Record Reviews

MONTY ALEXANDER ~ HERE COMES THE SUN MPS 4029759124061 (Barcode: 4029759124061) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of the debut album for the MPSFind albums on this label label by American (born in Jamaica) pianist / composer Monty AlexanderFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with legendary bassist Eugene WrightFind albums by this artist, drummer Duffy JacksonFind albums by this artist and percussionist Montego JoeFind albums by this artist. The quartet performs seven compositions, which include one original by Alexander and the rest are interpretations of popular songs, traditional songs or Jazz standards. Influenced by the American mainstream piano Jazz giants, Alexander added Caribbean influences and created his own personal style, which gained him popularity and a long lasting career which continues to this very day. However in retrospect the flashy technical proficiency and the early Jazz-World Music exploration did not make a lasting statement and his playing remains unchanged during the last five decades. Connoisseurs of classic Jazz piano trio music should find this album delightful, but certainly not innovative or searching. The dazzling technique is a bit arduous at times, but overall enjoyable. This music sounds today exactly as it did at the time of its recording and a nostalgic glance backwards adds a sparkling teardrop perspective. Considering the excellent sound quality, this is still a great listening experience today, when in mood for an easier, entertaining side of the Jazz spectrum. Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 28/05/2018Posted: 24/02/2018

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DAVE BRUBECK ~ THE COLUMBIA STUDIO ALBUMS COLLECTION 1955-1966 SONY 886979388123 (Barcode: 886979388123) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1955 - 1966 Released: 2011 American Jazz pianist / composer Dave BrubeckFind albums by this artist and his quartet dominated the world piano quartet scene and in many respects the entire Jazz scene for the better part of two decades (the 1950s & 1960s), being the most popular and widely known Jazz ensemble, which won massive media coverage and even enjoyed commercial success with their recorded output, which is extremely rare for a Jazz act. In retrospect it becomes clear that Brubeck and his quartet members: sublime saxophonist Paul DesmondFind albums by this artist, brilliant bassist Eugene WrightFind albums by this artist and extraordinary drummer Joe MorelloFind albums by this artist, created some of the most revolutionary Jazz music and advanced the Jazz Art Form by milestone after milestone. Brubeck´s amazing talent as a composer, his sensitivity as a player and above all his consistent drive to explore and try things never tried before resulted in some absolutely iconic Jazz tunes like the celebrated "Take Five" and numerous other compositions. Brubeck was always open to new ideas, including unusual time signatures, bringing those to the center of the Jazz exploration, which previously was almost entirely stuck in the 4/4 rhythmic pattern. He was also one of the pioneers of incorporating World Music influences into his compositions, as well as modern Classical Music elements. Of course he could also write beautiful melodies, which captured the listener´s ear and sounded incredibly "easy" even if they were quite complex musically. Saxophonist Paul Desmond, who played with Brubeck since the 1940s, had one of the most distinctive sounds ever produced in Jazz, which was immediately recognizable and absolutely unique. Combining a natural "sweetness" with incredible sensitivity and technique, Desmond´s could captivate the listeners with his saxophone like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, being simply irresistible. He was Brubeck´s perfect partner, balancing his Cool Jazz approach with the incredible warmth of his playing. Bassist Eugene Wright (the only Afro-American in the quartet) was the absolute anchor of the quartet´s music, which often was going in different directions, both rhythmically and melodically, all at once. His tone and stability were simply second to none. Drummer Joe Morello was another unique ingredient of this magical quartet and probably the only player able to play all those intricate time signatures with unbelievable precision and virtuosity. His solo spots were the first of their kind and for the first time brought the drummer to the center of the listener´s attention. A mighty four they were indeed! Following the recording of several albums for small East Coast labels, Brubeck and his quartet started their stint with the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label, which lasted for twelve years and produced nineteen studio albums, all of which are included in this incredible Box Set. The numerous live recordings will hopefully be collected as well and released in the form of another Box Set in the future. The body of work and the sheer genius included herein are simply worth their weight in gold. Some of the most iconic music produced in the US, Jazz and beyond, is contained in this box, which is like the proverbial treasure chest. I can´t imagine it not being a part of any serious music collection. Essential stuff!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 19 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

DAVE BRUBECK ~ TIME OUT (50TH ANNIVERSARY LEGACY EDITION) COLUMBIA 39852 (Barcode: 886973985229) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1959 - 1964 Released: 2009 The fact that this album was destined to become probably the most famous Jazz recording, at least for non-Jazz oriented listeners (as well as one of the genre´s all time bestsellers), is one of world´s mysteries. After all, in spite of the seemingly "easy and pleasant sounding" impression this music makes on most listeners, it was in fact quite difficult and devilishly clever music, completely revolutionary and anything but "normal" by any standard. Pianist / composer Dave BrubeckFind albums by this artist and his crew: saxophonist Paul DesmondFind albums by this artist, bassist Eugene WrightFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe MorelloFind albums by this artist turned just about every Jazz rule upside down on this milestone recording, introducing odd / irregular time signatures, which were unthinkable up to that moment, classical chord structures, which previously belonged only in European Classical Music and multi-themed compositions, which were completely foreign to Bebop clear and straightforward compositions. And yet, in spite all this "strangeness" the album was an instant hit; go figure? On the other hand however, Brubeck was far from being the only revolutionary figure on the American Jazz scene, with dozens of key musicians / composers breaking down barriers of previously impregnable limitations in Jazz, from the pioneers of Free Jazz on one hand to masters of Cool on the other. The greatest test of all, the test of time, applied to this album shows unequivocally that superb music lasts forever. This music is beyond time and any esthetic limitations, it´s forever young and inspiring and perhaps today, more then ever, listening to this timeless classic can save some of us from the havoc of bullshit being offered as music these days. This beautiful edition adds to the original album some live recordings at Newport Jazz Festival, recorded between 1961 and 1964, where this quartet flies through the music gracefully. The remastered sound of the original album and the live recording is spectacular. As if this would not be enough, a DVD is added, which includes a great documentary about making of this album as well as some live footage of the quartet. What can I say? Look up all the synonyms of the word "essential" and apply to this classic, timeless masterpiece!

Updated: 01/06/2018Posted:

2CD+DVD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

PAUL DESMOND ~ THE COMPLETE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886979394124 (Barcode: 886979394124) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1961 - 1965 Released: 2011 Although primarily known as a member of the Dave BrubeckFind albums by this artist quartet, the most popular Jazz ensemble on the scene in the 1950s and up to mid-1960s, saxophonist / composer Paul DesmondFind albums by this artist made also a serious contribution to the Jazz art form as a leader, playing and recording music in parallel to his work with Brubeck and after the legendary quartet folded. In order to avoid any confusion, comparison and legal entanglements he signed with the RCAFind albums on this label label (the Brubeck quartet recorded for ColumbiaFind albums on this label), and his quartets would be piano-less and as a result guitar-based. He recorded six wonderful albums for RCA between 1961 and 1965 and all of them feature his close friend and musical soul-mate, guitarist Jim HallFind albums by this artist and drummer Connie KayFind albums by this artist (member of the Modern Jazz QuartetFind albums by this artist). Several different bassists participated in these recordings, including Eugene WrightFind albums by this artist from Brubeck´s quartet, Percy HeathFind albums by this artist (also a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet), Gene ChericoFind albums by this artist and others. The last of the RCA albums presents the collaboration between Desmond and the superb baritone saxophonist Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist, another great icon of Cool Jazz. Desmond´s completely unique sound, style and sensibility are fully exposed on these recordings. His incredible ability to present a sweet melody without turning it into sugary pastiche is simply unparalleled. Of course his technique and complete command of his instrument are clearly noticeable and are a classic example of elegance and aesthetics. His dialogue with Jim Hall is also quite remarkable and one of the most intimate cooperation captured on record. This Box Set includes all the six albums Desmond recorded for the RCA label, remastered and expanded with numerous bonus tracks and accompanied by informative liner notes. It is definitely something no serious Jazz connoisseur can ignore and a proud addition to any serious music collection. Although less popular than many other Jazz recordings, this music easily holds the ground in comparison to anything else recorded at the time. Simply brilliant!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend