Record Reviews

BILL EVANS ~ SOME OTHER TIME: THE LOST SESSION FROM THE BLACK FOREST RESONANCE 2019 (Barcode: 096802280276) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2016 This is a sensational archival album by the greatest Jazz pianist of all time, Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio setting with bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the legendary MPSFind albums on this label Records studio in Villingen, Germany, on June 20, 1968, by the owner of the label Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) and produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. The material was subsequently not released, despite several attempts, and remained in the MPS vaults for almost five decades, to be finally released by ResonanceFind albums on this label Records. The recording took place just five days after Evans and the trio recorded the iconic live album “At The Montreux Jazz FestivalFind albums with this title”. The 2CD album presents eleven tracks on CD1, which were selected for the intended MPS album, which never materialized, and ten tracks on CD2, which are outtakes and alternate takes, all of course worth being heard. Evans did eventually record an album for MPS some six years later, the groundbreaking orchestral “SymbiosisFind albums with this title”, which is a completely another pair of shoes. The music consists of a mixture of standards and Evans’ originals, executed with passion and elegance, which were always the essential ingredients of Evans’ music. There are trio, duo and solo performances. The phenomenal and literally symbiotic relationship between Evans and Gomez is omnipresent and the bass gets a prominent presence in the mix and numerous solo spots, in contrast to the drums, which are almost completely far in the background, when present at all. DeJohnette was a member of the trio for just a few months and this is perhaps why his role on this album is minimized, which results in most of the music sounding like a piano / bass duo, which of course does not lessen any of the music’s magic quality. Overall, this is a wonderful addition to the Bill Evans recorded legacy, covering a lesser documented period of his activity. For the many Evans’ followers it is of course a must, and although it does not reveal anything previously not captured on record, it is certainly a superb piece of Jazz history

Updated: 23/02/2024Posted: 15/05/2023

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HANK JONES ~ HAVE YOU MET THIS JONES? MPS 4029759097310 (Barcode: 4029759097310) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of a little known album by American pianist Hank JonesFind albums by this artist, the oldest of the three famous Jones Brothers (Thad, Elvin and Hank) recorded with a trio with also included Swiss bassist Isla EckingerFind albums by this artist and German drummer Kurt BongFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in Germany for the MPSFind albums on this label label and produced by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist. It presents eight tracks, one of which is an original composition by Hank Jones, one is by his brother Thad JonesFind albums by this artist and the remaining six are standards. Jones was famous for his delicate touch and superb feel, which made him one of the most sought after accompanists by Jazz vocalists like Ella FitzgeraldFind albums by this artist and many others, but played Bebop and may other forms of Jazz with the same ease and elegance. This date finds him playing mainstream Jazz with his typical finesse and in a very relaxed atmosphere. For classic Jazz piano trio lovers this is heaven on earth, especially in view of the excellent sonic quality this album offers. Although Jones recorded many albums during his long career, this is one of very few albums he recorded with a European rhythm section, and therefore a rare opportunity to investigate of the influence of these players on his performance. This forgotten little gem is definitely worth being discovered! 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: 27/05/2018Posted: 26/05/2016

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

OSCAR PETERSON ~ EXCLUSIVELY FOR MY FRIENDS MPS 4029759103257 (Barcode: 4029759103257) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1971 Released: 2015 This Box Set presents the reissues of the six albums ("ActionFind albums with this title", "Girl TalkFind albums with this title", "The Way I Really PlayFind albums with this title", "My Favorite InstrumentFind albums with this title", "Mellow MoodFind albums with this title" and "Travelin` OnFind albums with this title") recorded by the legendary Canadian pianist Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist between 1963 and 1968. The music was recorded at the private villa owned by German music producer Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist during a series of house concerts entitled "Exclusively For My Friends", which were recorded using the private studio located in the villa. When Brunner-Schwer started the now legendary MPSFind albums on this label label in 1968, he released these six albums on his new label with great artistic and commercial success. The Box Set also includes two later releases, which collect previously unreleased material from these sessions, as well as from later sessions by Peterson recorded for MPS, entitled "The Lost Tapes 1Find albums with this title" & "The Lost Tapes 2Find albums with this title". Most of the music was recorded in a classic piano trio format and features bassists Ray BrownFind albums by this artist and Sam JonesFind albums by this artist and drummers Ed ThigpenFind albums by this artist, Bobby DurhamFind albums by this artist and Louis HayesFind albums by this artist, except for "My Favorite Instrument", which is a solo piano album and a couple of tracks on the "The Lost Tapes 2" which feature other players. Although Peterson is often considered as "one of the greatest Jazz pianists", mostly by American Jazz critics and writers, this is definitely a big exaggeration. He was undoubtedly one of the most technically proficient Jazz pianists and was loved by many Jazz fans for his smooth and accessible approach, but in retrospect, his decision to say deeply within the Jazz mainstream during the period when Jazz was moving rapidly forward, made his overall contribution to Jazz rather marginal. His style was always flashy and extremely pretentious, which was sometimes hard to bear. These splendidly recorded albums and their perfect execution did not save the music from aging rather ungracefully, and today they sound sort of banal and a bit dull overall. Of course connoisseurs of classic piano trio Jazz recordings will find here plenty of satisfying moments, but more up to date listeners might find this quite passé. Take your pick! 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: 26/01/2019Posted: 20/05/2018

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

OSCAR PETERSON ~ WALKING THE LINE MPS 4029759113447 (Barcode: 4029759113447) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of an album by Canadian Jazz pianist / composer Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist, which was his tenth album for MPSFind albums on this label out of the fifteen albums he recorded for the label, all produced by the legendary label´s founder Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist. The album features a trio, which includes bassist Jiri MrazFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. George MrazFind albums by this artist) and drummer Ray PriceFind albums by this artist, and performs eight tunes, one of which is an original composition by Peterson and seven are standards. Peterson is considered as one of the greatest Jazz piano players of all times and has to this day many faithful fans all over the world. He undoubtedly was a Master musician and his technique was nothing short of brilliant, but his repertoire stayed within very constrained, mainstream oriented material, leaning towards the more entertaining side of the Jazz idiom. As such, his audiences included many music listeners beyond the strict Jazz sphere. Although brilliantly recorded and wonderfully swinging, this music, especially in retrospect, made little impact on the development of the Jazz idiom. Peterson recorded very prolifically (over two hundred albums), but his albums sounded all quite similar to one another, and this album is no exception. The many Peterson fans will surely love to have this album back in circulation, especially with an enhanced / remastered sound and elegant packaging. 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: 20/12/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SINGERS UNLIMITED / ART VAN DAMME ~ INVITATION MPS 4029759097464 (Barcode: 4029759097464) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of the 5th album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, which comprised of Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. The group was discovered by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist, owner of the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label Records, who produced, recorded and released most of their albums between 1971 and 1977. On this album they are accompanied by the American accordionist Art Van DammeFind albums by this artist (a pioneering Jazz accordionist) and a dreamy team comprising of top German Jazz players: guitarist Sigi SchwabFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Heribert ThusekFind albums by this artist, bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Charly AntoliniFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eleven popular songs and Jazz standards, carefully arranged for the vocal and instrumental ensembles. Although this album presents the lighter side of the Jazz idiom, it is far from being trivial. Singers Unlimited was one of the top vocal Jazz quartets at the time and had very little competition in their highly sophisticated multilayered vocal arrangements, except the Polish ensemble NOVIFind albums by this artist Singers. The instrumental work is also a living proof of the level of European Jazz players at the time, which was not inferior to anything coming from across the pond. This album is a great fun to listen to, even though decades passed since it was recorded. Fans of vocal Jazz and especially vocal ensembles which sung in perfect harmony as if they were created by a multi-mouthed being should have a field day with this music. I suppose there are not too many accordion Jazz fans around, but those few out there will find this to be an absolute must. 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: 21/01/2025Posted: 01/07/2016

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CECIL TAYLOR ~ FLY! FLY! FLY! FLY! FLY! PROMISING MUSIC 44117 (Barcode: 602537004287) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1980 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of a solo piano album by American Avant-Garde Jazz pianist / composer Cecil TaylorFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions by Taylor and it was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. The packaging includes the original liner notes by Berendt which brilliantly emphasize his extraordinary vision of Jazz music. Included also are Taylor insights on the music as well as reflections by German Avant-Garde Jazz pioneer Alexander von SchlippenbachFind albums by this artist. The music is everything one might expect from Taylor, which is a completely unbounded freedom of Artistic imagination, combined with his own vision of Jazz and music and general. Despite the enormous complexity of the music it is subconsciously melodic, which of course removes the barriers often surrounding Improvised Music / Free Jazz. It is quite obvious that Taylor feels relaxed and fully appreciated in the elegant and respectful circumstances of the legendary MPSFind albums on this label studio in presence of Berendt and the studio owner / recording engineer Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist. It is no wonder that Taylor performed and recorded extensively in Europe, where his Art was wholeheartedly accepted and appreciated. Among his extensive, almost entirely live, discography this studio album stands out as one of the most coherent and concise pieces of music he ever recorded and is one of his most memorable performances. Overall, this is a precious document of the long-lasting career by one of the bravest and most influential Jazz Avant-Gardists, capturing him at a mid-point of his illustrious recording legacy. This album is an absolute must for the Improvised Music / Free Jazz enthusiasts, and considering the sound quality as well as the concentrated creative effort, it is a true gem of the genre! 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: 29/12/2023Posted: 30/06/2023

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend