Record Reviews
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  | DEEP PURPLE ~ INFINITE
EAR MUSIC 4029759118480 (Barcode: 4029759118480) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017
This is the 20th studio album by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, released four years after their previous studio album “Now What?!Find albums with this title” from 2013. It is also the fourth studio album by the Mk VIII lineup of the group: vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, American guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. It is the 2nd album by the group produced by Bob EzrinFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten songs, all co-written by the group members, except the final track, which is a cover of a song by The DoorsFind albums by this artist.
The music is everything one would expect from Deep Purple: a highly dynamic Rock music, which offers melodic themes and classic Rock riffs, which are the group’s trademarks. The current lineup completely consolidated its ranks since 2002 and became a perfect Rock machine, which has but a few contenders despite the advanced age of its members.
The sound returns to the organ drenched heavy sound that was the group’s trademark from its onset, Gillan’s charismatic vocals are still one of the most recognizable Rock symbols and the music still manages to grab the listeners by their hearts, so what else would one want?
The cover of “Roundhouse Blues”, originally recorded by the Doors and released on the “Morrison HotelFind albums with this title” album, is the longest and to me the best tracks on the album, being a great reminder of how great Deep Purple are when covering classic songs by others. It perhaps hints to making of the 2021 album “Turning To CrimeFind albums with this title”, which is entirely dedicated to covers.
Overall, this is another great album by a veteran band, which refuses to rest and still sounds better that any of the wimps that call themselves Rockers these days.
| | Updated: 05/08/2024Posted: 25/01/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOORS ~ LIVE AT LONDON FOG 1966
RHINO 081227942151 (Barcode: 081227942151) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2019
This is an archival release presenting the earliest known live recording by the legendary American Rock group The DoorsFind albums by this artist comprising of vocalist Jim MorrisonFind albums by this artist, organist Ray ManzarekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Robby KriegerFind albums by this artist and drummer John DensmoreFind albums by this artist captured at the LA London Fog night club in May of 1966, before the release of their debut album. The album presents seven songs, only two of which are originals and the rest are Blues standards. Sadly this release does not include the entire collection of songs that were captured on tape during this concert.
This edition is the stripped down to the basics version of the lavish, but completely redundant (and hellishly expensive) 50 Anniversary Deluxe Edition, released in 2016, and offers identical musical contents. The attempts by the record labels to squeeze out the last penny out of the old material are really sickening. This version is finally worth its price.
The music is mostly Blues based and proves that The Doors always were, for the entire relatively brief period of their existence, a Blues band in one form or another. All the elements that made the band one of the most important and artistically most ambitious American Rock band are already present in this virgin recording and in fact it encapsulates their entire id: the magnetic and charismatic vocals by Morrison, which were the focus of their act, the Jazz oriented organ layer by Manzarek which offered a tinge of Psychedelia, the Bluesy guitar parts by Krieger and the solid, rather basic but always right on the money drumming by Densmore.
Although this album offers nothing new as far at The Doors contribution to American Rock is concerned, it is a nice piece of history and definitely a worthwhile addition to the group´s discography for completists. The sound quality, although primitive, is authentic and as such has its charm. I´ve had a good time listening to the music, but I am probably the least objective person on earth as far as the music of that period and everything about it is concerned.
| | Updated: 27/09/2019Posted: 27/09/2019 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOORS ~ LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL 1970
EAGLE 5051300209124 (Barcode: 5051300209124) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2017
This is an archival album by the iconic American Rock group The DoorsFind albums by this artist, which presents the group´s performance at the Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 (August 26th to 31st) on August 30th as a combo CD/DVD set. The CD and DVD contain identical set list of seven tracks, the last of which is a four song medley, and the DVD offers also a bonus interview video piece called "This Is The End". The audio and video material was meticulously remastered. Slightly less than a year after the Woodstock Festival (August 15th to 18th 1969) the Isle Of Wight had a monstrous, estimated as over 600,000 strong attendance and was the biggest gathering of Rock enthusiasts, freaks and dreamers of the period, with an impressive list of performing artists. As far as The Doors are concerned, this is the last video footage of the group performing live. Less than a year after this concert Jim MorrisonFind albums by this artist would be dead and the brief career of one of the most important Rock groups ever would be tragically over.
The Doors´ concert at the Isle Of Wight was definitely not their most impressive, moving or spectacular live performance. The group was already suffering from many problems linked to Morrison´s legal, drug related and mental problems and their career was rapidly deteriorating. Nevertheless everything The Doors played was still among the best Rock music ever made on this planet, and they were always completely different from any other Rock group that ever walked the earth. Morrison was a poet, a dreamer and an extrovert extremist, while keyboardist Ray ManzarekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Robby KriegerFind albums by this artist and drummer John DensmoreFind albums by this artist collectively were one of the most solid and virtually unlimitedly talented instrumental trios in Rock history. As a result every one of the many live recordings by the Doors is completely unique and worth being heard, as is this one. The video material shows Morrison almost completely motionless and paralyzed in comparison to his earlier on stage theatrics, which to people who saw him live (in person or on film) is truly tragic. But in spite of the obvious somber atmosphere, the music is still very much biting and kicking, as always, and the fire is still there.
Overall this album is primarily interesting for the video footage, since musically it offers quite a "standard" Doors set, close to a "best of" selection. The extended instrumental performances on "Light My Fire" are always a great showcase of Manzarek´s and Krieger´s chops, and being basically improvised differ significantly from one performance to another.
For the many Doors followers this is as essential as any other live recorded performance by the group and an important piece of the puzzle of their musical legacy. For casual listeners this is perhaps somewhat less impressive than their other live offerings, which are numerous.
| | Updated: 01/07/2018Posted: 01/07/2018 | DVD+CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOORS ~ LIVE AT THE MATRIX `67
RHINO 081227988487 (Barcode: 081227988487) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2008
This is finally the formal release of the legendary Matrix tapes capturing the DoorsFind albums by this artist live at the very early days of their career. Just a few months after their first album was released and before "Light My Fire" fired up the charts, they were just one more band playing the California coastal cities. But of course they were definitely not just "one more band" as these, far from perfect tapes, prove instantly. The Doors were the best American Rock band ever, and although they were still perfecting their act then and experimenting with it (something they never stopped to do) the visionary qualities are already there if you listen well enough. Including material from their first album, a few new songs from the second album (still not recorded at the time), and a lot of Blues, which all Doors members loved, to fill the blanks, this show is a time capsule preserving everything the Summer Of Love (although it was only early spring) was all about – intellectual freedom, total devotion to one´s art and complete disregard of authority, establishment and commerciality. i.e. the American Way Of Life. Jim MorrisonFind albums by this artist is the actor and the poet, with music serving as the catalyst for his introvert sufferings, Ray ManzarekFind albums by this artist, with his miserable thin-sounding organ, manages to make magic with the keys on his keyboard, Robby KriegerFind albums by this artist plays the Blues, always, regardless what the tune is and John DensmoreFind albums by this artist keeps the whole lame wheelbarrow moving forward – towards Nirvana. This is, as said earlier, a time capsule, which proves that at that time even a seemingly uneventful gig at a dinky San Francisco club by a struggling young band was infinitely better that anything played in the 21st Century. Go figure?
| | | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOORS ~ LIVE AT THE MATRIX, 1967
RHINO 603497835911 (Barcode: 603497835911) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2023
This is an archival album by the legendary American Rock group The DoorsFind albums by this artist, which presents the entire material recorded during the group’s five-night residence in March 1967 at the San Francisco Marina District nightclub, called The Matrix. The 3CD album presents thirty-seven live tracks, all remastered from the original master tapes recorded at the time by the club’s co-owner Peter AbramFind albums by this artist. The material was recorded just a few weeks following the band’s debut album release and a few weeks before their iconic “Light My Fire” single changed American Rock forever. These poorly attended live performances were more “paid rehearsals” than gigs, as far as the group members were concerned, and present the group at the embryonic stage, before fame and glory engulfed and eventually destroyed them.
Part of this material was released on the 2CD album “Live At The Matrix `67Find albums with this title” in 2008, which suffered from poor sound quality and bad editing, and definitely was not taken from the original master tapes, but rather from bootleg releases. This new release offers eight previously unreleased tracks and fourteen tracks taken for the first time from the original master tapes, all new to this release.
These recordings prove that The Doors were a unique combination of superbly talented individuals. Jim MorrisonFind albums by this artist was a prophet, a poet and a charismatic frontman, Ray ManzarekFind albums by this artist was a sublime keyboardist, who could make his primitive organ sound lie a Symphony Orchestra, and who was a Jazz player deep inside, Robby KriegerFind albums by this artist was a superb Blues guitarist with a completely unique sound and John DensmoreFind albums by this artist was a versatile and highly sensitive drummer, who hold this completely unsubordinated band together. Bloody geniuses all of them.
Overall, this is a superb historic document and an essential piece of The Doors puzzle, which proves they were great from day one and didn’t really change much over time, since they could never surpass themselves. Thy always were the ultimate American Rock band in all time, existed briefly for just four years, recorded six Godly albums and disappeared – a career perfectly suitable to what they stood for and lived for – like a comet crossing the sky.
| | Updated: 18/11/2023Posted: 18/11/2023 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOORS ~ OTHER VOICES / FULL CIRCLE
RHINO 081227955403 (Barcode: 081227955403) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2015
This is the CD reissue of the two albums recorded by the three remaining members of The DoorsFind albums by this artist: keyboardist Ray ManzarekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Robby KriegerFind albums by this artist and drummer John DensmoreFind albums by this artist, following the death of vocalist Jim MorrisonFind albums by this artist on July 3, 1971. The trio, realizing that the iconic group was gone, made a heroic effort to continue creating music together, even though the odds were all against them. Morrison was of course irreplaceable, and therefore the trio took the vocal duties upon themselves, which of course meant that this was a completely different group than the original quartet.
Obviously it was a common mistake to see The Doors as a one man band with Morrison receiving all the attention and the credit. Manzarek, Krieger and Densmore were exceptional musicians, full of original ideas, superb instrumentalists and excellent songwriters. Their vocal abilities were questionable indeed, but in view of the circumstances they simply had no choice.
These two albums comprise of original songs written by the three remaining group members with just one song being a cover. Manzarek and Krieger share the vocal duties, and although nothing like Morrison´s, they are not too bad after all. The instrumental work is of course excellent, with a much bigger versatility and an opportunity to feature longer solos and even try Jazzy improvisation on occasion. Unfortunately the trio run out of steam after these two albums and never recorded together again, although they did meet on occasion playing on various reunion / tribute concerts.
In retrospect these two albums have certainly been neglected over time and it is great to see them available again, both as a tribute to the overall musical legacy of The Doors and as a "missing link" in their discography. Remastered and with one bonus track this reissue is definitely worth being checked out!
| | Updated: 11/01/2016Posted: 11/01/2016 | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOORS NOT SHUT ~ LUTY
AUDIO CAVE 2018/013 (Barcode: 5905669566674) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2018
This is the debut album by the sextet Doors Not ShutFind albums by this artist, which comprises of five veteran Polish Jazz musicians: clarinetist Waclaw ZimpelFind albums by this artist, pianist Krzysztof DysFind albums by this artist, bassists Andrzej SwiesFind albums by this artist and Ksawery WojcinskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Krzysztof SzmandaFind albums by this artist. They are joined by Australian percussionist Philip SouthFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions by the sextet members, mostly co-composed by several of the musicians.
The concept of the sextet is pretty loosely conceived, since only Szmanda and South play on all the ten tracks, Swies plays on nine tracks, Dys plays on just three tracks and finally Zimpel and Wojcinski play on five tracks. As a result the entire sextet does not play together on any of the tracks.
The music is an interesting amalgam of Ambient Music and Free Jazz, with strong World Music influences, especially on the rhythmic plane. The overall sound and approach are quite minimalist and the music mostly flows slowly, rarely displaying any strictly melodic contents. The bass pulsations (either electric or acoustic) and the ethnic / polyrhythmic drumming are the constant elements of the music, with the piano and clarinet being the only melodic anchors.
The entire concept definitely works well, displaying a lot of originality and fascination with rhythm, being quite unique in that area. The drummers get most of the exposure, followed by the bassists, with Dys and Zimpel adding spice and color to the proceedings, but not dominating the concept. The three quartet tracks with Dys are closest to Jazz, while the five tracks with Zimpel are Ambient Improvised Music which listeners familiar with other recordings by Zimpel should find quite recognizable. The remaining two tracks featuring only drums and percussion (with some vocal and spoken word ornamentation) are perhaps the roots of the music.
Overall this is a bold and highly innovative concept album, which offers originality and excellent musicianship, as well as intellectual challenge, which is often missing from less ambitious Jazz oriented recordings. This album is recommended for the more adventurous and open-minded listeners, who are ready to embrace new concepts. Although Zimpel plays only on half of the tracks, this album presents some of this most moving work, which is an absolute must to his followers. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 29/12/2018Posted: 29/12/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DREAMS ~ DREAMS / IMAGINE MY SURPRISE
BGO 0940 (Barcode: 5017261209405) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2010
The fantastic US Jazz-Rock ensemble DreamsFind albums by this artist, which unfortunately recorded only two albums, both included here, was one of the best examples of the American branch of Brass-Rock, a relatively short-lived sub genre of Jazz-Rock, which also included such superb ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist and a few others. Dreams originated in NY and had a somewhat flexible lineup of associated musicians, but the importance of these two albums is mainly due to the fact that they provided a debut recording opportunity to some of the genre´s most iconic figures: brothers -Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist (trumpet) - and drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist. Other Dreams members were already established figures on the scene, like bassist Doug LubahnFind albums by this artist (DoorsFind albums by this artist), guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Don GrolnickFind albums by this artist. Other group members were keyboardist / guitarist Jeff KentFind albums by this artist, trombonist Barry RogersFind albums by this artist, vocalist Edward VernonFind albums by this artist, bassist Will LeeFind albums by this artist and guitarist / trumpeter Bob MannFind albums by this artist. Musically the group mixed genres freely, with Jazz, Funk, Rock and Soul adopted at will and beautifully arranged to create some of the most memorable sounds of the period. The music is just perfect; although spontaneous and improvised, every note is just exactly where it belongs, every drum beat precisely on time, every phrase brilliantly placed, every tempo change and every instrumental solo and above all the overall interplay are just what a music fun needs – pure genius. It is hard to believe that a bunch of young musician was capable of producing such magnificent music, but then on the other hand considering that Dreams seeded Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Brecker BrothersFind albums by this artist and many other heroes of the Jazz and Fusion scene, perhaps one should not wonder. I own both these albums since the day they were released and have listened to them repeatedly over the years, always enjoying myself immensely and it was me who suggested to BGOFind albums on this label to reissue them – I´m glad they did! Now many more potential listeners have the opportunity to hear them as well – enjoy as this is essential stuff!
| | Updated: 28/02/2024Posted: | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | PRZEMEK KLECZKOWSKI ~ TIME
HEVHETIA 0161 (Barcode: 8588005258241) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017
This is the debut album by Polish singer / songwriter Przemek KleczkowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded with excellent young Polish Jazz instrumentalists: guitarist Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist, pianist Franciszek RaczkowskiFind albums by this artist, organist Grzegorz DowgialloFind albums by this artist, flautist Kasia Gacek-DudaFind albums by this artist, bassist Wojciech SzwugierFind albums by this artist and drummer Patryk DoboszFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine songs, seven of which are originals (assumably as this is not stated on the album´s artwork) by Kleczkowski (with lyrics in Polish and English), one is a Polish song by veteran saxophonist / composer Jerzy MatuskiewiczFind albums by this artist and another is a Classic Rock standard by the DoorsFind albums by this artist.
The songs have very little to do with Jazz per se, being mostly Pop, Rock and Folk oriented, but the instrumental arrangements have a distinct Jazz touch to them. The melodies are very melancholic and low key, which after a while gets to be a bit monotonic. Several excellent instrumental solos save the day, but without them the album would be quite difficult to listen to all the way through. Using lyrics in English is, as always, a bad mistake and the songs featuring them suffer from pretty problematic delivery.
Kleczkowski offers a very limited vocal palette and workshop, simply delivering the lyrics and not using any other vocal tools. As a result his singing belongs more to the Alternative Pop idiom than to Jazz and is definitely an acquired taste. The album is full of good intentions, which sadly do not come to fruition.
Overall this is a nice Pop album, with Jazzy arrangements and melancholic songs that are easily forgettable.
| | Updated: 11/08/2018Posted: 11/08/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOACHIM KUHN NEW TRIO ~ BEAUTY & TRUTH
ACT 9816 (Barcode: 614427981622) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016
This is the debut album by German pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and his new trio with Canadian (resident in Paris) bassist Chris JenningsFind albums by this artist (born 1978) and German drummer Eric SchaeferFind albums by this artist (born 1976), which continues the classic Jazz trio setting Kuhn shared for over three decades with French bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-ClarkFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve relatively short pieces, four of which are original compositions by Kuhn, five are Jazz standards (two by Polish Jazz composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, see below), two are Rock standards (by The DoorsFind albums by this artist) and one is a contemporary Pop song (by Stand High PatrolFind albums by this artist).
The trio featuring musicians separated from the leader (born 1944) by a whole generation and more results in a much invigorated approach to the idiom, which seems to present to him no great challenge at all. During his entire career Kuhn had no problem with cross-style / country / age differences, being one of the most diverse and adaptive European musician of all times.
For Jazz piano trio lovers this album is, as expected, an absolute must, since Kuhn´s playing remains one of the most illustrious examples of this High Art, and supported respectfully and amicably by excellent younger, but already highly experienced players, Kuhn is ably to stretch his wings and soar to celestial spheres.
As to the "Polish angle", the fact that Kuhn decided to include two compositions by Komeda is not accidental. While still living in East Germany and before moving to West Germany, Kuhn spent several months in 1964 living in Prague and in 1965 living in Warsaw, where he met the top Polish Jazz musicians active at the time. He was present as the studio session that produced Komeda´s iconic "AstigmaticFind albums with this title" album and met Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, which resulted in the recording of the legendary "Live At Kosmos, BerlinFind albums with this title" album. Kuhn took part in Warsaw´s Jazz Jamboree Festivals in 1964 and 1965.
Overall this is a classic Jazz piano trio album, and another superb addition to the wonderful recording legacy of the Great European Jazz Master. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 18/07/2020Posted: 18/07/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOACHIM KUHN NEW TRIO ~ LOVE & PEACE
ACT 9861 (Barcode: 614427986122) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018
This is the second album by German pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and his new trio with Canadian (resident in Paris) bassist Chris JenningsFind albums by this artist and German drummer Eric SchaeferFind albums by this artist, which continues the classic Jazz piano trio setting Kuhn shared for over three decades with French bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-ClarkFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven relatively short pieces, six of which are original compositions by Kuhn, one each is by Jennings and Schaefer, one is a Jazz standard, one is a Rock standards (by The DoorsFind albums by this artist) and finally one is an arrangement of a Classical piece.
Musically this album is an obvious follow up to the debut, continuing the formula of mixing original compositions with up-to-date arrangements of older pieces, concentrating on the more settled, lyrical facet of Jazz without compromising the inquisitive nature of Kuhn´s playing and his approach to improvisation.
The trio, featuring musicians separated from the leader by a whole generation and more, results in a much invigorated circumstances as far as Kuhn is concerned, which seems to present to him no great challenge at all. During his entire career Kuhn had no problem with cross-style / country / age differences, being one of the most diverse and adaptive European musician of all times.
For Jazz piano trio lovers this album is, as expected, an absolute must, since Kuhn´s playing remains one of the most illustrious examples of this High Art, and supported respectfully and amicably by excellent younger, but already highly experienced players, Kuhn is ably to stretch his wings and soar to celestial spheres.
Overall this is a classic Jazz piano trio album, and another superb addition to the wonderful recording legacy of the Great European Jazz Master. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 23/07/2020Posted: 23/07/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOEBIUS ~ WELCOME TO THE WORLD: COMPLETE STUDIO RECORDINGS 1979-82)
CHICKADISC 004 (Barcode: 5901549197853) ~ USA ~ Electronic & Ambient
Recorded: 1979 Released: 1982
This is a reissue, first time on CD, of the two albums recorded by the short-lived American group MoebiusFind albums by this artist, founded by synthesizer enthusiasts / pioneers Brice RobbleyFind albums by this artist and Doug LynnerFind albums by this artist. They were joined on the first album by the iconic Steve RoachFind albums by this artist and on the second album by Bill BoydstunFind albums by this artist and the three synthesizers lineups were supported by guests playing a plethora of other instruments. The music is almost entirely original, composed by the group´s members except for a couple of covers of Pop songs by The DoorsFind albums by this artist and The SeedsFind albums by this artist.
The music is everything one can expect from an all-synthesizers lineup playing electronic Pop, which is a precursor of the New Wave explosion of the 1980s. The tunes are all well crafted and superbly executed and the theatrical vocals add another layer to the wonderful mayhem.
Surprisingly the music lost nothing of its freshness and uniqueness over the years is an absolute fan to listen to. The multilayered ambient sounds superimposed one on top of another, mimic melodic and rhythmic elements, previously known to be performed by "real" instruments, but of course considering the limitless possibilities the synthesizers offer, the overall result is very impressive and unusual.
For lovers of electronic / ambient music, this album is a fantastic blast from the past, which again proves that much of what we hear today was already achieved much earlier, and usually much better. This inspired and in many respects visionary music is finally available again, which is a good reason to celebrate.
As usual the remastered music and excellent liner notes make this reissue a must have. The ChickadiscFind albums on this label label is a subsidiary of the excellent Polish GADFind albums on this label Records, which by now is a trademark of quality.
| | Updated: 09/02/2018Posted: 09/02/2018 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEPPENWOLF ~ EARLY STEPPENWOLF / FOR LADIES ONLY
BGO 691 (Barcode: 5017261206916) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1971 Released: 2005
4th and 8th albums by US group SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist, which are in fact the earliest and the latest recordings by this band during their initial period of activity. It is quite astonishing to see how the group developed and changed in the short period of four years, with this change reflecting well the overall music scene dramatic developments during that period. Surprisingly (or perhaps not) "Early SteppenwolfFind albums with this title" was not really recorded by Steppenwolf, but by the group SparrowFind albums by this artist, which is the first outfit formed by vocalist John KayFind albums by this artist in Canada, and which eventually settled down on the West Coast and changed the name to Steppenwolf (with some minor lineup changes). Recorded live at the legendary SF "Matrix" club (owned by Jefferson AirplaneFind albums by this artist´s Marty BalinFind albums by this artist), the album is a phenomenal document of the West Coast music scene in 1967, when Rock music, heavily spiced by Psychedelic influences, was breaking all the barriers and moving forward at an incredible pace. The album includes an 21+ minutes version of "The Pusher", which is in fact a freely improvised modern music, having really very little to do with Rock per se, and being closer to Free Improvised Music or Contemporary Classical Music, with extended instrumental improvisations, sound effects, dramatic crescendos, etc. The atmosphere is not far removed form what other West Coast bands were doing at the time, with similar live recordings by the DoorsFind albums by this artist, Jefferson Airplane and Grateful DeadFind albums by this artist serving as proof. "For Ladies OnlyFind albums with this title", in complete contrast to its companion, presents a completely different musical approach, although separated by mere four years. The group was now past its commercial peak, reached with the release of their first two albums, and with a solid Blues-Rock / Hard Rock image and strong songwriting serving as their forte. For their swan song they mellowed up quite a bit, dedicating the album to the ladies in their lives and expressing a strong feminist view, quite contrary to usual chauvinistic approach of most Rock musicians. The songwriting and playing is still very strong, but it´s quite clear that the band was running out of wind and it was time to quit. Kay and various version of Steppenwolf were to appear again in the future and record more albums, but nothing ever would come close to the first eight glorious albums. A classic!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARCIN WASILEWSKI TRIO ~ EN ATTENDANT
ECM 2677 (Barcode: 602438100057) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2021
This is the 6th album by the Polish Jazz trio led by pianist / composer Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist, which also includes bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, three of which are parts of the same composition / improvisation cycle co-composed by all three members of the trio, one is by Wasilewski, one by Carla BleyFind albums by this artist, one by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist and finally one by The DoorsFind albums by this artist.
Although the album was released well over two years ago, somehow a copy never landed on my desk until my recent visit in Warsaw, where I attended a concert by the trio and got a copy of the album, autographed by the musicians, following a chat in the dressing room. Life is hectic and with pandemics, wars and political upheavals, anything can happen…
Together for well over two decades, the trio is not only one of the most firmly established Polish / European Jazz entities, but also a superb example of the unifying force of a stable Artistic environment. Three great and highly creative individuals, who are able to function like a multi-headed organism, in perfect symbiosis.
The music on this album is the most serene, delicate, contemplative and melodic collection of sounds that the trio created since a long time. In perfect contrast to the havoc surrounding my life at present, this is a perfect balsam for the soul, exactly what the doctor prescribed. As far as a classic Jazz piano trio is concerned, these are but a few better examples of the harmony, not only musical but also spiritual, that can be achieved within this format, going as far back as the Bill Evans / Scott LaFaro / Paul Motian trio, with an up to date musical format of course, which includes shades of Free Improvisation entwined within the proceedings.
Overall, this is a truly Masterful piece of contemporary Jazz, one of Wasilewski & Co. best recordings and an absolute must for all Polish / European Jazz enthusiasts. A minimalist outing, with the “less is more” mantra at helm, this album is an immediate classic!
| | Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 29/12/2023 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
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