Record Reviews

JOY ~ JOY CADILLAC 022 (Barcode: 5020675000377) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2023 This is a reissue of the only album by the British Jazz quintet JoyFind albums by this artist, which comprised of trumpeter Jim DvorakFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Chris FrancisFind albums by this artist, pianist Frank RobertsFind albums by this artist, bassist Ernest MothleFind albums by this artist and drummer Keith BaileyFind albums by this artist. The original album, with nine tracks, was remastered and expanded by four bonus tracks, one of which was not included on the original album and three are alternate takes. Two of the original tracks were extended to their full-length versions, since they were edited to fit on the original LP. I have heard Joy performing many times at London’s pubs before the album was released and a friendship between Chris and his lovely wife Penny and myself (and later my wife) soon developed, which led to quite frequent meetings whenever I / we visited London thereafter, staying at their house, which was right on the Putney Bridge. Against all odds, we are still in touch and Chris and Penny are the only people in the entire world that have sent us a Christmas / New Year’s Greeting cards every single year in the last almost 50 years. Joy was an incredible band in every respect. They had among their ranks brilliant musicians and composers, with plenty of new original material to be played at all times. They were multi-cultural and cross-genre before these idioms were even coined, with musical influences including African Music, American Bebop and British modernism and most importantly they always played as if there was no tomorrow. Although John JackFind albums by this artist of CadillacFind albums on this label Records recognized their talents and released the album, they never achieved the recognition they truly deserved and by the end of the 1970s Joy disbanded. I always wondered why the album was not reissued earlier on, but better late than never, with my personal gratitude to Mike GavinFind albums by this artist, who now takes care of the Cadillac catalogue, it is finally available again. Overall, this is a true “lost” gem of the British Jazz, recorded at the peak of its most productive period by the mid-1970s. The album is exploding with true musical joy and inventiveness, energy and talent. It lost absolutely nothing of its relevance over time, and captures some of the magical spirit of British Jazz at its core. Obviously, this is an essential item in every serious British Jazz album collection, which I am sure all the dedicated fans of the genre will grab with a big smile on their faces.

Updated: 05/06/2023Posted: 05/06/2023

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

PAWEL ROSAK ~ WHO KNOWS MJM 5273 (Barcode: 5908243452738) ~ POLAND ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is an album by Polish (resident in Spain) singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Pawel RosakFind albums by this artist, recorded with a stellar lineup of support musicians, including Polish vocal diva Anna Maria JopekFind albums by this artist and bassist Robert KubiszynFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist Gary MeekFind albums by this artist, Brazilian guitarist Oscar Castro NevesFind albums by this artist, British (Scottish) guitarist Hugh BurnsFind albums by this artist, Cuban (resident in US) trumpeter / percussionist Lulo PerezFind albums by this artist and many others. The album presents eight original songs (one repeated twice), all written (in English) and composed by Rosak. The album was recorded in studios in Spain, US, UK and Poland and has a wonderfully warm and crystal clear sound quality. The music has a distinctive Latin / Brazilian feel, with Bossa Nova in the helm. The exquisite melodies are all carefully woven and sound so authentic that nobody would ever be able to guess they were created by a Polish artist, a fact which again proves that music knows absolutely no borders. Although the music is very accessible, it is elegant, intelligent and creative and keeps a highly aesthetic level. The instrumental arrangements are all perfectly suiting the music, emphasizing both the melodic character and the rhythmic vitality. The musicianship is obviously stellar, as can be guessed from the list of participants, but there is no unnecessary showing off by individual musicians, but rather a well balanced group effort to build up the best possible sonic backing to Rosak´s vocals. There are numerous short solos spread all over the album´s tracks of course, which are all little gems, but they don´t try to steal the show. Rosak has a very unique voice, which he uses wisely and effectively. The softness of his voice and his power of expression, both when singing lyrics or vocalizing, is very convincing and captivating and is perfectly suited to the music he creates. Moving between seductive almost whisper to fully evocative singing is one of his many talents. Overall this is a beautiful and highly rewarding album, which offers Bossa Nova and Cuban influenced music, with Jazz arrangements, superbly crafted musically and wonderfully executed by its author and a stellar team. Highly recommended to listeners with a romantic heart that beats a Bossa Nova rhythm. Satisfaction guaranteed. Side Note: Pawel´s and mine paths crossed many years ago in London via a mutual friend, the wonderful saxophonist Chris FrancisFind albums by this artist. We lost contact completely but recently renewed it, again with a little help from Chris, which led Pawel to send me his new album. Friendship is a wonderful power!

Updated: 30/01/2018Posted: 30/01/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend