Record Reviews
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  | MATTI CASPI ~ ORIGINAL ALBUMS VOL.2
NMC (ISRAEL) 22432 (Barcode: 7294276224328) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1984 Released: 2012
This is the 2nd Box Set collection of original albums by Israeli singer / composer Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist, one of the most important Israeli music figures, who played a central role on the emerging local music scene in the 1970s and in retrospect can be considered as one of the Godfathers of what we now consider as contemporary Israeli music. The set includes the following albums: "Matti CaspiFind albums with this title" – 1st album released in 1974, "Side A Side BFind albums with this title" – 3rd album released in 1978, "Matti Caspi Sings Sasha ArgovFind albums with this title" – 6th album released in 1982 and "Mattityahu And AlexanderFind albums with this title" – 8th album released in 1984. The eponymous debut album was one of the great milestones of Israeli music and influenced generations of Israeli musicians with its originality, wonderful melodic quality and above all its personal statement, which clearly expressed the belief in braking barriers and taboos in complete defiance of the commonly accepted standards. The 3rd album presents Caspi´s versions of the songs, which he wrote originally for other Israeli singers and which were initially performed by them. This album and its two predecessors show how in just a few years Caspi created a body of work, which immediately established his position of a leading Israeli songwriter and one of the leaders of the Israeli born generation of music makers, together with Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist and Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist. The remaining two albums in the set are Caspi´s tribute to the remarkable talents of Alexander ArgovFind albums by this artist (aka. Sasha Argov), the most prominent first generation Israeli composer, who arrived in Israel from Russia in 1934 and who until his death in 1995 was the undisputed royal leader of the local music scene, admired, respected and loved by all Israelis. Argov´s incredible legacy of songs easily equals in its size, beauty, sophistication and originality to the songbooks of Irving BerlinFind albums by this artist, Jerome KernFind albums by this artist, George GershwinFind albums by this artist and other prominent Jewish composers. He brilliantly amalgamated the European Classical heritage, Russian folkloristic themes and the Middle Eastern influences to compose some of the most impressive songs ever written. Most of his songs used brilliant lyrics, mostly written by Israeli poets. Caspi selected some of the songs composed by Argov, arranging them in his very personal style and performs them with obvious respect and deep love, which ipso facto creates a wonderful bridge between the two generations. It´s probably worth mentioning that Caspi plays all the instruments on all these albums, quite brilliantly one might add, which only emphasizes his incredible talent. This is some of the best Israeli music ever made and of course it is absolutely essential listening. This reissue saves this music from the cruel fate of oblivion, which is a most commendable act of keeping our Culture alive. A must!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA ~ PLAYS
CONCORD 888072171442 (Barcode: 888072171442) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2020
This is a 2CD album of solo piano performances by iconic American Jazz pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist. The recording dates and places are not specified, which is highly unusual, but the album was released first on Chick’s label in 2018, and this is the second edition released in 2020, just a few months before his death. The recording quality is absolutely sublime all the way through.
Corea plays some of his original compositions as well as his interpretations of works by Classical Music composers like Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist, Domenico ScarlattiFind albums by this artist and Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist or other Jazz composers like Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, George GershwinFind albums by this artist, Antonio Carlos JobimFind albums by this artist and Paco De LuciaFind albums by this artist. A couple of piano duets (played on one piano) are also included, one with Israeli pianist Yaron HermanFind albums by this artist and another with French pianist Charles HeisserFind albums by this artist. Corea also adds his spoken word commentary about the music he is about to perform.
Although the music does not add anything new to listeners familiar with Corea’s music, it is a great document of his Artistry, versatility and his excellent contact with his audience, which always was one of his virtues.
Overall this is a wonderful addition to the extensive recording legacy left to us by Corea, which sparkles and shines, and as always brings infinite joy to the listeners. He was a unique musician and a beautiful human being, and I have been lucky to enjoy both of these qualities at first hand.
| | Updated: 18/02/2022Posted: 18/02/2022 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA ~ SARDINIA
CANDID 33112 (Barcode: 708857331123) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2023
This is a live album by the great American Jazz pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Orchestra da Camera Della SardegnaFind albums by this artist, and released posthumously. The album presents seven tracks, two of which are spoken introductions, three are parts of the Piano Concerto No. 24 by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist and two are by George GershwinFind albums by this artist, one song (in a solo piano version) and the Godly “Rhapsody In Blue”. The album is appropriately subtitled as “A Night of Mozart & Gershwin”.
Corea’s affinity and involvement with Classical Music is well documented on record and with his virtuosity and impeccable taste at helm, the results of his flirting with Classical Music were always extraordinary, as is, not surprisingly, this one. Captured about a couple of years before Corea’s untimely death, it shows him still in perfect form, which he managed to preserve to the very end. It seems to be his last live recording available on record so far.
The music is a perfect example of the right balance between the source, i.e. the original scores of the music, and Corea’s interpretations of it, including his improvised parts. It all works absolutely coherently, in perfect harmony and obvious respect, which characterized Corea’s work in all areas throughout his career.
Although described as “unconventional” by critics, personally I don’t see any lack of convention in this music, on the contrary, Corea’s improvisations are playful, intelligent and creative, but perfectly fitting the original compositions, which, if such thing was possible, most probably would have been approved by the original composers with a huge smile and a raised hat.
“Rhapsody In Blue” (RIB) is probably the most influential piece of music in my life and I have listened to countless versions of it, both live and on record, in the seven decades since my existence on this speck of dirt we all share. My very early years were full of Classical Music, which I have spent conducting orchestras in front of our old, big radio in our living room. Gershwin’s RIB was a true shock, as it opened by ears to a new world, which at the time I didn’t even know exists, called Jazz. Although RIB is completely composed, every note of it, it is full of Jazz spirit, even if Gershwin himself didn’t really intend it to be so. The solo piano parts just beg to be expanded by improvisation, a concept I was not familiar with at the time, but sensed deeply, and comparing different versions of this Masterpiece became a sort of obsession for me. Imagine my surprise, when during a conversation with Chick Corea, who visited my home, we discovered a common enthusiasm about this piece of music (which Corea mentions in his introduction). Listening to this album vividly and fondly brings back that and other conversations I was lucky to have with the Maestro. It is therefore not surprising that the version of RIB on this album is my favorite moment. Corea’s touches on the keyboard herein are simply divine. What a pity you are gone my Friend.
Overall, this is a brilliant example of what this kind of Jazz-Classical Fusion is all about: respect, intelligence, vison and above all honesty! For the many Corea’s followers, this is an absolute must, especially those less aware of his love affair with Classical Music. Somehow, quite surprisingly, this album was almost completely ignored upon its release, which is a true shame. Absolutely not to be missed!
| | Updated: 02/01/2024Posted: 02/01/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ~ WYNTON MARSALIS: BLUES SYMPHONY
PENTATONE 8717306262323 (Barcode: 8717306262323) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2023 Released: 2025
This is an album by the Detroit Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by the Italian conductor Jader BignaminiFind albums by this artist, who is also the orchestra’s musical director, performing the “Blues Symphony”, composed by the renown American Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist in 2009. Marsalis describes it as follows: “The Blues Symphony is a seven-movement work, that gives a symphonic identity to the form and feeling of the blues”. The recording was made in close cooperation with the composer.
Wynton Marsalis is undoubtedly one of the greatest American Jazz trumpeters in all time, a highly talented Jazz composer and a renowned bandleader, as well as a respected performed of Classical Music, but he is also a highly controversial figure among the worldwide Jazz community, often accused of being intolerant and despotic. Regardless of where one finds oneself with regards to this debate, there is no denying that he knows his music, which is also obvious to anybody listening to this album.
In some respects, the symphony is conceptually and aesthetically similar to earlier works, which combine the Blues / Jazz threads with Classical Music, such as those of George GershwinFind albums by this artist, Leonard BernsteinFind albums by this artist or Gunther SchullerFind albums by this artist, to name just a few American composers (but there were also many European ones as well of course). My personal attitude to this amalgam is purely non-cerebral and I try to enjoy them, rather than analyze them, since purely theoretical / musical analysis often works against them, which the Yiddish phrase “nisht ahin und nisht aher” sums up perfectly.
Overall, this is a very entertaining, easy-listening and enjoyable piece of music, which does not really require any serious knowledge of neither the Blues nor Symphonic Music. The orchestra performs the music superbly, the sound is very well balanced and clear, and the music is pleasant and flows elegantly, what more should one ask for?
| | Updated: 21/03/2025Posted: 21/03/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICHARD GALLIANO ~ AROUND GERSHWIN
PENTATONE 8717306262293 (Barcode: 8717306262293) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2023 - 2024 Released: 2024
This is a solo album by French Jazz accordion / bandoneon virtuoso Richard GallianoFind albums by this artist, which as the title indicates, is dedicated to the music of George GershwinFind albums by this artist, but also other early 20th Century composers, like Sergei RachmaninoffFind albums by this artist, Eric SatieFind albums by this artist, Claude DebussyFind albums by this artist, Maurice RavelFind albums by this artist and Gabriel FaureFind albums by this artist, all adapted for accordion by Galliano, and also including a couple of pieces composed by himself. The album presents fourteen tracks and offers a splendid sound quality.
I have been following the career of Galliano since as long as I can remember (he is almost exactly one year older than me) and he was always one of my favorite Jazz musicians, long before he achieved the international fame and recognition. His incredible sensitivity and power of expression are almost unparalleled, and his openness to other musical cultures and genres makes him a true total Artist. His accumulated contribution to European Jazz is simply colossal.
This is not the first album which finds Galliano interpreting Classical music, and his earlier albums with music by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, Antonio VivaldiFind albums by this artist or Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist are all warmly recommended, but this album is closest to my heart, for several reasons. Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” is my all-time favorite piece of music (as irresponsible as that kind of statement might sound), and Galliano’s interpretation of it is simply Godly. I have heard hundreds of recordings of RIB, but this is definitely one of the most profoundly moving ones, especially in view of the completely new environment and the ability to overcome the devilishly difficult score and underlying changes of mood / melody / tempo, etc., which Galliano conquers with his usual wit, intelligence and charm.
But perhaps more important is the statement, subtly hidden behind the vail, which places Gershwin with his “serious” Classical Music contemporaries, recognizing his position as a no less “serious” composer, which is more often than not denied from Gershwin, mostly recognized for his work as a songwriter, with his Classical compositions often ignored and neglected, and which deserves to be put straight.
Overall, this is a marvelous album, full of delightful music, brilliantly performed and cleverly put together, which puts a new light on the sublime music composed by Gershwin, and offers an hour of tete-a-tete between the listener and one of the greatest musicians out there. Another great production by the PentatoneFind albums on this label label and of course, this is something way beyond recommendation…
| | Updated: 04/10/2024Posted: 02/10/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GARRICK ~ PROMISES
VOCALION 8440 (Barcode: 765387844028) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 Released: 2008
Following the release of “October WomanFind albums with this title”, British pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist and his quintet were asked to record a new album soon after. Unfortunately the original quintet member, trumpeter Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist, left UK to join the Kurt EdelhagenFind albums by this artist’s radio Big Band in Germany – one of the best Jazz Orchestras on the continent – where he was to stay for the next four years. Garrick swiftly recruited a replacement, turning to his “half boss” (in the Don RendellFind albums by this artist / Ian CarrFind albums by this artist quintet) trumpeter Ian Carr to step into Keane’s shoes with a few days notice just before the recording. Since his writing was becoming more complex and elaborate, Garrick also expanded his quintet into a sextet with the addition of saxophonist / clarinetist Tony CoeFind albums by this artist. Legendary saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, bassist Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Colin BarnesFind albums by this artist, the original quintet members, completed the lineup. The album includes all original music, composed by Garrick, with the exception of one arrangement of a George GershwinFind albums by this artist tune. Of the 10 tracks present, 7 are played by the sextet and 3 by a piano trio, where bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist replaces Goode. The music is absolutely marvelous, with Garrick’s writing reaching maturity and self-confidence. The performances are stellar, with Harriott playing perhaps more beautifully than on any other album. The entire album is complete uninterrupted musical bliss from start to finish and a remarkable example of early European Jazz of the highest quality. Even the most dedicated Garrick followers will have to admit that this is definitely one of his best achievements, a magic moment captured for posterity for us to enjoy and revere. Essential stuff!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SLAWOMIR JASKULKE ~ FILL THE HARMONY PHILHARMONICS
BCD 04 (Barcode: 5906881885031) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004
This is the third album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Slawomir JaskulkeFind albums by this artist, which presents a five parts suite for piano trio and chamber orchestra of the Jazz-Classical Fusion variety. The additional trio members are bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist, one of Polish Jazz most renowned bassists (Simple Acoustic TrioFind albums by this artist, Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist), and drummer Krzysztof DziedzicFind albums by this artist. The orchestral parts are performed by the Hanseatica Chamber OrchestraFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Mika UrbaniakFind albums by this artist is featured on one track. The music was composed by Jaskulke, who was twenty four years old at the time.
This ambitious project, undertaken by such a young musician, is quite extraordinary by any standard. Although Jazz and Classical music have been previously combined with various degree of success, this attempt is certainly quite different from all the others, employing musical devices, themes and arrangements often contrasting and seemingly clashing with other, like the vocal Rap part in the midst of a fragment performed by the strings. The Jazz trio interludes move in and out of the orchestral accompaniment, as do the solo piano parts. The overall structure does not seem to follow any of the pre-ordained Classical musical configurations, and Jaskulke appears to be using the orchestra as a tool rather than a point of reference.
Although free-structured, the music maintains a melodic backbone, which re-appears both in the orchestral and the trio parts. The listener might find this music quite difficult to absorb, certainly during the initial listening phases, since things seldom continue for a period of time long enough to begin to sound "familiar". There is a sense or urgency and unrest, which is reminiscent of music composed for suspense movies. But listeners willing to listen patiently and repeatedly will eventually embrace the entire piece, finding its intrinsic logic.
The Classical parts are obviously influenced by contemporary composers and a well trained might hear traces of George GershwinFind albums by this artist, The French Modernists and of course the Polish avant-gardists (Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist & Co.). Polish composer / pianist Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist presides as well, if not bodily then surely spiritually. Stylistically this hodge-podge might need some polishing and sorting out, but give the guy a break; after all he is only twenty four…
Regardless if one enjoys this music or not, it surely deserves to be appreciated for its aesthetic merits, its audacity and its innovation. Perhaps it is a bit over the top, but people who don´t dare don´t get there. Personally I quite like it and wholeheartedly recommend it to music aficionados, who are after the less obvious yet more rewarding game.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | KARIN KROG ~ GERSHWIN WITH KARIN KROG
MEANTIME 04 (Barcode: 7051070000042) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1973 - 1989 Released: 1993
This is a reissue / remaster of the sixth album by the Norwegian Jazz singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1973 and 1974 with a fabulous quartet of Norwegian musicians: saxophonist Bjarne NeremFind albums by this artist, pianist Egil KapstadFind albums by this artist, bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist. The original album presented nine tracks, all standards composed by George GershwinFind albums by this artist, and this edition adds three tracks recorded in 1989 in a duet with Kapstad on electric piano.
This album is a wonderful document of the early days of Krog’s career, with her idiosyncratic approach and style already well in place. It also documents the Scandinavian Jazz scene in the 1970s, which was developing rapidly, partly due to the fact that many American Jazz musicians settled in Scandinavia at the time, escaping the racist discrimination from which they suffered at home.
Krog was always a sublime interpreter of the Great American Songbook, and her highly personal treatment of the standards was always absolutely unique, which is clearly evident on this early album. She was also a great lover of Gershwin’s songs and performed those often during her career. Of course the performances by the Norwegian players are also exceptional.
Overall, this is a wonderful trip down the memory line, taking the listener fifty years back in time to the steaming Norwegian Jazz scene, which was exploding with talent and left a sublime legacy, which sounds as good today as it did then. For Jazz singers, this is a highly educational exposure of the Artistry of vocal Jazz.
| | Updated: 03/10/2023Posted: 03/10/2023 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | LESZEK KULAKOWSKI ~ PIANO CONCERTO / SKETCHES FOR JAZZ TRIO & SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
DUX 0387 (Barcode: 5902547003870) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012
Polish pianist / composer Leszek KulakowskiFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly one of his country´s most idiosyncratic musical personalities, spearheading and representing the continuous love affair between Jazz and Classical music in his country. Considering the fact that most Polish Jazz musicians are graduates of musical academic institutions, some of them with Classical as well as Jazz studies behind them, it is hardly surprising that the amalgamation of these two genres happens quite often on the Polish scene. Some Polish Jazz musicians play their interpretations of Classical compositions, most often those by the Polish pianist / composer Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist; others utilize Classical music methods, devices and techniques in their Jazz compositions; and yet others compose large scale compositions, often involving entire symphonic orchestras, like the music by Kulakowski included herein.
This album includes two separate works by Kulakowski, both involving piano and a symphony orchestra: his "Piano Concerto" and the "Sketches For Jazz Trio & Symphony Orchestra". The piano concerto is performed by his brother Bogdan KulakowskiFind albums by this artist as the soloist and the sketches are performed by a piano trio, this time with the composer in the piano chair, with bassist Piotr KulakowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Jacek PelcFind albums by this artist. Both works are performed with the Baltic Philharmonic Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist in Gdansk conducted by Szymon BywalecFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live at the Baltic Philharmonic in Gdansk during the Komeda Jazz Festival.
Although this is by far not the first attempt of its kind to merge Jazz and Classical music, the music on this album is quite surprising, principally as far as the attempt to create a bona fide Classical composition, especially in the case of the piano concerto, rather than a more "entertaining" mixture of the genres, which could be much more accessible to the average listener. There have been very few attempts to compose a piano concerto, soaked with Jazz undertones and yet so typically Classical in approach and structure. The obvious example of George GershwinFind albums by this artist´s "Piano Concerto in F" (and his other works) comes to mind immediately, not suggesting any direct links between these works, but as a point of reference. The composer seems certainly to be able to create a fully organic, although stylistically retrograde, piece of Classical music, which is moving and aesthetically fulfilling. The Jazz citations, chords and references will be of course more obvious to listeners with a Jazz background rather than to those with a strict Classical one, but both should be able to immensely enjoy the music.
The sketches are definitely more "entertaining", with easily recognizable melody lines and fine lyrical atmosphere, lush string accompaniment and nice orchestral "outbursts" always in the right places. This is an elegant and intelligent piece of music, and although less original than the piano concerto, it has its own merits, especially the wonderful balance and integration between the trio and the orchestra, which is usually the weakest link of this type of musical encounters.
The performances are quite excellent, both those by the soloists and by the orchestra. The live recording is somewhat mushy and lacking definition, but mostly well balanced, but that is a matter for fineschmeckers to deliberate upon; most listeners should be utterly satisfied with the sonic quality, on top of their admiration of the musical contents.
This album is an excellent testimony as to the versatility, quality and artistic ability of the Polish Jazz scene, which has truly very little competition elsewhere. Of course it is another superb addition to the musical legacy of Leszek Kulakowski, who is surely about to take all his admirers by surprise again sometime in the near future. Kudos Maestro!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOJCIECH STARONIEWICZ ~ KARAMBOLA
ALLEGRO 001 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999
This album by veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist was recorded with a septet, which also included trumpeter Robert MajewskiFind albums by this artist, trombonist Grzegorz NagorskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Cezary PaciorekFind albums by this artist, bassist Olgierd WalickiFind albums by this artist, drummer Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist and Indonesian (living in Netherlands) percussionist Nippy NoyaFind albums by this artist. It includes seven compositions, five of which are originals by the leader and two are standards.
It was also the first release on his own record label, called AllegroFind albums on this label Records, one of the first musician´s owned independent record labels in Poland, which just a decade prior to the release date of this album finally managed to shake off the Socialist regime. During that regime´s rule, which lasted for forty five years, all recordings in Poland were released only by the state owned record label, which single-handedly dictated which music saw the light of day and which didn´t. Of course as a result many great musicians, especially those with Avant Garde inclinations or anti-Government attitude, never received the opportunity to make an album. After the regime´s fall by the end of 1980s, the economic realities replaced the political censorship as a decisive factor as to which music will be released, and an independent, self owned record label is definitely the best solution. In retrospect Allegro Records managed to become one of the leading such labels in Poland, releasing consistently excellent material by the owner, his many friends and other Polish Jazz musicians.
The music on this album presents a change of direction for Staroniewicz, as for the first time his great love for World Music is revealed in full. Strongly influenced by Cuban music and other South American musical accents, the music emerges as a superb amalgam of classic mainstream with these folkloristic elements. Beautifully arranged and perfectly executed, it is a non-stop delight from start to finish, with plenty of great soloing and excellent support by the rhythm section. The presence of Noya adds greatly to the overall sound and enhances the World Music feel. Although to a great extent sophisticated, the music sounds really "easy" and most of all danceable, which is a rare achievement. There is an incredible version of George GershwinFind albums by this artist´s "Summertime" here, which will make your behind vibrate.
This is definitely an album every true Jazz connoisseur would love to have in his collection. I can´t help it but to recommend it wholeheartedly. Superb stuff!
| | Updated: 17/12/2018Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BARBARA THOMPSON / APOLLO SAXOPHONE QUARTET ~ THREE QUARTETS
CELESTIAL HARMONIES 13263 (Barcode: 013711326321) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2006
This is an album featuring music composed by British Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, performed by the Apollo Saxophone QuartetFind albums by this artist, which comprises of Rob BucklandFind albums by this artist (alto), Andy ScottFind albums by this artist (tenor), Dave RoachFind albums by this artist (baritone) and Tim RedpathFind albums by this artist (soprano). The material presents three saxophone quartets, in five, six and four movements, a total of nineteen tracks. The music was recorded by Barbara’s husband Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist at St. Margaret’s Church, Chipstead, Surrey and the album, also produced by Hiseman, offers spectacular sound quality.
Thompson, primarily known as one of the most prominent British Jazz musicians and leader of ensembles, had also less familiar sides to her extensive musical persona, like her interest in Classical Music, which is brilliantly exposed on this album. Following her diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 1997, which she incredibly bravely fought until her death in 2022, with the understanding that her career of playing live music will suffer, she decided to devote more time into composing, which, among other things, resulted in composing these three saxophone quartets in the early 2000s.
The structure of these quartets follows to some degree the concept of a classic string quartet, with four instruments, each playing a distinct part, performing in perfect harmony. Of course in the case of the saxophones, the range between the soprano and the baritone offers a much wider scale and infinite possibilities, which Thompson facilitates herein with pure genius.
Although the music is strictly written, following the Classical formulas, and there is no improvisation per se, the music manages to swing and swirl in a Jazzy manner, so characteristic to Thompson’s inner self. So despite the music being Classical by form, it is Jazzy by emotion and soul, somewhat in a similar fashion like “Rhapsody In Blue”, by George GershwinFind albums by this artist, which is one of the most brilliant examples of Classical Music, which swings madly.
The music is of course absolutely wonderful, from start to finish, superbly performed by the members of the quartet, and offers an emotional depth and aesthetic perfection, which creates a feeling of elation and bliss on an exceptional scale.
Overall, this is a sublime piece of music and perhaps another way to remember Barbara Thompson for all she has done for music lovers during her life and eternity, leaving such a brilliant legacy. This album is a breathtaking musical experience!
| | Updated: 04/10/2024Posted: 04/10/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SARAH VAUGHAN ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886919058727 (Barcode: 886919058727) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1949 - 1987 Released: 2012
American singer Sarah VaughanFind albums by this artist was undoubtedly one of the brightest stars of the female vocal Jazz scene, a member of a very limited legendary league, which includes but a few others. Her absolutely unique style, an amazing vocal range from female baritone to mezzo-soprano and a highly personal interpretation of the material she performed remain largely unmatched to this very day. She is a major influence as far as Jazz vocals are considered and many vocalists name her as their major source of inspiration. She is often referred to as a Jazz diva, a title earned but very few other female Jazz personalities.
During her career, which lasted for over five decades, Vaughan recorded an impressive body of work, released by several record labels. Strangely enough her association with ColumbiaFind albums on this label covers the early days (1949-1953) of her recording career, as well as her final recordings in the 1980s. Her entire recorded output is collected on four CDs, the first two dedicated to the early recording sessions and the other two to her late output: the live recording of the George GershwinFind albums by this artist and Ira GershwinFind albums by this artist songbook, which was recorded with the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Michel Tilson ThomasFind albums by this artist and her very last album, which included Brazilian music she was so fond of, which was produced by Sergio MendesFind albums by this artist and featured a sublime cast of musicians, including keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist (another Brazilian music enthusiast), guitarist / composer Dorival CaymmiFind albums by this artist and guest vocals by Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist on one track. This last album was recorded just three years before Vaughan died in 1990.
The contrast between the sessions, recorded almost four decades apart, is a wonderful perspective, which enables the listen to truly appreciate the greatness of Vaughan´s abilities. The Box Set is a great document, which should be enjoyed by every Jazz connoisseur, and of course vocal Jazz enthusiast. Marvelous stuff!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | LESLIE WEST ~ BLUE ME
PROVOGUE 7191 (Barcode: 8712725719120) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
2nd recent album by legendary guitarist Leslie WestFind albums by this artist, dedicated to the exploration of his blues roots. Similar to its predecessor (Got BloozeFind albums with this title), the album includes a mixture of blues and rock classics brilliantly performed by West and his cohorts, again including drummer Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist (see John MayallFind albums by this artist, Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist). West lost none of his magic touch, which made MountainFind albums by this artist one of the most distinctive and pioneering groups of the late 1960s. There are no great discoveries here, no groundbreaking pyrotechnics, just perfect blues-rock performances that sound right time after time. If you love Mountain, you’ll love this. If you love the blues, you’ll love this too. Just listen to West’s version of George GershwinFind albums by this artist’s “Summertime” and bliss will take over. So what else can one ask for?
Visitors' Comments
Dr. Rafael Augusto Lara Palmeros
A superb albumn!!!. Leslie West and a group of excellent musicians – Aynsley Dunbar, Tim Fahey, Kevin Curry, Art Groom, Todd Wolfe and Brian Michell - recorded this marvelous music with covers from Leroy Carr, Ida Cox, The Great Muddy Waters, Sonny Thompson and others. The music is a mixture of Blues-Rock and some Bayou sound (´Green River´). West still sings with a gear-shredding roar and guitar lines sound heavier than thunder on this set of blues-rockers. ´Hit the road Jack´ is relatively sleek and elegant (remember Ray Charles version!!), ´Four day creep´ is a Blues-Rock as old times (West, Bruce and Laing), ´Standing around crying´ is a real good Blues. Gershwin´s ´Summertime´, that closes the albumn is plenity moody, with West´s guitar weeping and a exceptional Brian Mitchell playing piano. A must for a real Blues-Rock fan!!. 4.5 stars.
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  | BRIAN WILSON ~ REIMAGINES GERSHWIN
DISNEY 5099990650024 (Barcode: 5099990650024) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
This is the ninth solo studio album by The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist founder, leader and creative Genius Brian WilsonFind albums by this artist, who keeps producing great music as if the passing of time eluded him completely. This very special project presents Wilson´s homage / tribute to America´s greatest ever composer of songs, George GershwinFind albums by this artist, who´s musical heritage changed the face of popular music. Wilson arranged ten of Gershwin´s most popular songs in his very special way, using superb vocal harmonies and a big Orchestra. He also selected two unfinished Gershwin´s songs and completed them for the inclusion on this album. The twelve songs were bookended by a couple of arrangements of fragments taken from Gershwin´s "Rhapsody in Blue".
Although Gershwin´s songs have received endless interpretations by Jazz musicians, they are rarely seriously treated by Pop / Rock artists, certainly in recent years. Wilson creates an amalgam of Gershwin´s music with his vocal and orchestral arrangements that are his trademarks for the last half a century. The result is a beautiful melodic blend of classic Beach Boys / Wilson songbook that embraces Gershwin´s music tenderly, lovingly and most importantly respectfully.
Wilson was described by some "critics" as "competing" with Gershwin and using his fame to boost his own hype. That is obviously ridiculous to anybody seriously listening to this album, as it content emphasizes above anything else Wilson´s deep love for Gershwin´s music. There is perhaps nothing very extraordinary in these arrangements, but since they differ so much from the usually heard Jazzy interpretations, they are a breath of fresh air.
Wilson obviously contributes to cementing the position of Gershwin´s music as America´s cultural contribution to the world. His own contributions belong, of course, to the same category, without any need of competing for this status. The album is a great fun to listen to and "is here to stay" :)
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