album is a breath of fresh air, not to be missed. If this is her debut recording, she is surely going to surprise us again, soon I hope.

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

PINK FREUD ~ PUNK FREUD UNIVERSAL 602517235328 (Barcode: 602517235328) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2008 This is the 5th album (and the first on UniversalFind albums on this label) by Polish ensemble Pink FreudFind albums by this artist, which managed to gain considerable popularity on the local scene, both with Jazz and non-Jazz listeners and critics alike. Formed in 1998 by bassist / composer Wojtek MazolewskiFind albums by this artist, the group changed its lineup several times over the years but succeeded to maintain its popularity and gradually achieved a cult following and a large fan base. Musically the group offers a unique amalgam of genres and musical directions, originating with Jazz and improvisation, but also encompassing elements of Punk Rock, dub, jungle, drum and bass and electronic music. In many respects it is a direct continuation of the Yass movement, which flourished in Poland in the 1990s, and could be referred to as post-Yass. Since Yass was initially intended as an expression of rebellion against the established Jazz canons, which many young musicians felt to be stagnant, post-Yass took the rebellion a bit further out, emphasizing the cross-genre trend, groove and even dance elements, which resulted in the music being much more widely accessible. As opposed to the intellectual image that Jazz is usually associated with, this music is intelligent fun music, with some Jazz associations, and should be treated as such, no more and no less. On this album Pink Freud appear as trio with the leader and two other founding members: trumpeter Tomasz ZietekFind albums by this artist and drummer Kuba StaruszkiewiczFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Tomasz DudaFind albums by this artist appears on five of the ten tracks and two female strings players guest on two of the tracks. Nine of the ten tracks on this album are original compositions by the participants and the last track is their interpretation of a Charles MingusFind albums by this artist tune. The music is a typical Pink Freud mix of musical ideas, stylistically all over the place, but unified by the highly energetic and expressive delivery. The music definitely retains the rebellious spirit and often lacks the precision and flawlessness a Jazz fan might expect, but one must not forget this music is not about these qualities at all and therefore should not be judged by them. The ultimate question is the overall impression and effect this music has on a listener and if it is successful to make the listener spend an hour having fun while listening, it achieved its goal. Let´s make no mistakes here; parts of this music are quite complex and advanced, requiring attentive listening and seriously challenging the listener´s ear. Some listeners will mentally "skip" these parts at first, but might (hopefully) discover them later. Regardless of what one might think about Pink Freud and their music, one thing is sure: they can not be ignored. Definitely worth investigating!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

KAMIL PIOTROWICZ ~ POPULAR MUSIC HEVHETIA 0134 (Barcode: 8588005257916) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the second album by young Polish Jazz pianist / composer Kamil PiotrowiczFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in a sextet setting with trumpeter Emil MiszkFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Kuba WiecekFind albums by this artist and Piotr CheckiFind albums by this artist, bassist Andrzej SwiesFind albums by this artist and drummer Krzysztof SzmandaFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Piotrowicz. The music is a superb collection of modern Jazz compositions, brilliantly arranged for the sextet, using all the power and interplay possibilities of the relatively large ensemble. The compositions are diverse and quite complex, changing styles and tempi rapidly and displaying an incredible maturity relative to the age of the composer. In spite of the complexity and multilayered structure the compositions are completely coherent and deeply moving emotionally. Stylistically the music moves between contemporary Classical oriented pieces and large ensemble compositions, firmly based on the tradition developed in the late 1950s and 1960s by such Jazz mavericks like George RussellFind albums by this artist and Charles MingusFind albums by this artist. Adorned with typical European harmonies this music reaches peaks rarely heard before. The level of execution of this difficult music is also exceptional. All the participants play amazing solo parts and cooperate brilliantly in the ensemble parts, with the rhythm section firmly holding the intricate musical construction in place. Nothing is taken for granted here and these wonderful musicians keep surprising the listener again and again, with a bag of virtuosic tricks that never ceases to amaze. Most of the individual statements are concise and perfectly suited to the musical setting at the moment of their execution, This album is a giant step forward for Piotrowicz and although his debut album, released a year earlier, showed a lot of potential, nothing prepared the listeners for this masterpiece following up so soon. This is definitely one of the best Polish Jazz albums released in 2016 and a very strong contender for the top of the heap. If Piotrowicz is able to create music of such profound impact today, what will happen next? This is an absolute must for all Polish Jazz connoisseurs around the world and an exquisite example of the fact that Jazz is alive and kicking and progressing and exciting and intensely beautiful! Hats off!

Updated: 28/10/2016Posted: 28/10/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

FRANCISZEK POSPIESZALSKI QUINTET ~ JAZZ.PL VOL.3 POLSKIE RAADIO 2417 (Barcode: 5907812247140) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the fourth album by Polish Jazz bassist / composer Franciszek PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with trumpeter Piotr DamasiewiczFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Marek PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Grzegorz TarwidFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartosz SzablowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents arrangements of four compositions by Charles MingusFind albums by this artist and one by Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist, all of which originate from the seminal Mingus albums “Changes OneFind albums with this title” and “Changes TwoFind albums with this title” released in 1975. The album was recorded live by Polish Radio during a series of concerts entitled Jazz.pl, hence the title. I have to admit that at the first glace it looked to me as a very cheeky idea to undertake a “face to face” with some of the Jazz “holy ground”: an absolute peak of Mingus career as composer and bandleader and classic American Jazz legacy. These young Polish cats will have to prove being worthy of even playing this music, let alone playing around with it. It is with great relief and satisfaction that I find this attempt to be successful and astonishingly creative. The quintet manages successfully to Europeanize the music, by adding many minor, by highly significant touches, which appear all over this music quite unexpectedly. These highly skilled musicians have a lot of fun on the way and show clearly that they are able to take these wonderful compositions to new places, which Mingus would have never even thought of, but I am pretty sure he would have approved of. I am sending this music to my Friend Jack Walrath to hear his input on it, and I can imagine his face when he listens to these interpretations. With all due respect to Franciszek Pospieszalski for the idea and initiative, the true hero of this album is obviously Tarwid, who is in charge of most of the modifications via his charmingly brilliant piano work, twisting the entire aesthetics of this music. But to be fair, all five of these young devils play superbly from start to finish. Overall, this is an absolutely marvelous album, which shows how a fifty years old music, as genius as it originally was, can be revitalized, expanded and subtly redirected, all by using European Jazz shticks and tricks, to became even more brilliant than originally conceived. I bow my head in awe and respect!

Updated: 03/03/2023Posted: 03/03/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

DON PULLEN ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE CAM JAZZ 1017 (Barcode: 8052405140432) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 - 1985 Released: 2012 This superb Box Set collects all the albums recorded by the legendary American pianist / composer Don PullenFind albums by this artist on the twin Italian independent labels: Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label. Pullen needs no introduction to any serious Jazz connoisseur; suffice to say that his prolific output and a career stretching over four decades is a superb example of an Artists constantly developing and changing his perspective on his Art form. In his early days Pullen played Avant-Garde and Free Jazz, but in various stages of his career he also excelled as more conventional modern player, for example with Charles MingusFind albums by this artist in the 1970s. He co-led for many years an excellent ensemble with saxophonist / composed George AdamsFind albums by this artist. The music included here includes seven of his recordings, ranging from solo piano albums to duet, trio, quartet and quintet settings. The list of his partners includes saxophonists Sam RiversFind albums by this artist, Chico FreemanFind albums by this artist and Joseph JarmanFind albums by this artist and many other outstanding musicians. Remastered, mini-sleeved, and with a great bargain price – this Box Set an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker 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 to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 12/04/2020Posted:

CD 7 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

AREK SKOLIK ~ PLAYS MINGUS BLUES&JAZZ 001 (Barcode: 5908254159664) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2017 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz drummer Arek SkolikFind albums by this artist recorded in a trio setting with saxophonist Jaroslaw BothurFind albums by this artist and bassist Michal JarosFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Patrycja ZarychtaFind albums by this artist sings on one track. The album, as the title suggests, presents six compositions by Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, which are interpreted by Skolik and his crew. The music, as described by Skolik in the album´s liner notes, is a spontaneous jam session based on compositions by Mingus, recorded live in the studio. There is not much one can add to this description honestly, as the music is completely straight ahead, except perhaps for the fact that it is performed by a saxophone trio, but that is nothing extraordinary these days. This album might have been recorded five decades earlier, and no one would be able to tell the difference. All three players are highly professional and fluent and the execution is beyond reproach, as good as any American mainstream Jazz combo is able to perform, except that this is a Polish Jazz trio and one really expects to hear something beyond ordinary when Polish musicians are involved. Bothur has a wonderful tone on his tenor saxophone and his improvisations are inspired, Jaros plays excellent support behind the saxophone and Skolik is obviously a very sensitive drummer, playing both rhythm and melody, but there is nothing here that wasn´t heard already. Overall this is a nice mainstream Jazz album, which Bebop lovers should enjoy anywhere in the world, but which does not break any new ground. Recommended to Mingus aficionados!

Updated: 12/04/2024Posted: 08/04/2017

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ANDY SUMMERS ~ PEGGY`S BLUE SKYLIGHT REPERTOIRE / RARE 1003 (Barcode: 4009910000328) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2000 Released: 2007 It is not often that a Rock musician decides to cross over into much more advanced musical environment, such as Jazz or World Music and does so completely and seriously. PoliceFind albums by this artist guitarist Andy SummersFind albums by this artist, obviously known to most Rock listeners on this planet, is one of those musicians, who changed their path and successfully developed a "new" career. This album, which is a tribute to the music of the great American bassist / composer Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, showcases Summers as a splendid Jazz guitarist, with beautiful technique and exquisite taste. Of course Summers manages to achieve a completely unique sound and voicing on his instrument, which retain a certain affiliation with his Rock roots, but overall the album is an absolute knockout. With bassist Dave CarpenterFind albums by this artist, drummer Joel TaylorFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist and many other superb musicians, this album is a true delight. Life is full of surprises! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice I was a little sceptical about this but have thoroughly enjoyed it; a new slant on successful fusion in my view - jazz with pop/rock production!

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ANDRZEJ TRZASKOWSKI ~ SEANT (POLISH JAZZ VOL.11) POLSKIE RADIO 0541 (Barcode: 5901448115415) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2005 This monumental album, perhaps as important as fellow Polish Jazz Godfather Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist´s "AstigmanticFind albums with this title", recorded at the same period, is unfortunately significantly less known and appreciated, both in Poland and abroad, which is a great misfortune. Pianist / composer Andrzej TrzaskowskiFind albums by this artist contributed enormously to the development of Polish Jazz, especially in the field of more experimental, Avant-Garde, Free Jazz music, which was rapidly developing worldwide in the 1960s. This sextet recording, which includes American trumpeter Ted CursonFind albums by this artist (of Charles MingusFind albums by this artist fame), who was spending as much of his time in Europe as at home, playing along brilliant Polish crew: saxophonists Wlodzimierz NahornyFind albums by this artist and Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, bassist Jacek OstaszewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam JedrzejowskiFind albums by this artist. The music, all original compositions by Trzaskowski, is simply brilliant and absolutely pioneering in every respect. Listening to this album in retrospect one can hear clearly that in the historic perspective it was as innovative and groundbreaking as anything else created at the time over the pond and beyond the Iron Curtain. In addition it is also aesthetically beautiful and intellectually challenging. An absolute must to any Polish Jazz enthusiast; this is an essential piece of Polish Jazz history.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ YOU GOT MY WIFE, BUT I GOT YOUR DOG ATS 0822 (Barcode: 9005216008223) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2014 This is an album by the veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which documents the cooperation between the orchestra and the American trumpeter / composer / arranger Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist. Since the orchestra was founded in 1991 it regularly invites resident artists and over the years these included some of the most prominent names in contemporary Jazz. This album was recorded live during the band´s tour with this project and presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Walrath, one is a previously unrecorded Charles MingusFind albums by this artist composition and the remaining one was composed by Jed LevyFind albums by this artist. All the music was arranged by Walrath especially for the orchestra. The orchestra, as usually, includes a four piece trumpet section, four piece trombone section, five piece reed section and a four piece rhythm section and is led by saxophonist / composer Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist. Walrath plays a solo on each of the tracks, along other soloist of course. The music on this album is closer to the American Big Band music / sound than what the orchestra plays on any other of its recordings, which is hardly surprising under the circumstances. And yet Walrath skillfully left enough of the European identity of this wonderful Big Band, so stay close to its true character. As a result we get what can be possibly considered as the best of both worlds: the precision, tightness and swinging undertones of American Big Band music and the European finesse, sophistication and panache, working hand in hand. The individual and the orchestral performances are, as usual with the UAJO, brilliant from start to finish and again it is simply incredible how such precision, flow and meticulous execution of the multilayered music can be achieved live. But whatever the secret of the UAJO is, it works like a dream. Big Band recordings, especially those by European Big Bands / Orchestras are often full of an incredible amount of details, which needs repeated listening sessions in order to be discovered. This album is definitely one of such albums, which means one has to invest time in order to enjoy the full capacity of artistry this music has to offer. For Big Band / Orchestral Jazz music this album is an absolute must of course and one can only hope it will eventually land in as many good homes as possible. Therefore it is wholeheartedly recommended and my advise is to reach out and grab a copy ASAP – satisfaction guaranteed!

Updated: 30/04/2019Posted: 30/04/2019

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MARGO ZUBER ~ CISZA SJ 077 (Barcode: 5905489720522) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz vocalist / songwriter Margo ZuberFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in an unusual setting with the vocalist supported by Hammond organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist, pianist Mateusz PalkaFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz PalkaFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, eight of which are original songs, one composed by Zuber, five co-composed by Zuber and Galas and two composed by Galas, all with lyrics by Zuber. The ninth, a bonus track, is an interpretation of the iconic “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” composed by Charles MingusFind albums by this artist with words by Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. Despite the fact that Galas is one of my favorite Polish Hammond players and I absolutely love his playing here, and both Mateusz Palka and Grzegorz Palka are excellent and by now very experienced instrumentalists, and together they manage to provide a very interesting and unusual instrumental accompaniment on this album, the rest of it does not work for me. The compositions are way too similar to each other, which makes the album sound samey and flat for the entire duration. The vocal parts have a very limited range, both emotional and musical. There are some touching moments of course, especially the brilliant piano touches, but not enough to support a lasting interest in the music for the entire duration. It is a matter of taste I suppose, but sadly I remained unconvinced, although I did listen to the very end waiting for the bonus track, which sadly wasn’t able to save the day. Overall, despite an honest effort on my side I remain unimpressed, which of course is entirely my fault. I hope to be proven wrong next time and thank everybody for their efforts.

Updated: 25/03/2024Posted: 25/03/2024

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