Record Reviews

GINGER BAKER / AIR FORCE ~ AIR FORCE LEMON 022 (Barcode: 5013929762220) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1970 Released: 2004 1st album by the legendary ensemble Air ForceFind albums by this artist, formed by drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist following the collapse of the two Rock super-groups he was a member of: CreamFind albums by this artist and Blind FaithFind albums by this artist. Baker formed the ensemble to pursue the music he was truly interested in, which included Jazz and African Music. He managed to persuade a large number of British luminaries to join forces in this ambitious project, creating a first of its kind Jazz-Rock-World Fusion ensemble. The list of the participants reads like a who´s who of the British music scene at the time and includes: Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist (organ and vocals) and Rick GrechFind albums by this artist (bass) – both ex-Blind Faith, Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Denny LaineFind albums by this artist, Chris WoodFind albums by this artist, the great Harold McNairFind albums by this artist and Baker´s revered teacher and legendary British Jazz drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist. The first album was recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall and was originally released as a double LP. The music is a wonderful mixture of Jazz, Rock and World Music, performed with passion and virtuosity. The lengthy tracks allow for extended instrumental improvisations and the two drummers have ample opportunity to engage in mighty duels. In retrospect the album is visionary and educational, allowing a glimpse at a time when musical dreams were realized. This pioneering effort is a wonderful legacy for generations to come and includes many unforgettable moments. Unavailable for decades, this CD reissue is a wonderful opportunity to get familiar with a piece of musical legacy, which remains untouched by time. Absolutely not to be missed!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HARRY BECKETT ~ WARM SMILES / THEMES FOR FEGA VOCALION 8430 (Barcode: 765387843021) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2006 Trumpeter / composer Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist has been a prominent figure on the British Jazz scene for five decades. Born in Barbados, he arrived on London in the early 1950s and soon became an integral part of the burgeoning community. Beckett was one of several musicians who arrived in London from the West Indies and left a most significant mark on the local scene, like saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist. Over the years Beckett was a member of many front-line groups, participated in countless recording sessions and appeared and numerous albums, many of which are considered absolute classics today. This album presents his second and third albums as a leader, recorded a year apart and with almost identical personnel. On Warm SmilesFind albums with this title he leads a sextet with Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist – sax, Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist – vibes and percussion, John TaylorFind albums by this artist – piano, Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist – bass and John WebbFind albums by this artist – drums. On Themes For FegaFind albums with this title the group is expanded to a septet with the addition of Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist – sax. Beckett composed all the music on both albums and they are a prime example of the glorious British Jazz of the period. Beckett’s virtuosity and incredibly warm and clear sound is beautifully complimented by his colleague’s contributions. Definitely a most worthwhile addition to any Jazz collection and a must for lovers of British Jazz form the 1970s.

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOHN CAMERON ~ KES (SOUNDTRACK) TRUNK 001 (Barcode: 5060033500026) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2001 Pianist / composer John CameronFind albums by this artist was active on the British Jazz scene in the 1960s, before moving on to become one of the country’s foremost composers of film scores. The music composed for the classic British film KesFind albums with this title, directed by Ken LoachFind albums by this artist, was Cameron’s first film score. The brilliant film, considered as one of the top 10 films ever made in Britain, was a culmination of the 1960s “new wave” cinematography movement, which produced a long list of superb films (mostly black and white) reflecting the life in post WW2 Britain. Cameron produced superb music for the film, a true masterpiece, which is completely viable on its own as well as being perfect for the film. Performed by a group of mostly Jazz musicians, some of which played with Cameron on his brilliant Off CentreFind albums with this title album: Harold McNairFind albums by this artist – flute, Ronnie RossFind albums by this artist – bass clarinet, Danny MossFind albums by this artist – clarinet, Tony CarrFind albums by this artist – drums and David SnellFind albums by this artist – harp. Cameron also arranged the orchestral background for some of the pieces, performed by a string section. It is completely unbelievable that this music remained unreleased in any form for over 30 years, and it took the initiative of one Jonny TrunkFind albums by this artist and his TrunkFind albums on this label Records label to bring it back to the surface. Kudos to Mr. Trunk and a big thank you for this wonderful gift of music. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOHN CAMERON ~ OFF CENTRE VOCALION 8409 (Barcode: 765387840921) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005 British composer / arranger / pianist John CameronFind albums by this artist is mostly known to the world for his pioneering work as a composer of film scores and arranger of countless albums, but in the late 1960s he was also an active Jazz player and his quartet played many gigs at the time and also managed to record this album, which remains to this very day as one of my all time favorites. Unfortunately this is almost the solitary session, which allows us to hear John’s exquisite piano work, and therefore it has also an immense historic importance. The quartet also included three absolutely marvelous players: saxophonists and flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist (one of the greatest talents of the British Jazz scene who passed away at a tragically young age), extraordinary bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony CarrFind albums by this artist, who was a central figure on the British scene for many years. This album is special for many reasons, but I’ll mention just a few: first the absolutely brilliant compositions by John, with ingenious melodic lines and unusual time signatures – so typical of the British Jazz around that period; second the divine playing by Harold, whose flute work was second to none; third the level of musicianship displayed by all the players, which is absolutely stunning. Combined, all these factors contribute to making this album so special. Hearing it on CD for the first time, with the magnificent remastering by Michael DuttonFind albums by this artist, was a great experience and I’m delighted that this gem is available again to be enjoyed by the new generation of music lovers. Beyond essential!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

CRESSIDA ~ CRESSIDA / ASYLUM GOTT DISCS 002 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Only 2 albums from 1970 & 1971 by the UK band CressidaFind albums by this artist. Considered by many as superb examples of early Prog, with lots of Hammond and Mellotron and a typical sound of the era. The 1st album is more song oriented, with some great, very melodic tunes. The 2nd is geared more towards longer instrumental passages. The excellent keyboards work was done by Peter JenningsFind albums by this artist. The 2nd album also features some phenomenal flute work by the sadly little known brilliant Harold McNairFind albums by this artist. Surely a must in every serious Prog record collection.

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DONOVAN ~ BREEZES OF PATCHOULI – HIS STUDIO RECORDINGS: 1966-1969 PARLOPHONE 5099992860520 (Barcode: 5099992860520) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1966 - 1969 Released: 2013 This marvelous Box Set collects all the studio recordings by the great British troubadour DonovanFind albums by this artist, recorded during his explosive years, which changed the shape of Pop and Rock music as we know it. It includes the five extraordinary studio albums: "Sunshine SupermanFind albums with this title", "Mellow YellowFind albums with this title", "The Hurdy Gurdy ManFind albums with this title", "BarabajagalFind albums with this title" and finally "A Gift From A Flower To A GardenFind albums with this title" which was originally a double LP. All these albums were released by EpicFind albums on this label in the USA and PyeFind albums on this label in UK, often out of sync and with different track lists, as a result of the usual music business BS that prevailed at the time. These albums feature all original songs written by Donovan and were produced by the British producer Mickie MostFind albums by this artist. Some of the arrangements were written by the great John CameronFind albums by this artist and the list of supporting musicians reads like a who´s who of the British Jazz and Rock scene at the time: pianist John Cameron, flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist, guitarists Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, drummers Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist and Tony CarrFind albums by this artist and many others. In addition to the five original albums on three CDs, this set includes a fourth CD full of bonus material, which wonderfully fills in and expands the picture of Donovan´s creativity. A well researched booklet with overview of Donovan´s career during those years is also included. Donovan´s brilliant mixture of Celtic roots, Psychedelia, Jazz and Rock, spiced with his incredibly poetic lyrics, was an absolutely unique phenomenon in the Pop / Rock history and no other artist managed to create such a massive body of brilliant songs within such short period of time. His music is as much relevant today as it was at the time it was created and lost nothing of its beauty, vitality or artistic power over time. They certainly don´t make music like that any more! The only regret, as far as this Box Set is concerned, is the fact that it does not include the brilliant live album "In Concert (The Complete 1967 Anaheim Show)Find albums with this title", which would have made this set even more perfect. This is an absolutely essential piece of music history, which deserves an honorable place in any serious music collection!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 08/11/2016

CD 4 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

DONOVAN ~ IN CONCERT BGO 0090 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Live album from 1968 presents DonovanFind albums by this artist - the Prince of British Psychedelia - in an unusual setting singing his favorite songs and accompanied by an acoustic ensemble with a strong jazzy flavor, made unique by the presence of the outstanding flute player Harold McNairFind albums by this artist, who unfortunately died soon after this recording was made.

Updated: 28/07/2023Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DONOVAN ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS EPIC 773847 (Barcode: 886977384721) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2010 This excellent Box Set includes three studio albums, recorded between 1967 and 1968 and released on the Epic label, by the great British pioneer of Folk-Rock and later Psychedelia DonovanFind albums by this artist: "Mellow YellowFind albums with this title", "Hurdy Gurdy ManFind albums with this title", and "BarabajagalFind albums by this artist". Donovan´s unique talent fro writing superb melodies, his brilliant vocal delivery and his openness to new musical ideas made his one of the most important British musicians in the late 1960s. Supported by some of Britain´s best musicians at the time, like flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and many others, these albums are all absolute classics of the era. The albums are remastered and packaged in album replicas (mini-sleeves), housed in a cardboard box, and with the attractive price tag this is a tremendous bargain as well. Highly recommended!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend

TIM HOLLIER ~ TIM HOLLIER NIGHT WINGS 03 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1971 Released: 2004 Singer / composer Tim HollierFind albums by this artist was one of the greatest troubadours of the British Isles, sadly undiscovered and forgotten. He recorded three splendid albums between 1968 and 1971 (“Message To A HarlequinFind albums with this title”, “Tim HollierFind albums with this title” and “SkysailFind albums with this title”), which are absolutely marvelous examples of the late 1960s Folk-Rock, with beautifully poetic lyrics and exquisite melodies. What makes these albums especially interesting is the fact that the fist and last were arranged by the brilliant John CameronFind albums by this artist, whose intelligent orchestral arrangements are superb examples of his mastery. Not surprisingly the flute of Harold McNairFind albums by this artist (Cameron’s frequent collaborator) can also be heard. This album collects 23 songs, collected from the a.m. three albums, creating a great portrait of Hollier’s work. The only pity is that this is not a double album, collecting those three albums in their entirety. People not familiar with Hollier’s work should definitely investigate this album, as well as all British Folk-Rock enthusiasts.

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HAROLD MCNAIR ~ HAROLD MCNAIR / FLUTE & NUT VOCALION 8494 (Barcode: 765387849429) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2012 This is a criminally overdue reissue of the two albums recorded by the British Jazz flautist / saxophonist / composer Harold McNairFind albums by this artist for the RCAFind albums by this artist label, which have been unavailable for over forty years now. McNair, born in Jamaica, was one of many brilliant West Indian musicians to arrive on the British scene in the 1950s and 1960, greatly contributing to the creation of the modern British Jazz, which was at its peak when these two albums were recorded. Although McNair played the saxophone superbly, his flute playing was absolutely amazing and extraordinary, making him probably the best ever British Jazz flautist. He died from cancer in 1971 at a ridiculous young age of thirty nine, a tremendous loss of an amazing talent, lamented to this very day by those who knew him and his work. His rather limited recorded legacy is now radically expanded with the reissue of these two albums. The eponymous album was recorded by the Harold McNair quartet, with pianist Bill Le SageFind albums by this artist, bassist Spike HeatleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony CarrFind albums by this artist. They perform nine pieces, five of which are originals composed by McNair, three are standards and one is a song written by the Folk-Rock singer / songwriter DonovanFind albums by this artist. McNair was a regular member of Donovan´s band, where he played alongside the pianist / composer / arranger John CameronFind albums by this artist. McNair´s performances on this album are perfect from start to finish. He uses the flute on most of the tracks and his immediately recognizable style is simply overwhelming. The "Flute & NutFind albums with this title" album features McNair accompanied by a Jazz Orchestra conducted by John Cameron, performing eight pieces orchestrated and arranged by Cameron, three of which are McNair originals, one a Cameron original and the remaining four are standards. In retrospect this is the best album McNair ever recorded, with his flute (and occasional saxophone) sounding absolutely marvelous and the beautiful arrangements adding a spectacular effect to the entire production. McNair recorded only one more album as a leader after this, called "The FenceFind albums with this title", before he died, which was released on the B&CFind albums on this label label. Parts of the first album included here were released posthumously by the same label as another eponymous album, and included also live material recorded at the Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist´s club. Beautifully remastered by Michael J. DuttonFind albums by this artist, these two albums sound fresh and wonderful, as if recorded only a short while ago. Musically they are some of the best Jazz flute music even captured and are an essential piece of the modern British Jazz legacy. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

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HAROLD MCNAIR ~ THE FENCE HUX 095 (Barcode: 682970000954) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007 Saxophonist / flautist / composer Harold McNairFind albums by this artist has been one of the greatest (and sadly unsung) heroes of the British Jazz scene. A brilliant instrumentalist he was one of the busiest studio musicians and took part in countless recording sessions, including those by famous Rock acts. He was a permanent member of DonovanFind albums by this artist’s group and recorded many albums with him. Of course he was also active on the Jazz scene, both as a leader and sideman. He recorded several albums, of which this is the last released while he was still alive, shortly before his life was tragically cut short by lung cancer at a ridiculously young age. His last eponymous album was released posthumously. This beautiful album was recorded with Harold’s musician friends and admirers, all great stars and Jazz heroes themselves: Keith TippettFind albums by this artist and Alan BranscombeFind albums by this artist on piano, Colin GreenFind albums by this artist on guitar, Rick GrechFind albums by this artist and Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist and Tony CarrFind albums by this artist on drums. Harold plays saxes and flute – my preferred instrument in his hands. The music has a slight Caribbean feel, and includes one original composition by Harold. It’s difficult for me to shed the nostalgic attachment to this album, as Harold has been one of my favorite musicians for a very time, but I think the albums stands the test of time beautifully and should be enjoyed by most Jazz loving people around the globe. Bliss!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend