Record Reviews

GEORGE ADAMS ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE CAM JAZZ 1018 (Barcode: 8052405140616) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 - 1983 Released: 2012 This superb Box Set collects all the albums recorded by the legendary American flautist / saxophonist / composer George AdamsFind albums by this artist on the twin Italian independent labels: Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label. The set includes five albums, three of which were recorded with the quartet he co-led with pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist and which also included bassist Cameron BrownFind albums by this artist and drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist, and the other two were recorded with a quintet co-led with drummer Dannie Richmond and which also included trombonist Jimmy KnepperFind albums by this artist, pianist Hugh LawsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Mike RichmondFind albums by this artist. Adams is best known as a member of the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist ensembles or bands led by Gil EvansFind albums by this artist and Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist and later as a co-leader of the quartet with pianist Don Pullen. His musical interests covered a very wide range of sub-genres, from Rhythm And Blues to Free Jazz and he felt quite comfortable playing in any of them, often on the same album. His passionate performances and his occasional vocal escapades made him one of the most colorful and loved Jazz performers in the 1980s. His premature death at the age of 52 robbed the American Jazz scene of one of its most original personalities. In the late 1980s Adams was a member of the short-lived quartet called PhalanxFind albums by this artist, which also included guitarist James Blood UlmerFind albums by this artist, one of the most adventurous ensembles of that period. Remastered, mini-sleeved, and with a great bargain price – this Box Set an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker 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 to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GIL EVANS / ORCHESTRA ~ PLAYS THE MUSIC OF JIMI HENDRIX (EXPANDED EDITION) RCA 63872 (Barcode: 090266387229) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2005 Pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Gil EvansFind albums by this artist was surely one of the most forward-thinking and open-minded Jazz Masters, who were able to overcome the typical American Jazz snobbery and keep their ears wide-open to anything of interest that was happening outside of the genre´s stifling ramparts. His revolutionary work with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, one of the first examples of cross-genre music making and amalgamation of World Music elements into Jazz earned him his initial glory and recognition, but Evans remained a pioneer for the rest of his life. He was also the first Jazz personality to recognize and publically acknowledge his admiration of the talents of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, not only as an exceptional guitarist but also as a great composer. Evans approached Hendrix with a cooperation proposal, which Jimi accepted wholeheartedly, but alas Jimi´s untimely death turned all plans into unfulfilled dreams. However, in spite of the disappointment, Evans decided to pay tribute to the genius of Hendrix by recording this exceptional album of arrangements of music composed by Hendrix, performed by his orchestra. This stunning example of Jazz-Rock Fusion is completely different from most other efforts pursued at the time worldwide and demonstrates a perfect marriage between Jazz and Rock in the orchestral realm. The orchestra, which included mostly young and up-coming Jazz virtuosi, features such illustrious players as guitarists John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and Ryo KawasakiFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist and Marvin PetersonFind albums by this artist, saxophonists David SanbornFind albums by this artist and George AdamsFind albums by this artist, drummers Bruce DitmasFind albums by this artist and Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist and many more. Hearing the music of Hendrix in this fantastic setting is an exceptional musical expedition, especially for people who are familiar with the original recordings by Hendrix. Evans finds new hidden facets in this music, which only a great musician can discover, and shares them with the listener, taking him on a journey of discovery. This expanded edition presents all the material on the original LP in unabridged form and adds alternative takes as bonuses. Exceptional stuff and a must for any true music lover!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ LIVE AT MONTREUX 1975 EAGLE 826992041322 (Barcode: 826992041322) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1975 Released: 2018 This is an archival 2CD album by American bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival. It presents a quintet recording on CD1, with pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist, drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist / vocalist George AdamsFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist. On CD2 the lineup is expanded to a septet with the addition of baritone saxophonist Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Benny BaileyFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, four of which last for over ten minutes and one lasts for over half an hour. It is one of the last live recordings by Mingus, before his health issues prevented him from performing. He died less than four years later in 1979 at the ridiculous young age of fifty-six. The music, mostly composed by Mingus with the exception of one classic standard, reflects his typical modus operandi, with the band playing shifting themes with constantly changing tempi, full of brilliant improvisations, led brilliantly by the leader and his inimitable bass pulsations. The meeting with Mulligan is especially moving and shows the deep personal respect between these two American Jazz Giants, who are able to find a common language despite their contrasting stylistic attitudes. Overall, this is an important document of one of the greatest and most original American Jazz figures, and despite the fact that many live recordings from this period appeared on the market in the meantime, each of them is absolutely unique and special and all are worth a respectful place in a serious Jazz records collection. Mingus was definitely one of a kind, which nobody can deny.

Updated: 12/09/2024Posted: 12/09/2024

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ MINGUS AT CARNEGIE HALL (DELUXE EDITION) ATLANTIC 603497844326 (Barcode: 603497844326) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 Released: 2021 This is an expanded reissue / remaster of a live album by legendary American bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, recorded on January 19, 1974 at the NY Carnegie Hall. The music was recorded by a sextet, which included trumpeter Jon FaddisFind albums by this artist, saxophonists George AdamsFind albums by this artist and Hamiet BluiettFind albums by this artist, pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist and drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist. The sextet was expanded to a nonet on two tracks, with the addition of three saxophonists: John HandyFind albums by this artist, Rahsaan Roland KirkFind albums by this artist and Charles McPhersonFind albums by this artist. This 2CD edition presents seven tracks, adding five tracks (and over seventy minutes) of unreleased material. Four of the tracks last over twenty minutes and one just under twenty minutes. Three of the tracks are original compositions by Mingus, one is by Pullen, one is by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, one is a standard and finally one is a short spoken word introduction. The restored sound is absolutely pristine. The music is, in many respects, a closing chapter of American Jazz, which summarizes the great Bebop period and the entry into Free Jazz, offering a gallery of instrumental Masters, who lament the grand times with obvious nostalgic glace over the shoulder, realizing the fact that the ride is over. The great leader / guru, one of the last standing figures of American Jazz, was playing one of the last live concerts in his career and would be dead in a few years and there was nobody in sight to carry the torch. But the music is of course grand, from start to finish, with incredible soloing and great group improvisations, kept carefully in check by the boss. They were, after all, the crème de la crème of the scene at the time and clearly could outplay anybody out there. Mingus’ compositions are ideal vehicles for the orgy of sound and camaraderie that prevails, and despite the fact that they are not innovating anything, they clearly learned the lesson of the decade preceding this recording, laying any doubts about Bebop being over to rest. Overall, this is a monster album, which deserves an honorable place in every decent Jazz records collection, not only because of the incredible amount of great music it offers, but more importantly because of the message it so vividly sends to the Jazz world: Bebop was great, we took everything there was to take from it, now please let it rest in peace!

Updated: 28/01/2024Posted: 28/01/2024

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ BREMEN 1964 & 1975 SUNNYSIDE 1570 (Barcode: 016728157025) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 - 1974 Released: 2020 This is an archival 4CD album by American bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, recorded live in Bremen, Germany. It presents two concert recordings, separated by eleven years, each captured on a 2CD set. The album presents fifteen tracks, five of which are over ten minutes in duration, four are over twenty minutes in duration and two are over thirty minutes in duration. Most of the music is composed by Mingus, two tracks are standards and two others are composed by members of his ensembles. By the time the second concert was captured, Mingus was already suffering from a serious health issues and it is one of his last live recordings. CD1 & CD2 present the Mingus sextet with trumpeter Johnny ColesFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist and Clifford JordanFind albums by this artist, pianist Jaki ByardFind albums by this artist and drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist. CD3 & CD4 present the Mingus quintet with trumpeter Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist, saxophonist George AdamsFind albums by this artist, pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist and Richmond (the only musician to play on both concerts). The music includes the iconic Mingus’ compositions, spanning his entire career, each and every one in a unique concert version, which depended on the specific lineup, the mood of the concert and of course the leader’s disposition, which means that regardless of how many versions of the same tunes one owns, they are always different, often dramatically different from every other version of the same tune. The two lineups are also very different; the sextet is dominated by the presence of Dolphy, whose hair-rising performances, especially those on flute and bass clarinet, are absolutely stunning, while the quintet might seem more relaxed and settled, but no less intense or sophisticated. Just two months after the concert captured herein, Ayler would be tragically dead, which makes his appearance here one of his last. Overall, this is a monumental piece of Jazz history, which deserves an honorable place in any serious Jazz collection, even if Mingus’ recordings, including live ones, are already proudly present therein. The 1964 concert is a true eye (ear) opener, disclosing the dramatic entry of Free Jazz into the core of the Jazz tradition, but every second of the music captured on this album is true Holy Grail!

Updated: 26/05/2024Posted: 26/05/2024

CD 4 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES MINGUS ~ CHANGES: THE COMPLETE 1970S ATLANTIC STUDIO RECORDINGS ATLANTIC 603497838363 (Barcode: 603497838363) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 - 1978 Released: 2023 This 7CD Box Set combines all the studio recordings made by the great American Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist for the AtlanticFind albums on this label label during the last period of his life between 1973 and 1978. These recordings were released on seven albums, which appear here in their remastered versions: “Mingus MovesFind albums with this title”, “Changes OneFind albums with this title”, “Changes TwoFind albums with this title”, “Three Or Four Shades Of BluesFind albums with this title”, “Cumbia & Jazz FusionFind albums with this title”, “Me, Myself An EyeFind albums with this title” and finally “Something Like A BirdFind albums with this title”. All the music on these albums, with a few exceptions, was composed by Mingus. CD1 adds two outtakes and CD5 adds one outtake. The LP version of this Box Set adds an entire LP8 with seven outtakes. The list of participating musicians on these albums looks like the who’s who of the American Jazz scene at the time, with the most notable ones being saxophonists George AdamsFind albums by this artist, George ColemanFind albums by this artist and Ricky FordFind albums by this artist, pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist, drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist, guitarists Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist and Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, and many others. The above albums mark the second period of Mingus recordings for Atlantic. Between 1956 and 1961 he recorded several albums for the label, but he was not under exclusive contract with the label at the time. Those albums can be found in the great Box Set released in 1997, called “Passions Of A Man: The Complete Atlantic Recordings 1956-1961Find albums with this title”. Overall, this Box Sets presents some of the most important American Jazz recordings of all time, preserving the incredible legacy of one of its most important protagonists. Mingus was a great innovator and at the same time a key keeper of the flame, combining the American Jazz tradition with modern trends, unlike most of his contemporaries, who preferred to be stuck in the past. This last period of his life turned out to be also perhaps his most productive and daring, definitely the most mature and aesthetically balanced. All of the music in this Box Set is a Holy Grail of American Jazz, sadly also one of the last displays of its productivity and genius. For Jazz lovers, who don’t own all these albums separately, this Box Set is an absolute must, but those who already have all this material in their collections, it adds almost nothing new, except for neat packaging and remastered sound quality.

Updated: 11/01/2024Posted: 11/01/2024

CD 7 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

DON PULLEN ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE CAM JAZZ 1017 (Barcode: 8052405140432) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 - 1985 Released: 2012 This superb Box Set collects all the albums recorded by the legendary American pianist / composer Don PullenFind albums by this artist on the twin Italian independent labels: Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label. Pullen needs no introduction to any serious Jazz connoisseur; suffice to say that his prolific output and a career stretching over four decades is a superb example of an Artists constantly developing and changing his perspective on his Art form. In his early days Pullen played Avant-Garde and Free Jazz, but in various stages of his career he also excelled as more conventional modern player, for example with Charles MingusFind albums by this artist in the 1970s. He co-led for many years an excellent ensemble with saxophonist / composed George AdamsFind albums by this artist. The music included here includes seven of his recordings, ranging from solo piano albums to duet, trio, quartet and quintet settings. The list of his partners includes saxophonists Sam RiversFind albums by this artist, Chico FreemanFind albums by this artist and Joseph JarmanFind albums by this artist and many other outstanding musicians. Remastered, mini-sleeved, and with a great bargain price – this Box Set an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker 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 to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 12/04/2020Posted:

CD 7 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend