Record Reviews

PETE BROWN / BATTERED ORNAMENTS ~ A MEAL YOU CAN SHAKE HANDS WITH IN THE DARK / MANTLE-PIECE BGO 489 (Barcode: 5017261204899) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2000 1st and 2nd albums by UK group Battered OrnamentsFind albums by this artist, led (on the first album only) by poet / musician Pete BrownFind albums by this artist. Brown was one of the most colorful and interesting figures on the UK scene in the 1960s, a part of a larger group of friends, which included Jazz, Rock and Avant-Garde musicians like Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist and even John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist. He took active part in the Jazz & Poetry experimental movement leading a group called First Real Poetry BandFind albums by this artist, which was combining elements of Blues, Avant-Garde Rock, Jazz and Jazz-Rock. Of course Brown is mostly remembered for his co-writing of many songs with Jack Bruce, which were part of the CreamFind albums by this artist repertoire, as well as on Jack´s early solo albums. Brown continued his musical adventured by forming the band Battered Ornaments with George KhanFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist on guitar, Charlie HartFind albums by this artist on organ and a great Jazzy rhythm section. The band recorded just one, absolutely brilliant album (the first of the two presented here), with Brown singing the lead vocals, something he tried to avoid but did anyway, and Heckstall-Smith playing on two tracks. The music is absolutely stunning, a great example of the early UK Jazz-Rock, which is completely different of course from the later Jazz-Rock Fusion that most US bands pursued. After recording the first album the personality clash and rivalry between Brown and Spedding resulted in Brown leaving the band (and forming immediately a new one called PibloktoFind albums by this artist). The band, now led by Spedding, recorded a second album, using material written by Spedding and Brown earlier. Although not as brilliant as the first, it is still a great example of early Jazz-Rock and includes basically the same lineup as the first album less Brown and Hart. Together these two albums are a must to any fan of the early British Jazz-Rock scene and include some of the most ingenious music ever made. A must!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend