Record Reviews
22 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | BLACKFIELD ~ BLACKFIELD (ISRAELI EDITION)
HELICON 8199 (Barcode: 7293627819923) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2003 - 2004 Released: 2004
BlackfieldFind albums by this artist is a cooperation project between Israeli Rock star Aviv Geffen and Porcupine Tree`s leader Steven Wilson. 18 months in the making, with both of them frequently flying between Tel-Aviv & London, finally the album is out to the delight of many fans. The material is mostly co-written by Geffen / Wilson and consists of some beautiful Rock songs spiced with modern psychedelia (a la PT), sung by Wilson. Since both artists are master tune craftsmen, you know what to expect - a real treat!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLACKFIELD ~ II (ISRAELI EDITION)
HELICON 8276 (Barcode: 7293627827621) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007
2nd album by Israeli / UK group which combines the forces of Israeli rocker Aviv Geffen and Porcupine Tree’s leader Steven Wilson. The album was recorded over several months between Tel-Aviv and London and released exactly three years after their sensational debut. The two leaders spread their responsibilities, each doing what he knows best. Geffen wrote 7 of the 10 songs present here and Wilson the other 3. Wilson takes all the vocal leads, except on one song, plays guitar and takes care of mixing and production. The music is a direct continuation of the direction the group took on the debut album, with solid songwriting and concise 4 minutes long songs arranged as a continuous flow of music almost like a concept album. String arrangements and keyboards provide a (mostly) melancholic background and Wilson’s guitar tastefully fills the spaces. Geffen’s songwriting is getting better and more refined with time, loosing some of the youthful rebellion that characterized his early days, replaced by distinct bitterness and melancholy. Overall a beautiful album worthy of repeated listening and growing on the listener with time. A most welcome follow-up to the debut and as usual already making all the fans waiting for the next one.
Note: The Israeli Edition is packaged in a plastic jewel case wrapped in a carton slipcase. The musical content is identical to the International Edition.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLACKFIELD ~ NYC: BLACKFIELD LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY
K-SCOPE 055 (Barcode: 636551505574) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007
1st DVD release by BlackfieldFind albums by this artist, the cooperation band of Israeli singer / composer Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist and Porcupine TreeFind albums by this artist’s leader Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist. Following the release of their 2 first albums (2003 & 2006) the band achieved wide international acclaim and became one of the most successful performing acts in Europe and the US. Geffen’s unique talent as a composer of deeply lyrical songs and Wilson’s skills as guitarist and arranger turned their music into a highly sophisticated Rock with strong ties to Prog and Alternative Rock. As good as their studio work is, Blackfield’s true forte is the power the band displays on stage, as documented here. The early lineup of the live Blackfield included sometimes Porcupine Tree’s players, but in time a steady all Israeli (except Wilson of course) lineup emerged, which is featured here. As Israel is truly blessed with a whole new generation of extremely talented musicians, this is hardly surprising. Just watch the excellent work by keyboards player Eran MitelmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Seffy EfratiFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomer ZFind albums by this artist to confirm this. The music includes mostly a selection of material from the two albums, with Alanis MorisetteFind albums by this artist’s “Thank You” being the only non-Blackfield song included. The performance is overall electrifying and extremely well done, so both hardcore Blackfield fans and all newcomers to the band’s music should enjoy this DVD immensely. Bonus material includes the wonderful 3 clips filmed for the 3 singles from the debut album, directed by Lasse HoileFind albums by this artist. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 107 minutes. NTSC
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE BLOOMFIELD ~ IT`S NOT KILLING ME
ACADIA 8098 (Barcode: 805772809826) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006
1st album by US most formidable white (and Jewish of course) Blues guitar hero Mike BloomfieldFind albums by this artist, who by the time this music was recorded has already established a legendary status among Blues aficionados and music lovers in general, following his remarkable work with Bob DylanFind albums by this artist, Paul Butterfield Blues BandFind albums by this artist, Electric FlagFind albums by this artist and Al KooperFind albums by this artist´s "Super SessionFind albums with this title" meetings. Considering his status, the album was a huge disappointment at the time of its release, as it didn´t follow the formula of extended solo guitar fireworks in the Blues vein, which everybody expected. Bloomfield decided to get away from that formula and record a much more relaxed album, surrounded by many of his faithful cohorts from years past, including his ex-Electric Flag buddies Mark NaftalinFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Nick GravenitesFind albums by this artist on backing vocals. Although a fair share of Blues material is present, Bloomfield also tackles Rhythm And Blues and even Country, with his soloing subdued and mighty guitar work kept in the background. He did however write 10 of the 11 tracks on the album, sticking to his own music rather than playing over Blues standards. If one has to criticize, the only poor decision here was Bloomfield handling the lead vocals, rather than leaving that part to much abler singers, like Gravenites (something that worked wonderfully on the singer´s debut solo album. But in retrospect every note played by Bloomfield is worthy of admiration and preservation, and considering this is the first reissue of that album on CD, this is a treat any way one looks at it. Definitely worth investigating!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE BLOOMFIELD ~ LIVE AT THE OLD WALDORF
COLUMBIA 491575 (Barcode: 5099749157521) ~ USA ~ Blues
Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 1998
Mike BloomfieldFind albums by this artist was America`s best ever white blues player and his recorded legacy never really expressed fully his extraordinary qualities as a player. This album recorded live is as close to the naked truth as it gets - Mike doing just what he knows best - playing blues straight from his heart. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD ~ WHAT`S THAT SOUND? – COMPLETE ALBUMS COLLECTION
RHINO 603497860678 (Barcode: 603497860678) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1966 - 1968 Released: 2018
This is a Box Set presenting the newly (2017) remastered versions of the three original albums recorded by the seminal American Classic Rock group Buffalo SpringfieldFind albums by this artist. The remastering was done under Neil YoungFind albums by this artist´s supervision and he claims that these remasters offer a superior sound quality better that any previous version of these albums. The box set includes the mono and stereo versions of the first two albums and the stereo version of the last album, on five separate CDs. The eponymous debut album included here is the second version of that album, which includes the single "For What It´s Worth", but drops the song "Baby Don´t Scold Me" from the stereo version. In complete contrast to the "Buffalo Springfield (Box Set)Find albums with this title" compilation released originally in 2001, this Box Set adds no bonus tracks, concentrating on the original versions of the albums.
In retrospect the three albums are a spectacular document of the process of turning American Folk music into Classic Rock, under the influence of the British Invasion. Preceded of course by The ByrdsFind albums by this artist, Buffalo Springfield travelled on the same path from Electric Folk to Folk Rock via a brief Psychedelia period, but completed it in a much shorter period of time that lasted less than a couple of years.
With the immense songwriting and guitar playing talents of Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist, Neil Young and Richie FurayFind albums by this artist, the band had the potential of becoming a huge and lasting success, but alas as it often happens with to much talent and even more ego within one outfit, the band was over before it reached its peak, which perhaps is all for the better in retrospect. Their recorded legacy offers some of the most amazing songs ever written, which sound as good today as they did at the time of their recording.
For the avid Buffalo Springfield fans and followers this Box Set might be redundant to some degree, but it is an excellent opportunity for new listeners to discover this important chapter in American Classic Rock.
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 26/01/2019 | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAUL BUTTERFIELD ~ COMPLETE ALBUMS 1965-1980
RHINO 081227951955 (Barcode: 081227951955) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1965 - 1980 Released: 2015
This wonderful Box Set collects all the albums by American vocalist / harmonica virtuoso / bandleader Paul ButterfieldFind albums by this artist, recorded between 1965 and 1980, which constitute almost his entire recording career. These albums present some of the finest American Blues, Blues-Rock and Jazz-Rock music ever recorded and pay a tribute to one of the finest and most important American Blues Masters, sadly often overlooked. Butterfield´s musical journey can be divided into several periods, all quite different from each other, yet all characterized by total dedication and extraordinary achievements by the leader and his various crews.
The first two albums in this collection, recorded by the Paul Butterfield Blues BandFind albums by this artist, seem to be the most celebrated ones, as they feature the talents of the brilliant guitarist Mike BloomfieldFind albums by this artist, one of the best ever white Blues guitar players in history. Following the departure of Bloomfield the band morphed into a Brass-Rock ensemble, which played Blues influenced Jazz-Rock Fusion material, which was somewhat similar to Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChicagoFind albums by this artist, releasing four more studio albums and one live album under the same moniker.
After Paul Butterfield Blues Band folded, the leader switched to a much smaller ensemble, called Paul Butterfield´s Better DaysFind albums by this artist, which played material closer to the original Blues traditions and recorded two albums, and finally he recorded three solo albums, which were of significant lesser quality. Butterfield died tragically in 1987 from a drug overdose, following his friend Mike Bloomfield who died under similar circumstances in 1981.
Although quite a few live albums appeared on the market after Butterfield´s death, this Box Set includes the only official live album from 1970 (as a 2CD album) and a previously unreleased live album from 1969.
Butterfield´s harmonica playing was completely unique and his treatment of the instrument was completely innovative and unprecedented. He played long, complex, virtuosic solos, which to this day have absolutely no parallels. His ability to collect superb musicians to form his bands was another of his exceptional qualities. The list of the musicians who played on his bands over the years looks like a who´s who of the American Blues and Jazz-Rock, including guitarist Elvin BishopFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Mark NaftalinFind albums by this artist, saxophonist David SanbornFind albums by this artist and dozens of others.
Overall this Box Set is full of absolutely stunning music, which must not be forgotten and is as fresh and powerful as it was at the time it was recorded. Absolutely essential to all Blues lovers, but honestly Jazz-Rock and Brass-Rock fans should have a field day with this chest of treasures. A must!
| | Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 14/01/2016 | CD 14 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | FIELD ~ HEAL THE RICH
WHYPLAYJAZZ 026 (Barcode: 4250459990360) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016
This is the second album by the German FieldFind albums by this artist quartet, led by saxophonist / composer Uli KempendorffFind albums by this artist, which also includes guitarist Ronny GraupeFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Jonas WestergaardFind albums by this artist and drummer Oliver SteidleFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions (one repeated twice), all by Kempendorff.
The music is a vibrant and excellent example of contemporary European Jazz, which offers superb musicianship and intriguing contents bundled in an attractive albeit challenging exterior. Based on composed themes, the music tends to shift towards collective improvisation, which becomes very intensive at its apex, but retains an internal organization saving it from crossing over to chaos.
The saxophone and the guitar exchange rapid licks between them on the up tempo swinging tunes, with the rhythm section supporting the soloist admirably. As usual the bass keeps the rhythm flow and the drums play around, often polyrhythmically. The more introvert pieces are also excellent, featuring much more expressive soloing by the leader and a laid back rhythm section, creating an atmosphere somewhat similar to the Scandinavian sound.
Overall this is a very solid statement by excellent musicians, who know exactly how to express their ideas and how to play in ensemble setting, sharing responsibilities and inspiring each other. The atmosphere may sound cold and alienated at first, but in time the listener is drawn into the internal universe these musicians create.
This album joins the rest of the catalogue offered by the excellent WhyPlayJazzFind albums on this label label, proudly representing new European Jazz created by young and upcoming musicians, which clearly points to the fact that this is where Jazz is at these days.
| | Updated: 13/06/2016Posted: 13/06/2016 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | FIELDS ~ CONTRASTS: URBAN ROAR TO COUNTRY PEACE
ESOTERIC 2488 (Barcode: 5013929458840) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2015
This is the second album by British Prog trio FieldsFind albums by this artist, led by keyboardist Graham FieldFind albums by this artist, which included guitarist / bassist / vocalist Frank FarrellFind albums by this artist (who replaced the original bassist Alan BarryFind albums by this artist) and drummer Andy McCullochFind albums by this artist. The recording of this album was interrupted after the trio was dropped by their label (CBSFind albums on this label Records) and the album was never released at the time. This release includes the eight tracks that the trio managed to record as well as the demos of three additional tracks that were made at the time. Nine of the tracks were written by Field and two were co-written by Field and Farrell.
The music is a wonderful amalgam of melodic songs and Jazzy arrangements, all masterly put together by Field and featuring his superb keyboards playing. This continued the approach Field already displayed as a founding member of the group Rare BirdFind albums by this artist, which he left to form Fields. The music also projected a typical "Englishness", which blissfully ornamented the output by many of the British Prog bands at the time, a quality that is impossible to describe and is only recognized by listeners familiar with the recorded work by these bands.
Sadly Field left the career of songwriting and performing as a Rock musician and British music lost a great composer and very unique keyboards player, who might have contributed many more splendid pieces of music, like those present here. Thankfully this lost gem is finally available for all Prog fans to enjoy, as usual better late than never. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 24/01/2017Posted: 24/01/2017 | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FIELDS ~ FIELDS
ESOTERIC 2207 (Barcode: 5013929730748) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2010
Only album by the short-lived Prog trio FieldsFind albums by this artist formed by keyboardist Graham FieldFind albums by this artist after he left Rare BirdFind albums by this artist, following the recording of their first two albums, with guitarist Alan BarryFind albums by this artist and drummer Andy McCullochFind albums by this artist. Field, who was the main composer in Rare Bird, wrote all the music for this album, which in many respects could be considered as Rare Bird´s 3rd album. The trio had a great rapport between them and the album is really excellent in every respect. Field plays some amazing keyboards and McCulloch was one of the best British drummers at the time, so it´s quite natural that the album really works. In time the album was accepted as a classic of the genre and this new edition is most welcome. A must to all Progheads!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | HATFIELD AND THE NORTH ~ HATFIELD AND THE NORTH (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2139 (Barcode: 5013929723924) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2009
1st album by the legendary Canterbury group Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, probably the most iconic and unsurpassed masters of the genre. Comprising of keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, with guests like reedman Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist (Henry CowFind albums by this artist), vocalist Robert WyattFind albums by this artist and others, they recorded what is considered to be the ultimate Canterbury masterpiece. The album represents everything that the genre stands for: brilliant melodies, strange harmonies, superb musicianship, quirk rhythmic patterns and a good dash of British humor. It is difficult to pinpoint why this album and its follow up turned out to be the genre´s icons, but the fact that they are the first thing that come to mind when Canterbury is mentioned speaks for itself. Whatever the reasons, this is an absolute classic album, which lost nothing of its intrinsic beauty and musical perfection over time. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HATFIELD AND THE NORTH ~ THE ROTTERS` CLUB (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2140 (Barcode: 5013929724020) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2009
2nd album by the legendary Canterbury group Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, probably the most iconic and unsurpassed masters of the genre. Comprising of keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, with guests like Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist, Mont CampbellFind albums by this artist, Lindsay CooperFind albums by this artist and Tim HodgkinsonFind albums by this artist, they recorded what is considered to be the ultimate Canterbury masterpiece. The album represents everything that the genre stands for: brilliant melodies, strange harmonies, superb musicianship, quirk rhythmic patterns and a good dash of British humor. It is difficult to pinpoint why this album and its predecessor turned out to be the genre´s icons, but the fact that they are the first thing that come to mind when Canterbury is mentioned speaks for itself. Whatever the reasons, this is an absolute classic album, which lost nothing of its intrinsic beauty and musical perfection over time. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HATFIELD AND THE NORTH ~ THE ROTTERS` CLUB (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 2030 (Barcode: 777787267222) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1975 Released: 1990
2nd album by Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist. As impossible as it may sound, this album is considered even better and more mature then the debut album. Regardless of what the case really is, this one is surely at least as good as the 1st one, which means it`s an absolute classic. The only sad thing is that this was to be their last album.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEVIN KASTNING / MARK WINGFIELD ~ ELEVEN ROOMS
GREYDISC 3528 (Barcode: 888295366441) ~ USA ~ Electronic & Ambient
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This is the fifth album by a guitar duo comprising of American guitarist / composer Kevin KastningFind albums by this artist and British guitarist / composer Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist. Kastning, who is also an instrument inventor, plays the 36-string double contraguitar and the 30-string contra-alto guitar in addition to classical guitar and mandolin. Wingfield plays electric guitar. The album presents eleven spontaneous compositions, inspired by the paintings of the great 17th Century Dutch Artist, Johannes VermeerFind albums by this artist.
The duo explores the realm of Ambient music, with a lot of sounds and effects, painting sonic vistas on the flow, which contain no melody or logical continuity, and in spite of my openness towards music, leave me completely cold. This might perhaps work in a multimedia setting, such as cinematic soundtrack, visual exhibition or similar environment, but as music meant to be listened to it simply fails to connect the dots for me.
I am fully aware of Wingfield´s superb efforts in the Jazz and Fusion fields and I am a huge fun of his work there, but the Ambient setting somehow does not grab me. On the other hand if these two musicians record together for the fifth time, there must be something to make this happen and it´s only me who fails to see / hear it.
I´m sure many other listeners might find this music interesting and enjoyable, so don´t take my word for it and explore this album yourself.
| | Updated: 16/02/2016Posted: 16/02/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PETER SINFIELD ~ STILL (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC / MANTICORE 1003 (Barcode: 5013929380325) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2009
Only album by legendary lyricist / producer Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist, the man behind the first four landmark King CrimsonFind albums by this artist albums, where he lurked in the shadows as an informal virtual member of the band. His lyrics and production were an integral part of the magic of these milestone Prog recordings. Once Sinfield and King Crimson terminated their cooperation, he turned into a successful producer for other bands and finally found time to record his only album, which in many ways is a continuation of the work done by King Crimson Mk I. Supported by an assemblage of Prog and Jazz stars, Sinfield created another masterpiece, which although initially callously received by fans and critics alike, in retrospect sounds great today and does not lose ground to the King Crimson recordings. The supporting musicians include Greg LakeFind albums by this artist, Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, John WettonFind albums by this artist, Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist, Keith TippetFind albums by this artist and numerous other illustrious musicians. The material is often atmospheric and introspective, but some heavier moments are also present. The original album was released on the ManticoreFind albums on this label label, owned by Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, and the new edition adds a plethora of previously unheard alternate tracks and mixes, obviously to the delight of the fans. A must for all Prog-heads!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PETER SINFIELD ~ STILLUSION
BLUEPRINT 152 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This one needs little introduction! Sinfield is of course the man behind the lyrics of all early King Crimson albums and this one from 1973 is his only solo effort. Basically this is another KC album, with all members playing here as well as a plethora of distinguished guests. An absolutely essential Prog masterpiece.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | WINGFIELD / REUTER / STAVI / SIRKIS ~ THE STONE HOUSE
MOONJUNE 083 (Barcode: 692287908324) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017
This is the debut album by a Fusion / Ambient quartet comprising of British guitarist Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Markus ReuterFind albums by this artist and Israeli (resident in UK) rhythm section: bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all co-credited to the four members of the quartet.
The music is a highly developed and completely improvised Fusion effort, which allows the quartet members to freely express their individual statements during the extended musical journeys taken within each of the lengthy tracks. The music wanders on several parallel planes, created by the double guitar lead and supported amicably by the rhythm section. Long ambient passages incorporate World Music elements, which can not be exactly pinpointed, but definitely have an Eastern feel about them. Considering the fact that all the music was composed spontaneously during the recording process, the communication between the musicians is truly telepathic.
The individual performances by all quartet members are, as expected, quite amazing, both on the individual level and especially so on the ensemble level. Combining two expressive guitar players, like those present here, could have easily ended up in a chaotic race, but thankfully is skillfully avoided. The rhythm section proves to be able to carry this heavy weight front line intensity without a hitch, with a steady pulsation this particular duo is known for since years.
Overall this is a splendid effort which should make all guitar fans extremely happy, especially since many of the things heard on this album are quite unique and certainly innovative. Fusion and Prog fans might also find this music to be exactly their cup of tea, and last but not least the many Wingfield´s followers will discover both a continuation of his previous work and ventures into new territory. Well done Gentlemen!
| | Updated: 23/02/2017Posted: 23/02/2017 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARK WINGFIELD ~ PROOF OF LIGHT
MOONJUNE 071 (Barcode: 692287907129) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This excellent album by British guitarist / composer Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist is another proof of his well earned position as one of the most interesting guitar players on the Isles, which he is consistently establishing since the turn of the Century. His prolific discography includes many gems and this new album proudly joins the list. Recorded in a trio setting with two Israeli (resident in UK) musicians, bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, the album presents nine original compositions, all by Wingfield.
The music is a unique variety of Fusion, with Wingfield´s whining guitar and forceful rhythm section driving the tunes firmly, but at the time subtly and intelligently. Wingfield manages to create his own guitar sound, which is phenomenally rare these days and displays a highly personal style of expression, which is full of quirky phrases and twists and turns, which keep the listener´s ears erect at all times. The compositions are all very solid, with great melody lines and intrinsic complexity, which makes it impossible to guest what comes next, which of course is highly engaging.
Although Wingfield is obviously the leader, the album is above all a trio effort. Stavi and Sirkis are both Master instrumentalists and their virtuosic support turns this album into a group effort, which is definitely more than the sum of its parts. Stavi supplies the steady bass lines, which keep the music flowing, which frees Sirkis to stretch and develop his rhythmic frenzy, so typical of his personal style. The Stavi / Sirkis rhythm section is obviously an ideal Fusion vehicle one can ask for and Wingfield definitely made the right decision taking them on board.
Overall this is an adventurous Fusion (and beyond) album featuring virtuosi performances by all the trio members, which should make every connoisseur of the genre ecstatically happy. Considering how trivial most Fusion albums released these days are, this is a rare gem indeed, definitely worthy of repeated listening sessions. Well done Gentlemen!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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