Record Reviews

CHITINOUS ENSEMBLE ~ CHITINOUS VOCALION 8405 (Barcode: 765387840525) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2005 This strange and beautiful album would have never been released at the time if not for the openness of the DeramFind albums on this label label to issue even the most eccentric material, as long as it had musical merit. The Chitinous EnsembleFind albums by this artist was as fictitious as they come, so named by cellist / composer / arranger Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist, who assembled the musicians to perform an ambitious piece of orchestral music he composed. Buckmaster was a gifted and accomplished musician, who was in great demand in UK as arranger and composer, working with top Rock stars like Elton JohnFind albums by this artist, the Bee GeesFind albums by this artist (see OdessaFind albums with this title) and even the Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist (see Sticky FingersFind albums with this title). He also composed numerous film scores, including the amazing soundtrack for Roman PolanskiFind albums by this artist’s MacbethFind albums with this title, where he cooperated with the Third Ear BandFind albums by this artist. The ensemble Buckmaster assembled to perform this complex extended composition includes a large string section and a large deployment of his Jazz buddies, all top British Jazz players like Ian CarrFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist on bass, John MarshallFind albums by this artist on drums and many more. The music is a mixture of classical influences with Jazz-Rock rhythmic patterns and modern sound vistas, all combined together into a wonderful sonic experience. It sounds absolutely great today as if time only enhanced the intrinsic beauty included therein. Wholeheartedly recommended for more adventurous listeners.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SANDY DENNY ~ RENDEZVOUS (DELUXE EDITION) ISLAND 602527993607 (Barcode: 602527993607) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 2012 This is the fourth and last solo album by the British singer / songwriter Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, the undeniable Queen of the British Folk-Rock movement, which flourished from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s. Danny fronted the best Folk-Rock groups of the day, such as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and FotheringayFind albums by this artist and later concentrated on her splendid solo career, recording four excellent solo albums for IslandFind albums on this label Records. Her life and career was abruptly cut short by her tragic and untimely death at the age of 31. This album was separated by almost three years from its predecessor, which saw Denny rejoining Fairport Convention and recording her fifth album with the group called "Rising For The MoonFind albums with this title" (the group´s tenth album). She also carefully prepared the songs for this album, which are again a change of direction, this time more towards Pop / Rock, emphasized by the inclusion of one of Elton JohnFind albums by this artist´s songs as one of the three non-original songs on this album. As usual she is accompanied by fabulous musicians including many British Folk-Rock heroes, like guitarist Richard ThompsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John BundrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave PeggFind albums by this artist, drummer Dave MattacksFind albums by this artist and others. Guest star appearances by Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist and Acker BilkFind albums by this artist are also present. Denny´s angelic voice and her unique vocal style are simply stellar. Several of the songs feature beautiful orchestral arrangements, which were criticized at the time for being a bit overshadowing Denny´s performances, but the certainly don´t make that impression in retrospect and are just right for the occasion. This new 2CD edition adds a plethora of bonus material, which includes outtakes, demos, alternate versions and previously unreleased live material, which is all worth its weight in gold. It’s a proper tribute to Denny´s remarkable talents and wonderful output she left us to enjoy forever. It is an absolute must to every Folk-Rock fan anywhere on this planet!

Updated: 26/08/2020Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ELTON JOHN ~ GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD (40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) MERCURY 602537534807 (Barcode: 602537534807) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1973 Released: 2014 This is a Box Set edition of the milestone seventh album by Pop legend Elton JohnFind albums by this artist. It includes the original double album remastered with a whole bunch of bonus material, including the entire BBC live recording of a concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1973, documentary film about Elton, his lyricist Bernie TaupinFind albums by this artist and his group and a hardcover book full of photographs documenting the period when this music was recorded as well as an informative essay. All together this Box Set includes 4 CDs, 1 DVD and a book. It is hard to believe that this music is forty years old; I distinctly remember listening to it for the first time and being honestly impressed, although my musical inclination at the time was immersed in Progressive Rock and Free Jazz – some albums are simply too good to be ignored, regardless of their stylistic background. Elton of course started his road to fame and glory a few years earlier, producing one great album after another and with the help of Taupin created some of the most remarkable Pop anthems in history. Elton was of course always different; the fact that he used the acoustic piano as his weapon of choice, in a world of screaming electric guitars, was just one aspect of his uniqueness. Then there was his sweet, crooner like voice which could melt ice and those meaningful lyrics that popped out of Taupin´s head, which used imagery and sophistication way beyond your usual Pop song. Top all that with Elton´s extravagant costumes and stage appearance and you get a true Star, one of those greater than life figures that left our world for good. But most importantly there was the magic ability to write beautifully melodic tunes, which were catchy like hell but were never trivial, used strange chord changes and included a myriad of clever bits and odds originating in Blues, Jazz, Vaudeville and Cabaret, and were way more sophisticated that what most people considered as Pop. This was Elton´s magic and the reason why this music remains perfect exactly as it was forty years ago, untouchable by time. The live recordings included here prove that Elton was not only a great songwriter but also a superb performer; behind the vale of flashy costumes and early Glam era mannerisms there was a wonderful singer and excellent piano player, an touching actor, in short a great Artist. We old farts, who experienced this music in real time, need no convincing; we know this is good music. But you, poor souls, born long after this music was created, get yer ya-ya´s out and give it a listen rather than keep poisoning your wretched souls by contemporary bullshit. You have been warned!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD+DVD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

PAWEL KACZMARCZYK / AUDIOFEELING BAND ~ COMPLEXITY IN SIMPLICITY ACT 9484 (Barcode: 614427948427) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is the first international release by Polish pianist / composer / arranger Pawel KaczmarczykFind albums by this artist and his Audiofeeling BandFind albums by this artist. Hailed since several years as Poland´s most promising young Jazz musician, Kaczmarczyk is a typical representative of the third generation of his country´s post-WWII Jazz scene. Whereas the previous generations were largely consumed with political and sociological issues, fighting for the rightful recognition of Jazz music becoming a part of their country´s cultural identity as well as for their personal freedom of expression and life´s harsh realities under the Socialist regime, the new generation is free to concentrate just on making music, free from being concerned by such heavyweight concerns. It´s therefore fascinating to compare the new generation´s music with that made by their predecessors, forefathers of Polish Jazz. One might consider the obvious cliché about Art being most productive at times of great personal frustration, mishap and anguish, but honestly anybody truly familiar with Art knows that serenity and well being can be as much productive and usually more so. This music is definitely serene; there are no tragic howls and expressions of a tormented soul, as those almost omnipresent in early Polish Jazz. This is "triple-e" music: elegant, eloquent and elitist, and above all European. Kaczmarczyk the composer displays here a level of musical maturity, which is quite astounding, way above what one might expect from such a young person. But we all know that time seems to flow faster these days, so this, combined with his extraordinary talent, will have to suffice as the explanation. Considering the diversity, both stylistically and harmonically, displayed by the compositions included on this album (he composed nine of the eleven tunes on this album, which also includes one collective composition and one pop song by Elton JohnFind albums by this artist and arranged them all), one can safely assume that Kaczmarczyk is destined to become a major Jazz composer. The performances are no less stellar than the compositions. The collective ensemble performing on this album lists twelve musicians, who perform in various lineups ranging from a trio to a septet. They include some of the best young Jazz musicians on the contemporary Polish scene, all highly skilled and sensitive players doing an outstanding job. The emphasis on this album is on ensemble playing rather than on showcasing soloist and even the leader rarely plays in the forefront, except for the short, but beautifully sensitive redemption of Elton´s "Blue Eyes", which has all the characteristics of a Jazz standard anyway. Listening to this album can be compared to eating a multilayered cake – each new layer (track) bursts with new flavors and delights, and finally when the whole cake is consumed it leaves a wonderful aftertaste in one´s mouth for a very long time, the memory of which lasts even longer. This is brilliant stuff and a must to all serious Jazz connoisseurs, wherever they might be.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ROLLING STONES ~ HACKNEY DIAMONDS GEFFEN 602458122565 (Barcode: 602458122565) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2019 - 2023 Released: 2023 This is the 24th studio album by the iconic British Rock group The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist. Reduced to a trio following the death of their drummer Charlie WattsFind albums by this artist, this is the first album of original material since the 2005 album “A Bigger BangFind albums with this title”. Vocalist Mick JaggerFind albums by this artist and guitarists Keith RichardsFind albums by this artist and Ronnie WoodFind albums by this artist carry on the torch, supported by Rock stars like Elton JohnFind albums by this artist, Lady GagaFind albums by this artist, Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist, ex-Stones bassist Bill WymanFind albums by this artist and numerous others. The album presents twelve songs, eight of which were written by the Jagger-Richards team, three were co-composed with the album’s producer Andrew WattFind albums by this artist and one is a Blues standard by Muddy WatersFind albums by this artist. The music is exactly what one might expect from a classic Rolling Stones album, full of great songs and excellent instrumental performances, superb recording quality with a retro sound and a timeless atmosphere of Classic Rock, showing clearly that six decades of music making definitely did not manage to take Stones off their path. They have more stamina, talent and balls than any contemporary Rock outfit, if there are any real Rock groups out there at all these days. The Stones really define the Classic Rock idiom better than any other musical group in history, not only because they managed to last all this years, but mostly because they managed to stay relevant all these years both a recording artists and phenomenal live performers. Their music has been an important part of the Soundtrack Of My Life for almost as long as I can remember, and never let me down since. Overall, if you are a Stones fan, this album is a true joy from start to finish, which can be cherished minute by minute and savored repeatedly, staying on the favorites list probably forever. If you are not a fan, it’s probably too late for you to save your sanity ;)

Updated: 05/12/2023Posted: 05/12/2023

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LEON RUSSELL ~ LIFE JOURNEY UME 602537764716 (Barcode: 602537764716) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2012 Released: 2014 This is an incredibly sad album, being an epitaph of the American iconic Rocker / singer / pianist / songwriter Leon RussellFind albums by this artist, read by the artist himself. Russell´s remarks on the album liner notes are basically a farewell to this world, summing up his life, and the music on this album is also a summary, including (as he puts it) "…pieces of things that I have done and thing I never did…", which is as accurate as music descriptions go. Although not specified on the album´s cover, the music was apparently recorded in 2012, i.e. a couple of years before it was actually released, which under these circumstances is a bit macabre, as if the record label was waiting for Russell to actually cross over to the other side and then capitalize on that; go figure. Russell´s voice and piano playing did not change much over the years and his strength was more as a "behind the scenes" person, which made great thing happening. In retrospect he had a wonderfully diverse career but at the same time he is probably one of the most underappreciated Rock icons in the American history. In fact he was always appreciated more in England than in the US, both in the early days of his career (see his cooperation with Joe CockerFind albums by this artist on "Mad Dogs & EnglishmenFind albums with this title") and at the very end of it (see his recording "The UnionFind albums with this title" with Elton JohnFind albums by this artist). Ironically Russell is an epitome of American music, if ever there was one, and therefore the lack of respect from his own People is ever more painful. The album includes twelve songs, only two of which are Russell´s original compositions. The rest is a bizarre, but somehow wonderfully cohesive collection of American Pop songs, Jazz Standards and other ditties. They are all beautifully arranged, using a simple Rock team and up to a fully scaled Big Band. Russell´s croaky voice sounds simply wonderful and the thought that this might be the last recording he made is simply heartbreaking. But if one has to say goodbye, after over sixty years of musical journey, this is probably as good a way to go, as one can imagine. This is a true soundtrack of his life, as much as mine. Thank you Leon!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

T. REX ~ T. REX (DELUXE EDITION) A&M 600753473221 (Barcode: 600753473221) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by the British group T. RexFind albums by this artist, which in fact is a second incarnation of the duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist. Initially it included only Bolan´s partner from Tyrannosaurus Rex, Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist, but was later expanded to a quartet. This edition of the album includes a plethora of bonus tracks, including radio broadcasts, home recorded demos and alternate takes of the album tracks and more than triples the playing time of the original album. The music on this album presents the transformation of the group from its almost anarchistic roots of Psychedelia, poetic suites with complex verses and lots of weirdness into a wide audience oriented sleek hits producing machine and fashion setting Glam act, which the group was to become in its immediate future. Although the album itself does not include any hits, the bonus tracks include the first hit single, which brought T. Rex (almost) to the top, "Ride A White Swan", which reached number two on the British charts. From now on everything was a rollercoaster with Bolan at the steering wheel, writing all the music and the lyrics. He managed to stay at the centre of attention right up to his tragic and unnecessary death in 1977. Bolan´s friendship with David BowieFind albums by this artist and their occasional musical cooperation was not incidental. They both shared a love of the eccentric and both were trend setters. Bolan and Bowie also shared their manager (Tony HowardFind albums by this artist) and producer (Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist) which made things easier. Bolan was among the first British stars to expand the usual Rock appearance with the vaudeville tradition, wearing colorful, often outrageous garments and using heavy makeup, similar to what Bowie and slightly later Elton JohnFind albums by this artist would also do as part of their act. Therefore he is often credited with the initiation of Glam Rock movement, which later on contributed also to the formation of the Punk culture, as means of protest against the glittering decadence. Musically this album is a bit weaker that the four Tyrannosaurus Rex albums, which were completely innovative and uncensored, taking the listener by complete surprise if not giving him a shock treatment. The slicker production tricks, overdubs and improved vocals made everything definitely easier to swallow but at the same time much of the magic was lost in the process. On the other hand the songs themselves don´t have the zest and catchiness which was part of the later material. As stated earlier, a transitional album, which is a historic document more than it is a source of musical delights, but certainly worth revisiting.

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

RAY WARLEIGH ~ FIRST ALBUM SUNBEAM 5020 (Barcode: 5051125502011) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2006 Australian born saxophonist / flautist / composer Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist was one of the busiest musicians on the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s. He was not only playing at the regular Jazz venues around London, but was also a member of the backup group of singer Scott WalkerFind albums by this artist, who was at the peak of his popularity at the time. Walker, although extremely successful as a Pop artists, had a keen musical ear and was trying to get away from the sugary Pop image by employing some of the best Jazz musicians at the time In his band, which was led by no other than the legendary Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist. Walker used his influence with his label (PhilipsFind albums on this label) to offer a recording opportunity to some of the young and extremely talented musicians in the band, which led to the recording of this debut album by Ray Warleigh. Warleigh would become famous later for playing on album by the top Rock stars like Nick DrakeFind albums by this artist, Elton JohnFind albums by this artist, U2Find albums by this artist, Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist and many more. The format chosen for this album was “Jazz & strings”, which suited Warleigh’s superbly clear and lyrical style perfectly. The chosen material (all standards) was beautifully arranged for a large string orchestra and a Jazz rhythm section, which included some of the best British Jazz players at the time, like Gordon BackFind albums by this artist on piano, Kenny NapperFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist on drums. The resulting album is a stunning debut, beautifully executed by all the musicians involved, and showing Warleigh to be a world class player, who can improvise freely and yet always stay within the melodic line. Jazz & strings albums have a tendency to fall into the “land of saccharine” very easily, but fortunately this is well avoided here, producing a most enjoyable Jazz album full of integrity and showmanship. It’s great to have this forgotten gem back in circulation.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend