Record Reviews

JOHNNY ALMOND / MUSIC MACHINE ~ HOLLYWOOD BLUES VOCALION 8441 (Barcode: 765387844127) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008 2nd (and last) album by British multi-instrumentalist / composer Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist recorded under the Johnny Almond Music MachineFind albums by this artist moniker. Although recorded only a few months following the debut “Patent PendingFind albums with this title”, it is a completely different affair, as the album was recorded in the US and all the musicians except Almond come from the US West Coast. The opportunity to record this album arrived, when Almond visited the US to perform at the 1969 edition of the Newport Jazz Festival with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist. Legendary producer Mike VernonFind albums by this artist came up with the idea to record an album with Almond and some local musicians. For the recording session a rhythm section was assembled, which included organist Charles KynardFind albums by this artist, legendary guitarist Joe PassFind albums by this artist, bassist Ray NeapolitanFind albums by this artist and drummers Earl PalmerFind albums by this artist / Joe HarrisFind albums by this artist. On the front line Almond was paired with one of three saxophone players: Hadley CalimanFind albums by this artist, Curtis AmyFind albums by this artist and Vi ReddFind albums by this artist. He plays several instruments (as usual) – tenor and alto saxophone, flutes, organ and vibraphone. Almond wrote most of the music on the album, with just a couple of standards used. The result is a delightful, funky, soulful session with excellent music and some remarkable solos. Almond’s playing bears a distinctive European approach, which when consolidated with the American natural bluesy sound fits just perfectly. The album is much more jazzy that the debut and perhaps less adventurous, but nevertheless and excellent document of the fine music that was happening at the time and cross-pollination of musical ideas. Most warmly recommended! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice I think this deserves an "essential" label - certainly an essential part of the soundtrack to my musical and general development; first a pirated reel-to-reel copy back in the early 70s; then eventually a second hand LP when I found one; and now the CD for easy access and road-trip enhancement.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend