Record Reviews

GALLIARD ~ NEW DAWN ESOTERIC 2099 (Barcode: 5013929719927) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2009 2nd and last album by the brilliant British early Jazz-Rock Fusion band GalliardFind albums by this artist, which somehow slipped into obscurity in spite of the fact that they were as good as any of the famous bands of the genre, which enjoyed enormous success, like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist for example. The band comprised of trumpeter Dave CaswellFind albums by this artist, guitarist / vocalist Geoff BrownFind albums by this artist (who composed all the material), bassist Andy AbbottFind albums by this artist, lead guitarist Richard PannelFind albums by this artist, drummer Les PodrazaFind albums by this artist and saxophonist John SmithFind albums by this artist, but was expanded by additional brass players during the recording session: saxophonist Lyle JenkinsFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, trombonist John HughesFind albums by this artist and others. The music is excellent, typical of the era, with unexpected turns and twists and superb brass arrangements, often quite complex and always beautifully executed. This is a true lost gem and Jazz-Rock Fusion / Prog fans not familiar with this heavenly music should embrace it with joy. Most warmly recommended!

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GALLIARD ~ STRANGE PLEASURE ESOTERIC 2098 (Barcode: 5013929719828) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2009 1st album by the brilliant British early Jazz-Rock Fusion band GalliardFind albums by this artist, which somehow slipped into obscurity in spite of the fact that they were as good as any of the famous bands of the genre, which enjoyed enormous success, like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist for example. The band comprised of trumpeter Dave CaswellFind albums by this artist (who composed 2 of the tracks on this album, guitarist / vocalist Geoff BrownFind albums by this artist (who composed the rest of the material), bassist Andy AbbottFind albums by this artist, lead guitarist Richard PannelFind albums by this artist, drummer Les PodrazaFind albums by this artist and saxophonist John SmithFind albums by this artist, but was expanded by additional brass players during the recording session: saxophonist Lyle JenkinsFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, trombonist John HughesFind albums by this artist and others. The music is excellent, typical of the era, with unexpected turns and twists and superb brass arrangements, often quite complex and always beautifully executed. This is a true lost gem and Jazz-Rock Fusion / Prog fans not familiar with this heavenly music should embrace it with joy. Most warmly recommended!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

KEEF HARTLEY BAND ~ LIVE AT AACHEN OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 1970 SIREENA 2124 (Barcode: 4260182981245) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2014 This is a live archival album by the British Blues-Rock / Jazz Rock Fusion ensemble led by drummer / bandleader Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist, which also included guitarist / vocalist and main composer Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary ThainFind albums by this artist and the brass section with trumpeter Dave CaswellFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Lyle JenkinsFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded on July 11, 1970 and presents original material from their early albums and a B.B. KingFind albums by this artist classic. The music is as brilliant as everything this band ever recorded, a superb mixture of Blues, Rock and Jazz, which sounded like nothing on the scene at the time and remains as one of the best British acts of the late 1960s / early 1970s. Obviously this recording was initially not intended for release on an album, but sounds quite excellent all things considered. Despite the fact that is was captured on tape some fifty-five years ago, it lost nothing of its potency and energy, which easily surpasses everything we are exposed to these days. Although they released seven excellent studio albums between 1969 and 1973, every piece of live recording by them is absolutely worth having, especially if the sound quality is as reasonable as on this album. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of history, which British Jazz, Blues and Jazz-Rock enthusiasts can’t miss. The sheer energy and sophistication is simply astounding, at least for me. They don’t music like this anymore!

Updated: 13/02/2026Posted: 13/02/2026

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KEEF HARTLEY BAND ~ OVERDOG ESOTERIC 2048 (Barcode: 5013929714823) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2008 4th album by the excellent Keef Hartley BandFind albums by this artist, one of Britain´s greatest Blues / Rock / Jazz ensembles ever, founded by drummer Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist following his stint with John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist. By the time this album was recorded, the band consisted of core members: guitarist Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Mick WeaverFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary ThainFind albums by this artist and Hartley on drums. They were joined by a brass section, which included Dave CaswellFind albums by this artist, Lyle JenkinsFind albums by this artist and Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist. Drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist (ColosseumFind albums by this artist) joined in for some drums duels with the leader. The band delivers its usual mix of Blues, Rock and Jazzy arrangements, with the music being composed mainly by Anderson. In retrospect this music lost nothing of its originality and spontaneity over time and is a real pleasure to be listened to almost 40 years later. People familiar with Hartley´s other recordings will definitely want to have this one in their collection.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend