Record Reviews

DON CHERRY / NANA VASCONCELOS / COLLIN WALCOTT ~ THE CODONA TRILOGY ECM 2033/35 (Barcode: 602517674202) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1978 - 1982 Released: 2008 This wonderful Box Set contains the three albums by the legendary trio comprising of trumpeter / composer Don CherryFind albums by this artist, Brazilian percussionist / composer Nana VasconcelosFind albums by this artist and multi-instrumentalist / composer Collin WalcottFind albums by this artist recorded in late 1970s and early 1980s and released on the ECMFind albums on this label label, which are "CodonaFind albums with this title" (ECM 1132) recorded in 1978, "Codona 2Find albums with this title" (ECM 1177) recorded in 1980 and "Codona 3Find albums with this title" (ECM 1243) recorded 1982. These albums are magnificent examples of early Jazz-World Fusion, which precede what has become a trend on the contemporary music scene by decades. All three musicians are absolute virtuosi and the fact that they come from such diverse musical backgrounds and yet are able to create music together with such harmony and mutual understanding, is truly amazing. In the process of recording these albums all three musicians play several instruments each. The listener can hear Cherry play the flute for example, which is quite unusual and a plethora of various ethnic instruments like sitar, tabla, talking drum and many others are used throughout. This music lost absolutely nothing of its original charm and fascination and sounds every bit as enchanting as it did at the time of the recording. Walcott´s tragic death in 1984 unfortunately put an end to this unique trio, but their legacy stays with us forever. It is still one of the most profound and best examples of what Jazz-World Fusion is all about Side Note: These albums are not available on CD individually, so this is the only way to obtain them in CD form.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend

OREGON ~ 1974 MOOSICUS 1218 (Barcode: 885513121820) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1974 Released: 2021 This is an archival live album by the legendary American quartet OregonFind albums by this artist, recorded in Germany by Radio Bremen. It presents the original lineup of the quartet with guitarist Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist, oboe and English horn player Paul McCandlessFind albums by this artist, bassist Glen MooreFind albums by this artist and percussionist / sitar player Collin WalcottFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents nine tracks, all composed by Towner, most of which are well over ten minutes in duration. Oregon were undoubtedly one of the most eclectic, unique and revolutionary cross-genre American ensembles, which managed to combine Jazz improvisations with World Music, strongly influenced by Indian music, Classical Music, Avant-Garde and New Age and even Psychedelic and Space elements. The four members of the band were virtuosi on their respective instruments and their collective performances, which I managed to hear in person many times over the years, were simply magical. Not surprisingly, Oregon achieved acclaim and Artistic recognition predominantly in Europe, where they toured extensively. Following the early years spent with VanguardFind albums on this label Records in the US, they later released their albums on several European labels, including ECMFind albums on this label, IntuitionFind albums on this label and CAM JazzFind albums on this label. The members of Oregon recorded and performed also as solo artists and members of other ensembles. The music on this album is a wonderful document of the early period of Oregon, and offers a relaxed environment, which inspires the musicians to improvise intensively and extensively on the beautiful themes, which is much different to the same music appearing on the early studio albums. For Jazz-World Fusion enthusiasts this is some of the finest and most sophisticated embodiment of the genre. The enthusiastic audience seems to be well aware of the greatness of the hour. Overall, this is a superb document of the Artistry represented by one of the finest American Jazz-World Fusion ensembles ever, captured in an ideal aura created by attentive and enthusiastic audience. For the many Oregon followers, this is an absolute must and a true revelation.

Updated: 27/12/2022Posted: 27/12/2022

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

OREGON ~ VIOLIN WOUNDED BIRD 9397 (Barcode: 664140939721) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1977 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of an album by the American ensemble OregonFind albums by this artist, which comprised of oboist Paul McCandlessFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist, bassist Glen MooreFind albums by this artist and percussionist Collin WalcottFind albums by this artist, with legendary Polish Jazz violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, the first of which is a collective improvisation, three are compositions by Towner and one is a composition by Moore. Oregon, formed in 1970 by the above listed four founding musicians and still existing today (2019), has always been one of the most outstanding, open-minded and pioneering American music ensembles, characterized by its consistent search and exploration of new musical paths, which encompass Improvised Music, Jazz, World Music and Avant-Garde elements. The group enjoyed more appreciation in Europe than it ever did in the US and recorded for several European record labels after the initial stint with Vanguard Records, on which this album was initially released in 1978. An incidental meeting between the members of Oregon and Seifert, which happened in France, let to their invitation extended to him to record an album together in 1977. Later on, in late 1978, Seifert also took part in the recording of a solo album by Moore. Seifert died in February 1979, aged thirty two, as a result of loosing his battle with cancer, which was one of the greatest tragedies in the Polish Jazz history. On the album´s artwork Seifert is listed simply as one of the ensemble members, which is also perfectly reflected by the music. He developed an incredible affinity to the Oregon musicians, and the music sounds as if they have been playing as an organic unit since many years. His incredible violin parts blend perfectly with the other instruments, in a truly spiritual sense, way beyond just pure musical connection. In retrospect this album is an extremely important part of Seifert´s sadly limited recorded legacy and shows him in his absolute prime, when his personal style reached maturity and confidence. It is one of his latest recordings, followed only by his last album "PassionFind albums with this title" and the above mention recording with Moore. It is great to see this monumental album back in circulation and although a more proper reissue accompanied by extended liner notes would have been welcome, at least the music can be heard again. Of course this is an essential part of any serious Polish Jazz record collection or any refined music collection in general. A must!

Updated: 24/12/2019Posted: 24/12/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend