Record Reviews
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  | BRIAN AUGER / TRINITY ~ BEFOUR (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 1054 (Barcode: 5050749410542) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2004
2nd album by UK organ genius Brian AugerFind albums by this artist with his group, which now includes the incredible guitarist Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist as a permanent member. This is a superb example of early Jazz- Rock / Prog and perhaps one of the best albums in that genre. The sublime covers of Foure`s "Pavane" and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist`s "Maiden Voyage" sound as fresh as sprig lillies and the entire album is truly a breathtaking effort. Not to be missed!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | KUBA CICHOCKI ~ AUDUBON LAB EXPERIMENT
NOT ON LABEL 024606956035 (Barcode: 024606956035) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is the debut album by Polish (resident in NY) Jazz keyboardist / composer Kuba CichockiFind albums by this artist, recorded with his ensemble called Audubon Lab ExperimentFind albums by this artist, which also includes bassist Dylan KaminkowFind albums by this artist, drummer Allen BranchFind albums by this artist and percussionist Francis BenitezFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Bogna KicinskaFind albums by this artist (another Polish NY resident) guests on one track. The album presents five original compositions, all by Cichocki.
The music is a typical Jazz-Rock Fusion, which was popular in the early 1970s and closely follows the pattern of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist´s early albums with Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist or Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist´s albums of that period. The music is very melodic and offers a Funk groove, which makes it a very pleasant listening experience, although at the same time invoking a strong déjà vu feeling.
The fact that there is only one instrument capable of soloing makes the overall experience a bit trying, but on the other hand the sound of the Rhodes is irresistible and people who have profound nostalgia to that kind of music will definitely enjoy it.
The rhythm section does a great job; the bass keeps the Funky feeling up quite brilliantly, and performs a few nice solo parts, and the two percussionists add a polyrhythmic background, which also keeps the music bubbling.
Overall this is a superb Funky / Fusion album, which is a great fun to listen to and perhaps even to dance to. Nothing innovative, au contraire, a strong nostalgic trip to the time when music was based on the "no bullshit" approach. Funky / Fusion fans will have a field day with this, as nobody makes music like this today. Unadulterated Fun(k)!
| | Updated: 29/05/2017Posted: 29/05/2017 | CD-R 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA ~ THE MUSICIAN
STRETCH 888072026490 (Barcode: 888072026490) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2016
As 2021 nears its end it’s time to commemorate the passing of one of the greatest heroes of American Jazz, keyboardist / composer / bandleader Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, who sadly passed in February this year.
This is a 3CD album by Corea, recorded live at the NY Blue Note club in 2011, during the celebrations of his 70th Birthday. It features ten different lineups with thirty musicians, which span Corea’s extraordinary career and which produced some of the greatest American Jazz ever. The lineups include Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist, Five Peace BandFind albums by this artist, Electric BandFind albums by this artist, duos with Bobby McFerrinFind albums by this artist, Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Marcus RobertsFind albums by this artist and others. Together the collected list of musicians sounds like the Who’s Who of the 20th Century American Jazz (and a few Europeans for good measure).
For the avid Corea fans, who followed his career for five decades (up to that point) the album does not innovate of course, being primarily an overview and it excludes his early days, when he played mostly Avant-Garde Jazz, but a comprehensive summary would have taken a few more hours (or CDs) of course. But as it is, it offers four hours of incredible, diverse and superb music, performed by brilliant musicians, so one can’t go wrong here.
Overall, this is certainly a proper document of one of the many facets of Corea’s music, which embraced a plethora of styles, genres and approaches, from Avant-Garde to Fusion, always brilliant and completely unique. His Artistry will be sadly missed and his sweet personality, to those who met him, will be always a cherished memory.
| | Updated: 30/12/2021Posted: 30/12/2021 | CD 3 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA ~ TRILOGY
STRETCH 888072356856 (Barcode: 888072356856) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2010 - 2012 Released: 2014
This is an album by the American Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist recorded with his trio which includes bassist Christian McBrideFind albums by this artist and drummer Brian BladeFind albums by this artist. Three guest musicians appear on selected tracks. The music was recorded live during two extended tours by this trio. The album presents seventeen tracks, which are a mixture of five Corea originals, eleven standards and one Classical piece arranged by Corea, spread over 3 CDs.
Corea (born 1941) has been one of the most prominent American Jazz musicians in the last six decades and his contribution to the genre is simply beyond putting it into words. He performed in many diverse Jazz environments but his solo piano and the classic piano trio work was always my absolute favorite part of his astounding musical heritage. As much as I admire his own compositions, his interpretations of Jazz standards are among the finest out there, in the same stratum as those by Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist and Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist.
I have followed Corea´s recordings zealously for decades and had the pleasure to listen to him play many a time as well as meet him in person on several occasions. Anybody who ever heard Corea play live must have observed his superb ability to communicate with the audience and create an unprecedented rapport, which is almost always also present on his live recordings, including this one.
The trio plays together marvelously and the age difference between the Master and his rhythm section is completely insignificant. A perfect balance as far as dividing the roles and exchanging solos, which is flawlessly documented by the outstanding recording quality, turns this album into an ecstatic (but also highly aesthetic) listening experience.
Yes there is nothing new here and we have heard it all before – so what? Jazz of such high quality is like air and water – there is never too much of it. Corea proved over time that he is one of the most inquisitive American musicians, who tried everything Jazz has to offer between Jazz-Rock Fusion to Avant-Garde explorations, so he certainly can´t be accused of clinging to the weathered American Jazz formulas. Playing classic mainstream Jazz as good as the music presented here is always high Art. Hats off to you Maestro!
| | Updated: 17/07/2019Posted: 17/07/2019 | CD 3 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA / NICOLAS ECONOMOU ~ ON TWO PIANOS
DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 028947900115 (Barcode: 028947900115) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2012
Pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist is well known for his amazing versatility (among other things), which is expressed by the many different settings in which he performs. His love for the piano duet is universally acclaimed, starting with his legendary duet recordings / performances with Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist in the late 1970s. Since then he repeatedly returned to the piano duet with many other pianists, like Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist and others. This album is a most welcome reissue of the 1982 recording of the piano duet performances with Corea and the great Cypriot pianist Nicolas EconomouFind albums by this artist, who died tragically at the ridiculous early age of 40 in a car accident. The live recording comprises of two improvised pieces (one of which is an extended suite 26 minutes long), two Corea compositions and six short pieces from the Bela BartokFind albums by this artist "Mikrokosmos" cycle. The performances are, as one might expect, absolutely brilliant and although Economou comes primarily from the Classical music sphere, the two musicians converse openly and quite telepathically. Considering the fact that these recordings were never previously reissued on CD and unavailable for almost 30 years, it´s great to see them back in circulation. A must to all Corea fans and people who lave piano music!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA / HERBIE HANCOCK ~ AN EVENING WITH CHICK COREA & HERBIE HANCOCK
POLYDOR 835680 (Barcode: 042283568020) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1978 Released: 1988
The 1978 acoustic piano duet tour of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist is documented on two albums – this one and the ColumbiaFind albums on this label companion album (also called An Evening WithFind albums with this title). Fortunately Chick & Herbie played so much music during their concerts that the two (both double vinyl albums originally) have no parallel tunes on them, except for the signature tunes: “Maiden Voyage” and “La Fiesta”, which get a completely different treatment on each release. This means that, as the music on both albums is absolutely divine (see my comments on the other album), they are both absolutely essential and constitute in fact a non-separable document. There is a slight difference in the choice of material on both releases, with this album including more complex and “freer” pieces with plenty of opportunities for both players to demonstrate their complete command of the instrument and more “unusual” playing techniques. On a side note: the tour was arranged not only to enable the two incredible musicians to enjoy each other’s company and inspiration, but also to “give the finger” to the horde of critics, which brutally dismissed Chick’s & Herbie’s 1970’s electric / fusion work, accusing them of betrayal towards the jazz Art Form and doubting their artistic integrity (which of course was a heap of nonsense). The performances included on these two albums prove how totally wrong they all were. Unfortunately two tracks on this album were edited (shortened) to enable the release of this material on a single CD (an artistic crime, that should be punishable by beheading the corporate decision-makers). Therefore a proper reissue of this album is still due – hats off to Columbia for not making the same stupid mistake.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA / JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ FIVE PEACE BAND LIVE
CONCORD 231397 (Barcode: 888072313972) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009
Pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist are both icons of contemporary music. Their activities in the last 40 years span such a vast spectrum of music that only a very few other musicians on this planet can be counted their equals. Corea and McLaughlin both played a crucial role in the revolutionary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist ensemble that gave us "In A Silent WayFind albums with this title" and "Bitches BrewFind albums with this title", and then continued to explore and revolutionize Jazz and Fusion, each with his own numerous ensembles. Although they have performed over the years occasionally as a duo, no formal recordings were issued of these meetings (some of their playing can be heard on the momentous McLaughlin Montreux Box Set). Therefore the forming of the Five Peace BandFind albums by this artist, initiated by Corea after his last Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist reunion tour, is a first time the two Masters play together in a regular band. Of course one immediately assumes that the band should sound as a combination of Return To Forever and Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, but since the early days of Fusion are long gone, Five Peace Band´s concept is completely up to date and modern. With saxophonist Kenny GarrettFind albums by this artist, bassist Christian McBrideFind albums by this artist and drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist the band is an incredible music making machine, offering the listener an orgy of sound, beautiful expanded improvisations and sophisticated compositions. Most of the material was written by Corea and McLaughlin, but they also pay tribute to their former boss Miles Davis by including some of his music, with another ex-Davis band member Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist present as a guest. There is little need to recommend this album flamboyantly, as any serious music lover surely understands the magnitude of this recording. This is a dream come true and an absolutely essential piece of music!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA / HIROMI UEHARA ~ DUET
STRETCH 230827 (Barcode: 888072308275) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
We all know Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist loves playing piano duets with other pianists. The legendary recordings from 1978 with Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist are to this very day some of my all time favorite Jazz recordings. Seeing this new album, featuring acoustic piano duets with another favorite pianist of mine, Japanese prodigy Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, really made my heart “jump” for a brief moment, as this was almost to good to be true. I did know these two played live together before, but a whole album and a double one at that – stupendous! The album was recorded live at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Tokyo, and includes, as Chick puts it, eloquently as always: “1 night, 2 pianos, 2 sets, 4 hands, 12 songs, 20 fingers, 176 keys, about 600 people in the audience and thousands of musical ideas exchanging between the two pianist and the audience”. It is exactly that and so much more… Regardless is the song is a standard, a piece written by Chick or by Hiromi, the two have a field day each and every time. The interplay is telepathic, the improvisations divine, the humor obvious and it all makes perfect musical sense and is so beautiful, that I had a marvelous time listening to the album twice in a row, something I almost never do usually. I hope I really don’t have to convince anybody this is superb music. Let me just state that in the last couple of years I have heard so much stupid allegations regarding Hiromi’s “commercialism”, “selling out” and other bullshit, I’m really glad that this album just blows all these baseless nonsense out of the window. Absolutely essential music for body and soul!
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILES DAVIS ~ FREEDOM JAZZ DANCE: THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL.5
COLUMBIA 889853573721 (Barcode: 889853573721) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 - 1968 Released: 2016
This is the 5th installment of the "Bootleg Series" recordings by American trumpeter / composer Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, released by ColumbiaFind albums on this label Records. For the first time in this series, the music included here comprises of studio recordings, rather than of live material, as was the practice so far. The music was recorded by the legendary second Miles Davis Quintet, which featured saxophonist Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, pianist Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist.
The music is presented in its rawest possible form, by simply including entire session reels, which comprise of rehearsals, false starts, partial takes, alternate takes and extensive studio chatter, all captured on tape in real time. The actual master takes follow, demonstrating the final result, which was eventually released on record. The whole concept of this set is to reveal a close inside look at the process of recording music and for people interesting in that process it is of course fascinating and absolutely unique.
Six of the master takes were released as the "Miles SmilesFind albums with this title" album released in 1967 and two were included on the "NefertitiFind albums with this title" album released in 1968. One master take remained unreleased for nine years and was finally included on the "Water BabiesFind albums with this title" album released in 1976. Several other tracks are previously unreleased.
Considering the fact that this music is performed by what is considered by many the ultimate Jazz ensemble to ever walk the face of the earth, every millisecond of this album is worth its weight in gold. The fact that they made mistakes and swore makes them of course human, but the way they play is definitely godlike. Although every devoted Miles fan is familiar with the master take versions of this music, the revelation of the process of their actual making is a deeply moving and for connoisseurs of the second Quintet this is of course an absolute must. For people who have spent huge amount of time in recording studios, like me, this is a close encounter of the fifth kind.
The fact that the music is absolutely sensational is of course obvious, which means that the more we can hear of it the better. The session reels, which are full of pauses and starts, can be a bit difficult for people not used to the studio reality, but are all worth the effort as they include some incredible music delivered once the quintet finally gets into gear and starts sailing full steam ahead.
As all the releases in the "Bootleg Series", this one delivers exactly what expected: previously unheard music, new perspectives, close encounters, historic moments and great memories. One can hardly imagine a more proper tribute to the genius of Miles Davis and the musicians associated with him than this series which takes the music seriously, is well researched, is aesthetically packaged, or in short simply works out wonderfully well. A BIG thank you to everybody involved in making this release a reality. One can only hope for many more installments in the future.
| | Updated: 31/12/2024Posted: 21/01/2017 | CD 3 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILES DAVIS ~ LIVE IN EUROPE 1967: THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL.1
COLUMBIA 886979405325 (Barcode: 886979405325) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2011
The Miles DavisFind albums by this artist second quintet is often considered the ultimate Jazz ensemble of all times. With saxophonist Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, pianist Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist as his partners, trumpeter / composer Davis was pushing music light-years ahead during the three and a half years this quintet existed (1965-1968). The studio albums recorded by the quintet (see "The Complete Columbia Studio Recordings Of The Miles Davis Quintet 1965-68Find albums with this title") are absolute masterpieces, which are totally timeless and unparalleled in their depth and perfection.
However, it was on stage that this ensemble really created its best work. Sadly, the recorded legacy of live performances by this quintet is not very extensive and therefore this release, which brings us 3 CDs and a DVD of previously unreleased live material by this quintet, is worth its weight in gold to every Davis connoisseur. Recorded (and filmed) during the quintet´s European tour in October / November 1967, this music and the film were all captured within a period of eleven days, which means that we get a clearly focused picture of what they were doing at the time.
After playing together for almost three years, the quintet was at the absolute peek of their creative powers, completely focused and intimately linked together by telepathic musical understanding. Listening to these live performance confirms all this, but also much more. It ultimately shows how creative these players were, even when performing a fixed set of compositions evening after evening. Davis, firmly in the lead, gives the cues to move from one composition to another or a change of tempo, but allows the individual musicians complete freedom. It is this freedom, which is the most striking and significant element omnipresent here, almost shocking in its power. Large portions of this music could be easily taken from a Free Jazz concert, even though the basic concept is still anchored in mainstream.
Collective improvisations often have all five members of the quintet playing at different tempi, scales and themes at the same time, somehow miraculously making a perfect sense. Personally I´ve always found the young Tony Williams to be the most striking personality in this ensemble, with his perception of rhythm more radically different and innovative than the other quintet members. A careful listener will be able to hear Williams play four different rhythms simultaneously, each played by one of his limbs. This barrage of sound is the most striking drumming imaginable, and an almost mystical experience.
It would be ridiculous to recommend this release, at it goes without saying that all modern Jazz listeners should find it absolutely essential and an obligatory part of their collections. Since the subtitle suggests that this is just the first in a series of previously unreleased Miles Davis recordings, all I can say is Halleluiah!
| | Updated: 20/05/2018Posted: | 3CD+DVD 4 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILES DAVIS ~ MILES IN FRANCE 1963 & 1964: THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL.8
COLUMBIA 198028016728 (Barcode: 198028016728) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1963 - 1964 Released: 2024
This is the 8th installment of the “Bootleg Series” recordings by American trumpeter / composer / bandleader / visionary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, released by ColumbiaFind albums on this label Records. It presents mostly previously unreleased material by Davis, captured during the early days of the legendary second quintet, recorded live in France. It follows the previous installment in the series, which was released in 2022 and offers 6 CDs of live material.
CD1 to CD4 present three full concerts recorded on July 26, 27 and 28, 1963 during the Antibes Jazz Festival, a total of twenty-seven tracks, performed by Davis, saxophonist George ColemanFind albums by this artist, pianist Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist.
The material recorded on July 27, 1963 (appearing here partly on CD2 and on CD3) was previously released on the “In EuropeFind albums with this title” album, in several versions, often edited, as well as on some compilations. This is the first time the full concert can be heard in its original form.
CD5 & CD6 present two full concerts recorded on October 1, 1964 during the Paris Jazz Festival, a total of ten tracks, performed by Davis, saxophonist Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, Hancock, Carter and Williams.
The music offers a wonderful glimpse on the development of the second quintet. The concerts, separated by just over a year, and with Shorter joining the quintet, show how the music takes a quantum leap forward, as does the young Williams, who offers some truly brilliant drumming displays. Coleman, an excellent musician by all means, was simply too much rooted in the Bebop tradition, while Davis was trying to push the boundaries of the genre.
Overall, as usual with any archival material by Miles Davis, the music is absolutely Godly, stressing again his unshaken position as the greatest Jazz musician of all time. Although the music does not reveal any surprising elements, it affirms his status, and for every Davis’ follower on this planet is absolutely essential.
| | Updated: 31/12/2024Posted: 31/12/2024 | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILES DAVIS ~ SEVEN STEPS: THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA RECORDINGS OF MILES DAVIS 1963-1964
COLUMBIA 90840 ~ USA ~ Jazz
This is the 3rd chapter in the ColumbiaFind albums on this label’s epic series of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist Box Sets, which is a monumental reissue project of recordings by the most important Jazz musician of the 20th century. Recorded mostly live during 1963 & 1964, the music documents the so-called in transition period of Miles between his two legendary Quintets. Miles was, as always. In search of the next step he wanted to take musically and was searching for the right musicians who could accompany him in his journey. Therefore, although this set includes music performed by a constantly changing line-up, the crystallization of the second great Quintet is well documented here, with Ron CarterFind albums by this artist (bass), Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist (drums), Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist (piano) and finally Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist (sax) gradually joined his group. All the other musicians playing with Miles here (George ColemanFind albums by this artist and Sam RiversFind albums by this artist on sax, Victor FeldmanFind albums by this artist on piano and Frank ButlerFind albums by this artist on drums) were admirable of course, but somehow lacked the special chemistry Miles required from his players.
The music contained here was originally released on the following albums: “Seven Steps To HeavenFind albums with this title”, “In EuropeFind albums with this title”, “My Funny ValentineFind albums with this title”, “Four & MoreFind albums with this title”, “In TokyoFind albums with this title” and “In BerlinFind albums with this title”. As usual, a plethora of previously unreleased tracks and tracks released on other albums and various compilations is also included, all present in full chronological order.
All of the material is painstakingly remastered and sounds superbly. Of course all this stuff is heavenly and although the musical progress here is slow, every note played by Miles is absolutely right on. There is a lot of tension in the air as Miles tests the ground for the next leap, pushing his musicians to the limit. The youngster Williams re-defines the meaning of Jazz drumming here, with more freedom and space than ever heard before, even with the parallel Free Jazz drummers. Hancock’s highly evolved musicality and deep sense of melody is already quite evident and Carter’s powerful and precise bass cements the entire concept together.
This stuff is as essential to any Jazz lover as air and water are to his physical existence. The box packaging is as lavish and extravagantly beautiful, as all the other items in this series, with extensive liner notes, detailed discography and many superb photographs.
A special note to collectors:
The initial release of all the Miles Davis Box Sets in this reissue series is packaged in an exquisite metal-bound (except chapter 5 which is cardboard-bound) frame housed in a hard cardboard CD-sized slipcase (except for chapters 1 & 8 which have a metal slipcase). Once the initial release is sold out, the CDs are repackaged in a tall-box digipak book format. Naturally the tall-box issues have a much lower retail price tag. All the initial release CD-sized issues become priceless collectors’ items in time.
| | Updated: 11/01/2024Posted: | CD 7 Box Set Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILES DAVIS ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA STUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE MILES DAVIS QUINTET 1965-68
COLUMBIA 90925 (Barcode: 827969092521) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 - 1968 Released: 2004
This is the 4th chapter in the ColumbiaFind albums on this label’s epic series of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist Box Sets, which is a monumental reissue project of recordings by the most important Jazz musician of the 20th century. This set presents the complete studio output recorded by the legendary quintet between January 1965 and June 1968, which included Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist (tenor saxophone), Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist (piano), Ron CarterFind albums by this artist (bass) and Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist (drums). During this three and a half years period this quintet was the most important jazz ensemble in the world and also the most stable musical environment Miles ever enjoyed, which enabled him to push the boundaries of music ever further, slowly changing the face of jazz from the bee bop and Hard Bop traditions into the free style Fusion, which was to emerge as the next step of his visionary path. The sessions included here were released on the following albums and compilations: E.S.P.Find albums with this title, Miles SmilesFind albums with this title, SorcererFind albums with this title, NefertitiFind albums with this title, Miles In The SkyFind albums with this title, Filles De KilimanjaroFind albums with this title, Water BabiesFind albums with this title, Circle In The RoundFind albums with this title and DirectionsFind albums with this title. As to the music – anything I can say here will be completely banal in view of the sheer genus of this masterpiece. Not only is this some of the most essential music recorded in the 20th Century, but even every individual note played here is essential. This icon is a must in every respectable music collection.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 6 Box Set Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILES DAVIS ~ THE COMPLETE JACK JOHNSON SESSIONS
COLUMBIA 86359 ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970
This is the 7th chapter in the ColumbiaFind albums on this label’s epic series of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist Box Sets, which is a monumental reissue project of recordings by the most important Jazz musician of the 20th century. Recorded between February and June 1970 this monumental document defines “Electric Jazz” – anything recorded since, be it Jazz, Rock or Fusion, has its roots here. These almost five hours of music remained mostly unreleased till this set was issued, as the original A Tribute To Jack JohnsonFind albums with this title album contained less than 10 % of the music included herein. Although a few other “cooked” albums included snippets of this music (Live-EvilFind albums with this title, Get Up With ItFind albums with this title, DirectionsFind albums with this title and Big FunFind albums with this title) they were never available in their full form. By the time this material was recorded Miles’ approach to creating music changed dramatically: he was more of a captain giving the crew a general direction as to where he wanted to go, ratter that a navigator concerned with the exact details as to the course taken. An enormous amount of freedom was granted to the stellar collection of participants (Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Steve GrossmanFind albums by this artist, Bennie MaupinFind albums by this artist, Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist – saxes, Dave HollandFind albums by this artist, Ron CarterFind albums by this artist, Michael HendersonFind albums by this artist – bass, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, Sonny SharrockFind albums by this artist – guitar, Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist, Gene PerlaFind albums by this artist – drums, Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist – percussion) and for the first time Miles promoted John McLaughlin to be the primary soloist, much more dominant than his trumpet. McLaughlin of course was up to the job and presents some incredible guitar playing, firmly establishing the electric guitar as the leading instrument in instrumental music for the years to come. His fearless ventures into the uncharted territory of Fusion and even Rock would become a beacon for generations of guitar players, a source of inspiration and a vital learning tool. The unrestrained, almost jam-like atmosphere of the sessions inspired all the participants to search for the best they could achieve and the resulting music is simply phenomenal. This is visionary and groundbreaking, Promethean and pioneering musical creation, an absolute must to any Jazz fan that takes his music seriously..
A special note to collectors:
The initial release of all the Miles Davis Box Sets in this reissue series is packaged in an exquisite metal-bound (except chapter 5 which is cardboard-bound) frame housed in a hard cardboard CD-sized slipcase (except for chapters 1 & 8 which have a metal slipcase). Once the initial release is sold out, the CDs are repackaged in a tall-box digipack book format. Naturally the tall-box issues have a much lower retail price tag. All the initial release CD-sized issues become priceless collectors’ items in time.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 5 Box Set Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILES DAVIS ~ THE COMPLETE ON THE CORNER SESSIONS
COLUMBIA 06239 (Barcode: 886970623926) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 - 1975 Released: 2007
This is the 8th (and apparently the last) chapter in the ColumbiaFind albums on this label’s epic series of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist Box Sets, which is a monumental reissue project of recordings by the most important Jazz musician of the 20th century. Recorded between March 1972 and May 1975 this the music includes everything Miles recorded for Columbia before his 5 years of retirement from recording due to health problems, before resuming his career in 1980. The inventory is pretty amazing: 4 years, 16 sessions, 21 musicians and over 6 hours of groundbreaking music, which although rarely given credit for it, changed to face of music for years to come. Incorporating Funk, Fusion, World Music, Rock, Soul and of course Jazz, this music re-defined the basic conceptions of the musical universe. Anything recorded later on this planed could be traced back to some extent to these sounds, be it Hip-Hop, Rock, Electronic and Ambient Music, House, and Dance, including of course contemporary Jazz and Fusion. The music is completely groove oriented, with very little (and often without) melody, with a loose and completely atmospheric jamming over a repetitive and hypnotic rhythms, created masterly by bassist Michael HendersonFind albums by this artist, continuing the direction initiated on The Cellar Door Sessions 1970Find albums with this title. Miles on trumpet, Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist, Carlos GarnettFind albums by this artist and Bennie MaupinFind albums by this artist on saxes, Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist on keyboards, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, Reggie LucasFind albums by this artist and Pete CoseyFind albums by this artist on guitars, Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist and Al FosterFind albums by this artist on drums and quite a few other players contribute to this heavenly music, under the Master’s spiritual leadership. The music included here appeared in various edited forms on the albums: On The CornerFind albums with this title, Big FunFind albums with this title and Get Up With ItFind albums with this title, but most is heard here for the first time. It is almost impossible to describe how far out and pioneering this music is. It presents not only a completely new sound and approach to performing music, but also a new way to create music as a flow of the subconscious creative process. Over 30 years after it was recorded, it still sounds revolutionary and poignant, as it undoubtedly will continue to sound in the days to come. I can’t imagine anybody who calls himself a music lover not to own this music and listen to it periodically to recharge his or her emotional batteries. Beyond essential!
A special note to collectors:
The initial release of all the Miles Davis Box Sets in this reissue series is packaged in an exquisite metal-bound (except chapter 5 which is cardboard-bound) frame housed in a hard cardboard CD-sized slipcase (except for chapters 1 & 8 which have a metal slipcase). Once the initial release is sold out, the CDs are repackaged in a tall-box digipack book format. Naturally the tall-box issues have a much lower retail price tag. All the initial release CD-sized issues become priceless collectors’ items in time.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 6 Box Set Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ELI DEGIBRI ~ LIVE AT LOUIS 649
ANZIC 3001 (Barcode: 896434001115) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
3rd album by Israeli (resident in US) saxophonist / composer Eli DegibriFind albums by this artist, one of several young Israeli Jazz players, who established themselves as part of the new vibrant generation of top international players. Degibri is a member of the Al FosterFind albums by this artist quartet / trio and for 3 years was a member of the Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist sextet, credentials that would make any aspiring Jazz musician proud. In parallel he also leads his own ensembles, which perform predominantly his own compositions. This album presents Degibri in an unusual trio setting with Hammond player Gary VersaceFind albums by this artist and drummer Obed CalvaireFind albums by this artist, playing live in a tiny NY Jazz club. The material is all, except for a couple of standards, composed by Degibri, and the trio is obviously having a great time performing. The soaring Hammond (one of my favorite instruments) and soulful saxophone create a somewhat "retro" atmosphere for this entire gig, which is truly delightful and reminiscent of the good old days, when music was played straight from the heart. The great thing about this album is that it can be enjoyed on many levels; it is great fun to listen to, but it also presents plenty of sophistication and insightful moments for a Jazz connoisseur, who listens below the surface and beyond the obvious. I can assure anybody that this album is absolutely worth your attention; Hammond lovers (which have a hard time these days to find new recordings) should jump on this like flies on honey!
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  | AL DI MEOLA ~ THE INFINITE DESIRE
TELARC 83433 (Barcode: 089408343322) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998
This is Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist’s debut album for the excellent TelarcFind albums on this label label, a move which seemed quite unusual at the time as the label was mostly associated with releases by the old generation of straight-ahead mainstream jazz players. In retrospect Telarc turned out to work extremely well for Di Meola, as the label´s renowned sound quality suits perfectly his delicate music. On the album Di Meola continues and expands the format he’s been following since the late 1980s, which is a crossover between Fusion and World Music influences. As usual, he wrote all the music on the album, which reflects perfectly his constant development as a musician and composer. The innovation on this album is Al’s usage of guitar synthesizer, although he switches between his electric (or in this case electronic) and acoustic guitars quite often. Almost every track on this album features a different lineup, with numerous guest musicians appearing alongside Di Meola (like Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist - piano, Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist - drums, John PatitucciFind albums by this artist - bass and others), which of course makes the album more interesting instrumentally. Although Di Meola’s output is consistently excellent, this is definitely one of his best albums and a most warmly recommended addition to any serious record collection.
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  | JOE FARRELL ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS
SONY 888750636829 (Barcode: 888750636829) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 - 1975 Released: 2015
This Box Set collects five of the six albums recorded by brilliant American flautist / saxophonist / composer Joe FarrellFind albums by this artist and released between 1970 and 1975 on the legendary CTIFind albums on this label Records label. They are: his debut as a leader and first album "Joe Farrell QuartetFind albums with this title", the second "OutbackFind albums with this title", the fourth "Penny ArcadeFind albums with this title", the fifth "Upon This RockFind albums with this title" and the sixth "Canned FunkFind albums with this title". His third album "Moon GermsFind albums with this title" was separately reissued on CD in 2001 by SonyFind albums on this label. Farrell joined the first incarnation of Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist in 1972 and took part in the recording of their first two legendary albums. The music presented on these five albums falls quite neatly into two separate categories: the first two albums are complex modern Jazz / Jazz-Rock Fusion and even include some Free Form moments, whereas the next three albums are Groove / Funk oriented.
The first album ("Joe Farrell Quartet") is especially noteworthy, as it is one of the most important and beautiful documents of the era. Farrell´s quartet, which also included pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist (all from Miles DavisFind albums by this artist electric band) is augmented by the presence of guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist on two tracks, turning the resulting quintet into a mighty power of Nature. It is worthwhile to compare these tracks with McLaughlin´s debut album "ExtrapolationFind albums with this title" or the Jack BruceFind albums by this artist album "Things We LikeFind albums with this title", which also features McLaughlin. Together these three a.m. albums contain some of the most important and powerful music ever made.
The second album places Farrell alongside Corea again, but this time with bassist Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist and legendary drummer Elvin JonesFind albums by this artist, with whom Farrell recorded a series of superb albums for the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label between 1968 and 1971. It presents superb modern Jazz and Fusion, played by Masters of the trade. Together with the third album ("Moon Germs"), which is not present in this Box Set, which features Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist on piano, Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist on bass and again Jack DeJohnette on drums, and of course his numerous recordings as a sideman, Farrell established his position as one of the leading figures on the US scene.
The remaining three albums document the transition Farrell made from modern Jazz / Fusion into Jazz-Funk, which is characterized by more emphasis on melodic content and Funk / Groove rhythmic patterns. Although many of Farrell´s fans had a hard time getting used to this new musical direction, his work in that genre was always top notch, with impeccable musicianship and wonderful compositions. He cooperated with several top players specializing in that specific area, like guitarist Joe BeckFind albums by this artist, bassist Herb BushlerFind albums by this artist and others. In retrospect these albums are classics of the genre, sound superbly fresh today and honestly had very little true competition by anybody else over the years.
Farrell, who sadly died in 1986, aged just 48, was definitely an exceptional player and composer, who contributed immensely to American Jazz by constantly searching for new way of expression, ignoring genre constrains and mainstream thinking. This Box Set is an essential listening to every Jazz / Fusion fan on this planet.
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 05/04/2024Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BOB GLUCK ~ INFINITE SPIRIT: REVISITING MUSIC OF THE MWANDISHI BAND
FMR 398 (Barcode: 649849982254) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016
This is a fascinating album by American pianist / composer / electronic music performer and composer / educator / writer and a former Rabbi Bob GluckFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with trumpeter Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist, bassist Christopher Dean SullivanFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy HartFind albums by this artist, which as the title suggests, revisits the music performed and recorded by the Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist sextet, often called the Mwandishi Band after the title of their seminal album "MwandishiFind albums with this title", the first of three albums the ensemble recorded, which includes also "CrossingsFind albums with this title" and "SextantFind albums with this title". Hancock formed this band in the early 1970s after he left the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist group, where he played for many years.
Gluck wrote and published the book entitled "You´ll Know When You Get There: Herbie Hancock And The Mwandishi Band", where he analyzes the music and it´s hardly surprising he also created a musical facet of his fascination with this subject. By drafting two of the original members of the sextet: Henderson and Hart to take part in this project, Gluck is able to get as close to the source of this music as possible, without engaging Hancock himself of course. The album presents just five lengthy pieces, two of which were composed by Hancock, two others by Bennie MaupinFind albums by this artist (one features an introduction composed by Gluck) and just one is an original composition by Sullivan, which means that most of the music originates from the Mwandishi output.
The overall modus operandi, i.e. openness, lengthy improvisations, minimalism and introspection, and above all an atmospheric approach to music creation, which of course is a much more European way of doing things, and finally the use of electronics (which on the original recordings was created by Patrick Gleason) lead to what Gluck obviously intended: a revisit of the Mwandishi music, but also a tribute to one of the most fascinating chapters of the American Jazz idiom, and sadly perhaps one of the last contributions to the genre originating on US soil.
The music is of course everything one might hope for. Brilliantly performed by all four participants, it flows elegantly and yet also passionately from start to finish, leaving the listener wishing for more when the music is over. Despite their age Henderson and Hart are still very much the Masters they always were, Sullivan provides the anchor for the music with his steady pulsations, and his original composition fits the Mwandishi music ideally. Gluck´s piano and electronics create the frame which defines the melodic and harmonic structures and he wisely eschews imitating Hancock in any way, making his own statements.
Overall this is an album which besides presenting some fascinating music has also an educational message and pays tribute to the glorious history of the Jazz idiom. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 29/04/2016Posted: 29/04/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ RIVER: THE JONI LETTERS
VERVE 744826 (Barcode: 602517448261) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007
Jazz legend Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist finally repays the debt the Jazz world owes to Rock legend Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. Joni’s 1979 album MingusFind albums with this title stands out to this very day as one of the greatest tributes ever made to Jazz by a non-Jazz musician and I always wondered when is someone going to settle the score. Well better late than never and better still if the musician to do so is someone of Hancock’s statue and sensibility. For me Joni’s music always had subtle jazzy undertones, even if she didn’t use Jazz musicians as her backing band (like on “Mingus” and a few other albums), and therefore this project sounds completely natural and perfectly matched. Hancock assembled a superb quintet for the job, with Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist (soprano and tenor saxophone), Dave HollandFind albums by this artist (bass), Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist (drums) and Lionel LouekeFind albums by this artist (guitar). The ten tracks, combined and arranged to constitute a continuos suite-like experience, include eight Joni’s songs and two Jazz standards. Several vocalists were invited to interpret the vocal parts on six of the tracks and these include Norah JonesFind albums by this artist, Tina TurnerFind albums by this artist, Corinne Bailey RaeFind albums by this artist, Luciana SouzaFind albums by this artist, Joni Mitchell herself and Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist, who recites rather than sings. The overall effect is absolutely beautiful and deeply moving. The musicians are all Masters of their trade and they are amongst the most sensitive accompanist, as well as first rate soloists. Hats off Mr. Hancock and thanks for this wonderful gift of music and thank you Joni for bestowing your great talent on all of us – you truly deserve this tribute. Essential!
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  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ CROSSINGS
WARNER BROS. 47542 (Barcode: 093624754220) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2001
CrossingsFind albums with this title was Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s last album for Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and the 2nd part of his sextet album trilogy, which started with MwandishiFind albums with this title and continued with SextantFind albums with this title after Hancock switched labels to ColumbiaFind albums on this label. The sextet’s lineup (Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums) remained steady for all three albums, which of course contributed to the phenomenal level of interplay they were able to achieve.
Musically the album continues the path set by its predecessor, with long (this time the longest track is almost 25 minutes long) atmospheric compositions which allow a lot of space for collective and individual improvisations. Hancock composed the central piece and Maupin the two additional tunes. Hancock, who was always extremely aware of the latest developments on the music scene as well as open-minded, invited the electronic music pioneer Patrick GleasonFind albums by this artist to play the Moog synthesizer on this album, which added a new dimension to the music, which sounds even more contemplative and spiritual. The resulting sound vistas are truly amazing.
This is visionary music in every respect, touching the listener on every plane of awareness – esthetic, emotional and intellectual. Another essential classic!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ FAT ALBERT ROTUNDA
WARNER BROS. 47540 (Barcode: 093624754022) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2001
Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s solo career (apart from his work done with his Mentor Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, with whom he stayed for over five years as the member of the legendary second quintet) produced an overwhelmingly diverse body of work which positions him as one of the Giants of 20th Century music. After recording a series of excellent and immensely influential albums on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label in the 1960’s, Hancock switched to Warner Bros.Find albums on this label where he recorded just three albums, this one being the first of these.
Recorded shortly after Hancock left the Miles Davis group, it contains music he wrote for a TV series, rearranged for a jazz sextet. The funky approach was Hancock’s first attempt to play around with funk (influenced among others by the revolutionary work done with the genre at that time by Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist). This started a love affair that would be extensively developed a few years later after Hancock switched labels again, this time to ColumbiaFind albums on this label. He plays the Fender Rhodes electric piano exclusively leaving the acoustic piano aside for a few years until the formation of the V.S.O.P.Find albums by this artist quintet. The funky arrangements are extremely clever and exquisitely performed by the sextet, which includes Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist on flute and sax, Johnny ColesFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Garnet BrownFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Albert HeathFind albums by this artist on drums. The music sounds beautifully fresh and vibrant today, loosing nothing of its original charm and magic. A timeless classic!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ HEAD HUNTERS
COLUMBIA 65123 ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1973
This album turned out to be one of the all time best selling jazz albums, and rightfully so. The Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist quintet takes a new direction and makes funk the focal point of their music, this being probably the quintessential instrumental funk album of all times. Influenced by music of rock-funk groups like Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist, Hancock adds his jazz vistuosity to the basic funk elements and creates a masterpiece that withstands the test of time effortlessly. Absolutely essential cornerstone of modern music.
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ IN CONCERT
IMAGE 89410 (Barcode: 743218941092) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001
Master pianist / composer Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist needs no introduction to any Jazz fan and his 5th decade of continuously splendid musical creation continues (thank God) uninterrupted to this very day. Although Hancock´s recorded output is enormous, finding his work on film / DVD is another matter, therefore this excellently filmed / recorded concert is quite a find. Produced by the BET on Jazz (and released in the US as "The Jazz Channel Presents Herbie Hancock"), the concert captures Hancock playing acoustic piano with a sextet, which includes Eli DegibriFind albums by this artist on sax (great young Israeli player), Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Ira ColemanFind albums by this artist on bass, Terri Lynne CarringtonFind albums by this artist on drums and Cyro BaptistaFind albums by this artist on percussion. The music includes a nice mixture of standards and Hancock´s own excellent compositions, which by now are also recognized as standards, all played with the usual (or rather unusual) brilliant and highly sensitive touch, which is so rare and precious. All the musicians are first class players (Carrington´s drumming is a true marvel) and they get plenty of opportunity to solo, which is always welcome. Overall this is a great opportunity to watch (and hear) the great master at work, captured here for posterity. The DVD also includes an interview with Hancock, which is always a welcome addition. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 105 minutes.
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  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ MWANDISHI
WARNER BROS. 47541 (Barcode: 093624754121) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2001
Following his departure from the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist established his own sextet, which would serve as his musical vehicle in the next step of his explorations. The sextet included Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums.
Hancock recorded three revolutionary and visionary albums with this group, before changing his chameleon-like path again, this time into funk. These three albums were MwandishiFind albums with this title and CrossingsFind albums with this title released on Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and his ColumbiaFind albums on this label debut SextantFind albums by this artist. The extraordinary music present on these albums is the next step in the future of Jazz, the creation of a multi-genre Fusion, which “genetically spliced” Jazz with Rock, Funk and World Music, creating a new musical universe.
In fact one should see these recordings in the right perspective, comparing it to the music Miles Davis was creating (from Bitches BrewFind albums with this title onward) and his disciples: John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist with Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist and Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist with Weather ReportFind albums by this artist and Herbie Hancock with his sextet. All this music (created roughly at the same time) falls beautifully into place supplementing the big picture. Of course one should always credit it as much to its wonderfully talented creators as to their Mentor Miles Davis.
The music on Mwandishi is beautifully atmospheric. The unusually (for Jazz) long tracks (one over 21 minutes and the two others over 10 minutes long) leave plenty of space for group improvisation and generous solo space for all the musicians. Hancock sticks to the electric piano, by now mastering the instrument to perfection. He composed two of the tracks and Priester the remaining one. A few guest musicians, including SantanaFind albums by this artist’s percussionist Jose AreasFind albums by this artist and drummer Leon ChanclerFind albums by this artist contribute their input. This music can be heard time after time, revealing new emotions and hidden treasures every time. An essential classic!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ SEXTANT
COLUMBIA 64983 (Barcode: 5099706498322) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1972 Released: 1998
SextantFind albums with this title was Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s debut album for ColumbiaFind albums on this label (an association that would last for three decades) and the 3rd part of his sextet album trilogy, which started with MwandishiFind albums with this title and CrossingsFind albums with this title recorded for Warner Bros.Find albums on this label The sextet’s lineup (Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums) remained steady for all three albums, which of course contributed to the phenomenal level of interplay they were able to achieve. Musically the album continues the path set by its predecessors, with long atmospheric compositions, which allow a lot of space for collective and individual improvisations. Hancock composed all the music on this album and again included in the recording the electronic music pioneer Patrick GleasonFind albums by this artist, who plays the Moog synthesizer. The music continues the direction pioneered by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, with modal compositions and usage of electric instruments, but is spiced it with the addition of African rhythms and funk (to be expanded in the next edition of his group and the recording of the legendary Head HuntersFind albums with this title album), creating a highly expressionist soundscapes of rare beauty. Visionary music and another essential classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUM COLLECTION 1972-1988
SONY 886977240829 (Barcode: 886977240829) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 - 1988 Released: 2013
This monumental Box Set (31 albums, 3 of which are double CDs) presents the recording legacy of American keyboardist / composer / bandleader Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist during his most productive and groundbreaking two decades, in which his albums were released by ColumbiaFind albums on this label (and SonyFind albums on this label in Japan). Columbia was Hancock´s third record label; his initial recording career (1962-1969) was spent with the legendary Blue NoteFind albums on this label label, where he recorded a series of brilliant and pioneering albums as a leader and dozens of albums as a sideman, many of which are considered as part of the canon of Jazz recordings. After a short period of recording for the Warner Bros.Find albums on this label label (1969-1972) he signed with Columbia, which was quite natural considering that Hancock was a member of the second legendary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet (1963-1969) and took part in many projects Davis led after the quintet disbanded, all of which were recorded for Columbia. Several of the albums in this box, which were originally released only in Japan, make their appearance outside of Japan for the first time.
The content of this Box Set emphasizes the incredible musical versatility and truly chameleonic nature of Hancock as an Artist. He plays in many settings, from solo keyboards, duos (with Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist for example), trios (with Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist) and ensembles like the pioneering Jazz-Funk Headhunters or the incredible V.S.O.P.Find albums by this artist quintet, which followed in the steps of the second Miles Davis quintet, with trumpeter Freddie HubbardFind albums by this artist replacing Davis and the rest of the players being the original quintet members. It also shows Hancock as a composer of soundtracks ("Death Wish" and "Round Midnight") and his affiliation with World Music.
Musically the box covers an incredibly wide cross-genre musical plateau, covering such varied areas as modern Mainstream, Jazz-Rock Fusion, Jazz-Funk Fusion, Jazz-Soul Fusion, electronic and ambient music, orchestral music, Jazz-Classical Fusion and any other. Hancock´s exceptional talent as a composer is exposed here in the fullest and confirms his status as one of the most influential and revolutionary Jazz musician ever. His skills as a player are of course completely unparalleled and have served as a model for generations of young musicians all over the world.
It wouldn´t be an exaggeration to state that this box contains some of the most important Jazz recordings made to date and as a legacy its value is absolutely priceless and unique. It is of course worth every penny of this reasonably priced and beautifully packaged Box Set, even if one owns some of these albums separately already. Grab the box and give the older versions to your friends; they will surely be grateful and thank you.
This is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history, music history and human Cultural legacy, which is way beyond recommendation. Simply a must!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 34 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ THE IMAGINE PROJECT
SONY 771899 (Barcode: 886977189920) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
One of the advantages of being 70 is that you don´t need to prove yourself any more. This is of course especially true in case of Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, who lists among the greatest Jazz musicians of all time. He was lucky to age well, with his career still intact and what is perhaps even more important he keeps moving forward and changing his musical directions constantly. Hancock never was one of those Jazz musicians, who refuse to leave the lofty pedestal of Jazz "superiority", ignoring whatever is happening in contemporary music. In the last couple of decades Hancock, in parallel to his Jazz activities, recorded projects which pay tribute to other musical phenomena, including Pop and Rock. His "The New StandardFind albums with this title" album presented a collection of contemporary Pop anthems arranged for a Jazz ensemble, His wonderful tribute to the talents of the divine Joni Mitchell ("River: The Joni LettersFind albums with this title") is another of such projects. This project takes thing even a notch further. Hancock invited a group of musicians from all over the world; each and every one of them representing a different aspect of World Music influenced contemporary music and recorded with them new arrangements to some classic Pop songs. Augmented by some of the best Jazz musicians around (drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist, percussionist Alex AcunaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Larry GoldingsFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist and many others) and recorded in many different studios around the world, this is a magical tribute to contemporary music by a Master musician. I absolutely loved every minute of it and I´m sure many of you will too!
Side Note: I have read quite a few reviews of this album published in the few weeks since its release and unfortunately most of them are completely irrelevant, missing the point by a mile. Many people seem to dislike this album for a variety of reasons, simply being completely ignorant to its concept and qualities. As we say around these parts: "The dogs keep barking and the caravan moves on".
| | Updated: 17/06/2016Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ THE NEW STANDARD
VERVE 988403 (Barcode: 602498840351) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1996 Released: 2005
After playing jazz standards throughout all his life (in addition to original music of course), Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist decided to record an album dedicated to his rendition of contemporary Pop songs, which in his opinion deserve to enter the standard songbook. The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, Steve WonderFind albums by this artist and scores of other songwriters active since the 1960’s composed thousands of songs worthy of becoming classics, yet the jazz standards to this day are mostly tunes written in the first half of the 20th century. Hancock selected a dreamy sextet of some of the best contemporary jazz Masters to take part in this recording, with Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist – sax, John ScofieldFind albums by this artist – guitar, Dave HollandFind albums by this artist – bass, Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist – drums and Don AliasFind albums by this artist – percussion. He takes the original tunes quite far from the source, transforming them into jazz with masterful touch and divine sensibility. Of course all the players perform beautifully, with Hancock taking a few fiery solos and so do Brecker and Scofield. The rhythm section provides solid and sophisticated background and the entire session just swings like there is no tomorrow. Absolutely delightful!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ THE PIANO
COLUMBIA 87083 (Barcode: 5099708708320) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2004
As hard as it is to believe, this is the debut solo piano recording by Jazz Giant Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist. Aged 38 at the time of this recording, Hancock was at that time already a worldwide Jazz star with a resume, which only a very few other Jazz musician could produce. His recordings with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, V.S.O.P.Find albums by this artist and his projects as a leader include some of the finest Jazz music ever recorded, yet strangely he seldom attempted to perform solo piano pieces. Therefore this recording is a milestone and a rare document of the illustrious career of this great musician.
Recorded in Japan, this album was initially only released on the Japanese market, It took 26 years to have it finally released worldwide (the usual record companies bullshit), which is a true crime. The only consolation comes as the bonus tracks available on this issue. The original album included seven tracks (this issue adds four alternate versions), three of which are standards and four are original compositions by Hancock. His delivery is of course divine, breathtakingly beautiful and deeply touching. Hancock always had the incredible gift to utilize his extraordinary technical skill to express his deep lyricism and emotional insightfulness, which are even more evident on these recordings, considering him sitting alone at the piano. This is an absolute must for every piano-loving music connoisseur.
| | | CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK ~ THE WARNER BROS. YEARS (1969-1972)
RHINO 081227959043 (Barcode: 081227959043) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 - 1972 Released: 2014
This Box Set collects the three albums pianist / composer Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist recorded for Warner Bros.Find albums on this label: "Fat Albert RotundaFind albums with this title", "MwandishiFind albums with this title" and "CrossingsFind albums with this title". The original albums are expanded with bonus material, which is rather immaterial as it consists of single versions or promo edits of the tunes already present on these albums. In order to read about the lineups and the significance of these albums please click on their titles to switch to their detailed descriptions.
The booklet accompanying the Box Set includes a short essay by pianist / composer / writer Bob GluckFind albums by this artist, which also includes a few quotations taken from his book "You Will Know When You Get There: Herbie Hancock and the Mwandishi Band". The essay is pretty basic, which is rather sad as a serious analysis of this music would have been in place. I guess that there wasn´t any budget for a more extensive write-up or inclusion of live recordings by the band, which would have justified the existence of this Box Set and somehow compensated for buying this music one more time.
Of course this is momentous music, which deserves to be heard and if this Box Set gets to be listened to by a younger generation of listeners, who missed this music when it was happening in real time, its goal was achieved. People who already own the original vinyl LPs or the earlier reissues (which are still available) can easily skip this.
Overall this is a rather dodgy reissue / repackaging effort of fantastic music and hopefully will serve a greater good by just being out there for the asking.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERBIE HANCOCK / CHICK COREA ~ AN EVENING WITH HERBIE HANCOCK & CHICK COREA IN CONCERT
COLUMBIA 65551 (Barcode: 5099706555124) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1978
A true meeting of Titans! Two of America´s greatest piano players - Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist and Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist - meet in 1978, facing each other accross two grand pianos and playing in unison for two hours. The music is sublime, uplifting and brilliant all the way. The true success of this recording lies in the fact that the two geniuses complement each other rather than competing with each other, dismissing their egos and concentrating on the wonderful process of music creation. The material includes jazz standards as well as compositions by both of the participants. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | BILLY HART ~ ALL OUR REASONS
ECM 2248 (Barcode: 602527866314) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012
This is the debut album on the legendary ECMFind albums on this label label by veteran American drummer / composer Billy HartFind albums by this artist, who is one of the greatest drummers in Jazz history, although he is rarely mentioned by critics. He was a part of many pivotal Jazz recordings over the years with such great musicians as Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Stan GetzFind albums by this artist and of course Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. Unfortunately his recordings as a leader are relatively rare. This is the second album by his recent quartet, which includes saxophonist Mark TurnerFind albums by this artist, pianist Ethan IversonFind albums by this artist and bassist Ben StreetFind albums by this artist. Hart, Iverson and Turner all contribute compositions on this album and the quartet performs them with elegance and flair, which is usually identified with European Jazz, which is probably the reason behind ECM´s decision to include this music in their catalogue. This is modern Jazz at its best, firmly based in the tradition and expanding it towards new territory. Beautiful stuff!
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  | KRZYSZTOF HERDZIN ~ DANCING FLOWERS
FUSION 001 (Barcode: 5907564258012) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2005
This album by Polish keyboardist / composer / arranger Krzysztof HerdzinFind albums by this artist presents yet another aspect of his seemingly universal musical personality. It is basically a Funk album, which consists of seven instrumentals and three songs, all composed by Herdzin. The arrangements, especially those involving the horn section, have some proximity to Jazz, but overall it is a Pop album with some Jazz-Rock Fusion elements.
The music is performed by an excellent team, which includes guitarist Marek NapiorkowskiFind albums by this artist, bassists Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist (in a rare appearance on bass guitar), Filip SojkaFind albums by this artist and Miroslaw WisniewskiFind albums by this artist and drummers Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist, Grzegorz GrzybFind albums by this artist and Michal DabrowkaFind albums by this artist and horn players like saxophonists Michal KulentyFind albums by this artist, Marek PodkowaFind albums by this artist and Mariusz MelczarekFind albums by this artist and several others. The vocals are handled by three young Pop vocalists, two female and one male, all of them quite unimpressive
The music is based on the American Funk model, which was developed in the 1970s / 1980s by a plentitude of mostly African American musicians, especially the archetypical Earth, Wind & FireFind albums by this artist, but also by many partly Jazz oriented artists like George DukeFind albums by this artist, Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist, Grover Washington, Jr.Find albums by this artist and even Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist during some periods of their extensive careers. Herdzin presents his version of Funk, which is based more on the melodic content than the rhythmic progression and is therefore somewhat softened, or simply more European. Herdzin often states that anything he does is by no means inferior to whatever the Americans are doing, and to tell the truth he is often correct when saying so, but on the other hand as it was once so adequately put: "White Man Can´t Jump" and Funk is after all about "jumping" more than anything else. When asked if he ever played Funk, Herdzin can most certainly answer positively, following this recording.
Overall this is a well done, pleasant album (except for the vocal tracks), which is ideal for driving on sunny days (pretty rare in Poland) with the volume up and a pretty blonde beside you. Enjoy!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KRZYSZTOF HERDZIN ~ LIVE IN TYGMONT
ALLEGRO 011 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2006
This album presents a live recording captured at the Warsaw´s Tygmont club by pianist / composer Krzysztof HerdzinFind albums by this artist and his trio, with bassist Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist and drummer Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist. The trio performs six compositions, four of which are originals by the leader and two are standards. The recording has a beautiful realistically captured live sound and an overall superb sound quality.
People familiar with the Polish Jazz scene are surely aware of the fact that Herdzin is one of the busiest and most versatile musicians in the country, who left his mark on a large scale of different musical projects in Contemporary Classical music, Jazz and Popular music. His work as an arranger / orchestrator marks most of the great Pop albums recorded in the last two decades in Poland. Sometimes it seems as if there is hardly anything happening in Polish music, which does not involve Herdzin one way or another. Of course such omnipresence can be dangerous and lead to spreading the talents thin, but one must admit that everything Herdzin touches turns out well, which simply proves his incredible talent, versatility, stamina, perseverance and above all professionalism.
To be fair one must remember that this album presents just one aspect of Herdzin´s activity, i.e. his work as a leader of a classic Jazz piano trio. During his career Herdzin recorded several albums in this format, and I must admit this is the favorite one for me. There are several reasons why I feel that way; firstly the material included herein presents a wide emotional range, from up-tempo numbers presenting Herdzin as a virtuoso pianist performing neck-breaking solos and up to deeply contemplative ballads, where the listener can hear Herdzin the atmospheric painter. Secondly the trio work, which is absolutely stunning, is a superb example of creative cooperation in real time, which after all is what Jazz is all about. The dazzling displays of piano bravura are brilliantly supported at all times by the rhythm section, which at the time of the recording was probably the best in the country. My deeply lamented personal friend Zbigniew Wegehaupt, who left us at a ridiculous young age a year ago, was undoubtedly one of the greatest bassists to emerge on the local scene and drummer Cezary Konrad, with whom Herdzin works often, is probably to top drummer of the second Jazz generation in Poland.
This is a classic piano trio album in every respect, which should satisfy even the sternest and most capricious Jazz connoisseurs. Regardless if your champion is Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Bill EvansFind albums by this artist or Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, you will find something here, which is of course first and foremost Herdzin´s statement, but sits firmly in the same state of mind that these great Masters bestowed upon us. A timeless jewel!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JONATHAN KLEIN ~ HEAR, O ISRAEL – A PRAYER CEREMONY IN JAZZ
TRUNK 025 (Barcode: 666017168128) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2008
The tiny British TrunkFind albums on this label Records label (owned by Jonny TrunkFind albums by this artist) is an endless source of discovery for a serious collector, specializing in unearthing ultra rare (or rarer) recordings and bringing them back to light. For specialist in Jazz Trunk Records have some incredible offers, like this incredible privately recorded album from 1968, which includes the music by Jonathan KleinFind albums by this artist – a seventeen years old youth at the time, performed by an incredible ensemble of leading American Jazz players: trumpeter Thad JonesFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Jerome RichardsonFind albums by this artist, pianist Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and drummer Grady TateFind albums by this artist. Klein plays French horn and is the last member of the sextet. The music was conceived to be performed at a synagogue and was accompanied by singers singing verses from the Bible. Musically it is an incredible piece of modern Jazz, performed by the best musicians at the time. But the album is so completely obscure, that none of the discographies of the Jazz Giants involved lists it. So, as Jonny himself puts it, "Hallelujah", prize the Lord for making such a recording at the time and now having it back in circulation! Incredibly wonderful stuff!
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  | KUTIMAN ~ KUTIMAN
MELTING POT 047 (Barcode: 673793304725) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2007
1st album by young Israeli composer / multi-instrumentalist Ophir KutielFind albums by this artist a.k.a. KutimanFind albums by this artist. Although the young generation of Israeli musicians active in the 21st Century already proved time and again that they are capable of producing some amazing music in the Electronic, Rock, Prog and Jazz genres (as witnessed on the numerous CDs found on my site), most of them are deeply influenced by the European classical music tradition and American Rock and Jazz. What the local scene lacks (or rather lacked until this album) almost completely is music, which boasts groove, such as Funk, Soul or Afro-beat. Therefore this album comes as such a delightful surprise, filling the missing gap completely. This Jewish boychik has enough groove to shake the entire country’s butt and a soul as black as the heart of Africa. Of course it all didn’t come from thin air – Ophir did a lot of listening to the right kind of music, which can be traced (but only as influences, not as imitations) in his music: Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist (There’s A Riot Goin’ OnFind albums with this title), Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s late 1970’s Funk explorations, late Miles DavisFind albums by this artist (TutuFind albums with this title), African Master musician Fela KutiFind albums by this artist (obvious name reference here) and a lot of Ambient, Lounge and Psychedelic music. All these influences come together, and Ophir’s individual approach glues them into a new and fascinating amalgam. This music although far from trivial or simplistic, hits you right in the place where your soul happens to be located and engulfs you completely, making your body to sway in the process. Although Ophir plays most of the instruments on the album, which BTW is also brilliantly produced, he invited some local musicians and vocalists to take part. These include members of the local Funk band Funk’n’steinFind albums by this artist and the local diva KarolinaFind albums by this artist. Whatever your musical preferences, this music just can’t leave you cold, and if it does (God forbid) then you probably have no soul at all. Absolutely great fun!
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  | WYNTON MARSALIS ~ WYNTON MARSALIS
WOUNDED BIRD 7574 (Barcode: 664140757424) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2007
American trumpeter / composer / arranger / bandleader Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist is probably the most identifiable Jazz personality worldwide in the last three decades – Mr. Jazz himself! With Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and lately also Freddie HubbardFind albums by this artist no longer with us, Marsalis is also the greatest trumpet player still standing. Sometimes it seems that the responsibility that comes with these honorable positions appear to be just too much for Marsalis to handle, as he has been in the epicenter of a huge controversy concerning his personality, his public statements and even his musical achievements. It was all Guns (of appraisal) and Roses (of admiration) at first – everything just clicked for Marsalis: a prestigious recording contract with ColumbiaFind albums on this label Records, a massive PR campaign for his albums, Grammy nominations and awards and every other conceivable musical award in US and abroad (including the first ever Pulitzer Prize for music) and finally the appointment as Artistic Director of the "Jazz at Lincoln Center", a cushy and extremely well paid job, all these and more turned out to be just too much for his enemies (and he has many of those) to swallow. To say the truth, Marsalis has a mouth, which does not fall much behind his mouth´s extension, the trumpet. The man just loves to voice his opinions, and some of these are quite provocative and extremely controversial, all this on top his always highly stylish wardrobe and often snobbish behavior. All the above make Marsalis an easy target for hatred and criticism, mostly by bigots, short-sighted critics and most of all envious competitors. To tell the truth, I don´t dive a damn. For me, Marsalis was always, from day one, an example of a total musician. He not only has a tremendous gift, but he both feels and understands music, a rare combination with only a handful of musicians around the globe truly possess. His ability to perform and compose Jazz and Classical music only emphasizes his musical versatility and profound effort to study, learn and apply the acquired throughout his entire life. His love of early Jazz, from the Blues, the New Orleans Masters, Louis ArmstrongFind albums by this artist and up to Beboppers like Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, and in parallel his disrespect towards Fusion and Free Jazz are fine by me. Not everybody has to love every kind of music and even not all kinds of Jazz… as long as they do whatever they do in such magnificent fashion as he does with his music, time after time. So here comes this album, his debut solo recording. As already mentioned, Marsalis is a perpetual student, and this was just his first step, so obviously he was relaying heavily on what he knew then, which for a trumpet player means one thing: Miles Davis. In many respects this album is a direct bridge between the classic Davis recording with the second quintet, almost two decades earlier. Although his quintet does not perform any of Miles Davis compositions or even tunes from the Master´s regular repertoire, the sound and stylistic approach is quite obvious. Emphasized by the fact that about a half of the album´s tracks feature that very same quintet´s rhythm section – Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist on piano, Ron CarterFind albums by this artist on bass and Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist on drums, and Wynton´s brother Branford MarsalisFind albums by this artist sounds remarkably like Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist on his saxophones, the associations just keep flowing. Is it imitation? Hell no! Not even in the slightest, although Marsalis would be called a Davis imitator from now no, even when he completely changed his modus operandi on the trumpet as he went along. Again, who gives a damn? This is a magnificent album, full of superb performances and uplifting music, masterly played from start to finish. Period! And when one remembers that Marsalis was just 20 years old when this album was recorded… give me a break… this is a revelation. But Marsalis was a fast learner and his subsequent recordings will surpass this album, as good as it is, by far. Maturity has this effect on people; they just get better with what they do in time, provided of course that they are as talented as Wynton Marsalis.
Side Note: The fact that Columbia dropped from its catalogue almost the entire recorded output by Wynton Marsalis is a sad and tragic testimony of our times. Columbia made a lot of money from his albums for decades, but considering the state of the music industry, there are no sentiments left. This reissue is released on the Wounded BirdFind albums on this label label; kudos to the label owner for keeping great music alive!
| | Updated: 01/06/2018Posted: | CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | BENNIE MAUPIN ~ THE JEWEL IN THE LOTUS
ECM 1043 (Barcode: 602517232501) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2007
This great and unfortunately little known album by US reedman Bennie MaupinFind albums by this artist is a superb example of the artistic freedom extended to musicians by the legendary ECMFind albums by this artist label. Maupin is of course known from his input to the revolutionary music recorded by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and later by the Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist sextet and in fact this album was recorded shortly after the recording of the three so called "MwandishiFind albums with this title" albums and later the immensely successful "Head HuntersFind albums with this title". The core members of Hancock´s sextet are here: Hancock himself on piano and electric piano, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist and bass, Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums, augmented by trumpeter Charles SullivanFind albums by this artist and percussionists Frederic WaitsFind albums by this artist and Bill SummersFind albums by this artist. The music, all composed by Maupin, is deeply meditative and low key, but full of beauty and reflection. There is ample space for improvisation and interplay, all of which is done with great care and restraint, but the overall result aesthetically perfect. Perhaps not an "easy" album to listen to, especially for the first time, but music without challenge is not really worth pursuing, is it?
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ THIEVES AND POETS
EMARCY 801075 (Barcode: 602498010754) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist is not only the world’s finest guitar player, but surely also the most versatile one. Throughout his illustrious career he played almost in every conceivable jazz-related genre between free jazz, Jazz-Rock Fusion, mainstream jazz, Jazz-World Fusion and so on. This gorgeous album opens yet another area for his musical achievements – the marriage of classical music and jazz or Jazz-Classical Fusion. The contents of the album can be divided into two parts. First comes a title piece – a splendid suite for acoustic guitar and orchestra (over 26 minutes long in 3 parts), which presents McLaughlin accompanied by the Deutsche KammerphilharmonieFind albums by this artist (with Renato RivoltaFind albums by this artist conducting). The music shows McLaughlin’s skills as a composer of contemporary music, based on the European romantic tradition. It is passionate and elegant, as one might expect from McLaughlin and quite a revelation for many of his admirers. The second part of the album consists of four jazz standards performed here in a very special guitar arrangement with McLaughlin accompanied by guitar based classical Aighetta Quartet. As these four standards have been mostly associated with legendary jazz pianist (Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Gonzalo RubalcabaFind albums by this artist) McLaughlin presents them as homage to these jazz Giants. This is a very personal album, delicate and subtle, requiring a most attentive listening and deserving repetitive exploration. Essential musical experience!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JONI MITCHELL ~ ARCHIVES – VOLUME 4 (THE ASYLUM YEARS 1976-1980)
RHINO 603497823680 (Barcode: 603497823680) ~ CANADA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 - 1979 Released: 2024
This is the 4th archival Box Set presenting recordings by the iconic Canadian singer / songwriter Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. It includes six CDs worth of material spanning the years 1975 to 1979. The recordings include home and studio demos, live performances, alternate album tracks and other sources. All of the songs (except a few cases) are Mitchell originals and all were never previously released.
CD1 presents eighteen tracks form various live concerts in 1975 and the 1976 US tour and one home recording.
CD2 presents seventeen more tracks from the 1976 US tour.
CD3 presents nine demos for the “HejiraFind albums with this title” album, three live concert tracks and two tracks from the “Hejira” sessions.
CD4 presents two tracks from the “Don Juan`s Reckless DaughterFind albums with this title” album sessions, three tracks from the “MingusFind albums with this title” album sessions, eight live concert tracks from 1978 and four alternate tracks from “Mingus” sessions.
CD5 presents one track from “Mingus” sessions, two live concert tracks from 1979, two tracks from the 1979 tour rehearsals and nine live concert tracks from the 1979 US tour.
CD6 presents sixteen additional live concert tracks from the 1979 US tour.
This wonderful time capsule enables listeners to take a time machine some forty-five years back in time and imagine they are sitting in a studio console room just a few meters away from Mitchell, who is singing her heart out or attending her concerts. At those peak moments of her career she was absolutely marvelous as a performer and a completely unique songwriter, who would change the face of music in the forthcoming decades. Accompanied by the top Jazz players of the period, including Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist and others, she sounds simply marvelous.
Overall, this is a brilliant Box Set of enormous historical importance and an absolute must to all true Mitchell fans. The excellent sound quality of these recordings allows taking a fully enjoyable trip back in time, visiting the source of Mitchell’s illustrious career, with a hope that the next volumes of the archival series will bring many more hours of previously unheard material. This is beyond recommendation!
| | Updated: 16/11/2024Posted: 16/11/2024 | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALPHONSE MOUZON ~ BY ALL MEANS
MPS 4029759169703 (Barcode: 4029759169703) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2021
This is a reissue / remaster of an album by American drummer / composer / bandleader Alphonse MouzonFind albums by this artist, recorded with some top American musicians active at the time, including keyboardist Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, guitarists Lee RitenourFind albums by this artist and Paul Jackson Jr.Find albums by this artist, bassist Scott EdwardsFind albums by this artist and the Seawind HornsFind albums by this artist. Trumpeter Freddie HubbardFind albums by this artist guests on one tracks. The album presents five original compositions, all by Mouzon, and the album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist.
Mouzon enjoyed an illustrious career during the 1970s, first as a member of McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist quartet and later as a founding member of Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist’s Eleventh HouseFind albums by this artist and many other Fusion ensembles, which makes him one of the forefathers of the American Fusion. By the time this album was recorded, Mouzon move more towards Funk and Groove, and this album is a classic example of the genre. Combining Funky grooves and Jazzy brass arrangements it reflects perfectly the relaxed atmosphere fashionable at the time.
Although hardly challenging musically, the album shows that the easier side of the Jazz spectrum can be masterly conceived and executed by highly professional musicians, who are Masters of their trade.
Overall, this is a long overdue reissue of a very enjoyable album, which is a perfect companion for sunny days and an effective antidepressant, which should help some of the Jazz snobs to relax once in a while.
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: 02/05/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRZEGORZ NAGORSKI ~ THE OPTIMIST
SOLITON 738 (Barcode: 5901571097381) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017
This is the third album as a leader by Polish Jazz trombonist / composer Grzegorz NagorskiFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in a quartet setting which features keyboardist Pawel TomaszewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Pawel DobrowolskiFind albums by this artist. Nagorski plays this time on the euphonium, rather than on his customary trombone, which makes this album quite unique, as euphonium is rarely used as the leading instrument. The album presents six original compositions, all by Nagorski.
The music is actually quite surprising, very melodic and mainstream oriented, but definitely not trivial. Most of the time it sounds very Funky and offers a lot of Grove and Soul hints and to me is reminiscent to the music composed by the great George DukeFind albums by this artist and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist in their electric periods. Overall it could be described as Jazz-Funk, Jazz-Soul or Jazz Rock Fusion. Nagorski´s compositions are all first rate.
The euphonium proves to be, as expected, a very difficult instrument as a leading voice of a quartet, and in spite of the fact that Nagorski handles it very skillfully, it is essentially up to the other musicians to provide most of the harmonic and rhythmic contents, which of course they do perfectly, as expected from the highly professional and talented musicians they are. Tomaszewski´s keyboards are an absolute delight and he is definitely as excellent in the electric department as he is in front of the acoustic piano and for some time one of my favorite Polish keyboard players.
Overall this is a very pleasant and musically satisfying album, which at the same time offers an attempt to use an unusual instrument in a Jazz environment. The music should be acceptable to a wide circle of Jazz / Fusion listeners and guaranties a well spent time while listening to this music.
| | Updated: 09/06/2018Posted: 09/06/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALON NECHUSHTAN ~ WORLDS BEYOND
BUCKYBALL 024 (Barcode: 697855002428) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
New album by Israeli (resident in NY) pianist Alon NechushtanFind albums by this artist, this time in a trio setting with bassist Francois MoutinFind albums by this artist and drummer Dan WeissFind albums by this artist, which presents nine brilliant compositions by the leader and an exceptional performance by the trio. Nechushtan is of course fondly remembered for his fantastic work with the TalatFind albums by this artist quintet ("The GrowlFind albums with this title" on TzadikFind albums on this label Records), which to this day is one of my favorite albums of the last decade. This album is completely different from his work with Talat, which combined Jazz and Klezmer / Hasidic music, and presents superb modern Jazz unrelated to any particular ethnic references. Nechushtan again shines both as a composer, with his tunes sounding like instant classics, which could have been composed by the likes of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist or Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, and as player, displaying dazzling technique and sensitivity. His supporting team is also brilliant all the way, with Moutin doing some incredible stuff with his bass (don´t try this at home) and Weiss beating the hell out of the drum kit, but always right on the beat. Overall this is a great album, immensely enjoyable and deeply moving emotionally. I can´t imagine any true Jazz fan not falling in love with this album instantly, and therefore I recommend it wholeheartedly. A true must!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE PIKE ~ JAZZ FOR THE JET SET
WOUNDED BIRD 1457 (Barcode: 664140145726) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2006
Vibraphonist Dave PikeFind albums by this artist has been active on the US jazz scene since the mid-1950s, playing in a variety of bands. In the early 1960s Pike joined the Herbie MannFind albums by this artist band, where he stayed for several years, playing an amplified vibraphone (one of the first musicians to do so). After leaving Mann’s band he recorded a few albums (this being one of them) and in 1968 he left for Europe, where he stayed for several years leading the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, which was one of the most advanced and sophisticated early jazz-rock ensembles. With the Set he recorded a series of brilliant albums for the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label label (sadly mostly not available on CD), which featured the absolutely top European players at the time, including guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and many more. In the mid-1970s Pike returned to the US, where he continued to perform and occasionally record. This album is quite unique in many ways: it was produced by Herbie Mann and features some of the best players on the scene, including Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist (plying the organ – the only time that happened!) and trumpeter Clark TerryFind albums by this artist. The material includes several original tunes (by Hancock and Pike) and lovely arrangements of great (then contemporary) Pop songs, creating one of the nicest ever jazz-pop albums (typical of the mid-1960s), with that incredible sound that makes my heart melt each time I hear it. Perhaps my nostalgia slightly clouds my judgment, but this is a most pleasant album, full of joy and naivete, so rare these days. Superb!
| | Updated: 30/01/2016Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLORA PURIM ~ THE COMPLETE WARNER RECORDINGS
WOUNDED BIRD 2985 (Barcode: 664140298521) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2023
This is a 2CD reissue of three studio albums by the legendary Brazilian Jazz vocalist / songwriter Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, released on Warner Bros.Find albums on this label Records in 1977, 1978 and 1979 respectively.
These albums were recorded while Purim was at the peak of her popularity in the US, and she flirts with some Smooth Jazz and Latin Jazz material, in addition to her usual Brazilian Jazz, but they are nevertheless still absolutely gorgeous. Some of the best US Jazz musicians at the time accompany her on these albums, including of course her husband drummer / percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, bassist Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist, keyboardists George DukeFind albums by this artist and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist and numerous others.
CD1 includes the album “Everyday, EverynightFind albums with this title”, from 1978. It presents eleven tracks. This edition adds two bonus tracks, which are outtakes from the album’s recording session.
CD2 includes the album “Nothing Will Be As It Was…TomorrowFind albums with this title”, from 1977, which presents eight tracks, and the album “Carry OnFind albums with this title”, from 1979, which presents ten tracks.
To this very day Purim is one of the most important Jazz vocalist of all time, a pioneer of the Brazilian Jazz wave that swept the world in the 1970s and a very gifted songwriter as well. She is one of my favorite vocalists and I am incredibly happy to have had the opportunity to meet her several times.
Overall, these are excellent vocal Jazz / Jazz-World Fusion albums, which are absolutely an essential addition to every Vocal Jazz collection and which lost absolutely nothing of their brilliance over time. The reissue is a most welcomed opportunity to grab a copy of the them. Purim’s many followers need no encouragement of course and many young Jazz vocalists can learn a lot from these recordings. Sublime stuff!
| | Updated: 21/10/2023Posted: 21/10/2023 | CD 2 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PRZEMYSLAW RAMINIAK ~ LOCOMOTIVE
SOLITON 417 (Barcode: 5901571094175) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This is the first album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Przemyslaw RaminiakFind albums by this artist, following his departure from the seminal Polish piano trio RGGFind albums by this artist, of which he was a founding member. The album was recorded in a quartet setting and features also saxophonist Jakub SkowronskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Bartosz KuczFind albums by this artist and American drummer Frank ParkerFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, seven composed by Raminiak and one co-composed by him with Skowronski.
Musically the album presents a complete about face as far as Raminiak´s role with RGG is concerned. No more long, contemplative, lyrical and almost free form ambient explorations, but straightforward melodic mainstream, almost smooth Jazz, energetic, vigorous, funky, groovy and danceable. Although at the first moment this can be quite shocking to some of Raminiak´s fans, there is basically nothing wrong with changing one´s approach, even dramatically. If Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist can do it, why can´t Przemyslaw Raminiak do it as well?
This is very immediate music and yet it has many virtues: the melodies are all first-class, the arrangements are slick and professional and the performances are brilliant in that particular milieu. Raminiak plays acoustic and electric piano and a few synthesizers, always with flair and spotless technique, which of course is not surprising. Skowronski is a big surprise with his smooth phrasing and superb melodiousness. The rhythm section plays pretty solid background timekeeping stuff, with beautiful fretless bass playing a few nice solos and drums staying respectfully in the background, as appropriate for this setting. In short this whole thing works like a dream, delivering pleasant, nontrivial and highly satisfactory music, which is a lot of fun to listen to.
Of course Raminiak will be accused of "selling out" and playing rubbish by Polish "music critics", but honestly most of them secretly enjoy this music very much and are simply embarrassed to admit it. As far as fellow musicians are concerned most of them wish they could come up with an album like this one themselves.
So here it comes again people: this is a great album for what it is, straightforward uncomplicated good music. We can´t eat the same food all the time and we can´t listen to the same music all the time – this is definitely a nice alternative, mostly for those who know it all.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | KRZYSZTOF SADOWSKI ~ NA KOSMODROMIE
GAD 030 (Barcode: 5901549197389) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2015
This is a reissue (first time on CD) of the second album by Polish Jazz keyboardist / composer Krzysztof SadowskiFind albums by this artist recorded with an ensemble called Organ GroupFind albums by this artist, which also included flautist / vocalist Liliana UrbanskaFind albums by this artist, Dutch trumpeter Eddie EngelsFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Wlodzimierz NahornyFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Pawel DabrowskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Tomasz ButowttFind albums by this artist and congas player Jozef GawrychFind albums by this artist.
This album was not released at the time as part of the legendary "Polish Jazz" series, for reasons that are way beyond the scope of this text. The original album included only six tracks, the first of which gave the album its title and was a twenty minutes long six parts suite originally found on side A of the LP. The five tracks on side B were all much shorter. All the compositions were originals, four composed by Sadowski and one each by Nahorny and Engels. This remastered reissue adds three bonus tracks recorded at the Polish Radio.
By the time this album was released the Polish Jazz scene was in a state of upheaval, torn between two extremes: Free Jazz on one side and Jazz-Rock Fusion on the other. Strangely this album presents a bit of both, since although conceptually belonging to the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre it features a few Free Form solos. Obviously Sadowski was shifting his organ playing stylistics from the traditional influences (Jimmy SmithFind albums by this artist) towards (then) contemporary keyboard approach represented by Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist or Weather ReportFind albums by this artist´s Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist. The use of vocalese, which was one of the trademarks of Polish Jazz at the time, utilized extensively by Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist in Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist´s ensemble, is only one of the parallels between these two pioneering Fusion bands active at the time.
The space exploration, which seems a bit strange as a subject matter of a Jazz album, was at the time one of the main pillars of the Socialist propaganda, which excitedly participated in the space race between USSR and USA, with an obvious winning side. Picking such a subject increased of course significantly the possibility to have one´s music released by the State controlled solitary record company in existence at the time in Poland (Polskie Nagrania).
In retrospect the albums is a great document of the time at which it was recorded, proving that in spite of the relative separation from what was happing beyond the Iron Curtain, Polish Jazz was responding rapidly to the changes in the Jazz idiom, often with ferocity and ingenuity, which were impossible to hold back by the political regime.
As usual it is my duty to thank GADFind albums on this label Records for taking care of the Polish Jazz heritage, who is sadly a lonely rider on that trail. This superb music definitely needs to be fondly remembered and discovered by new generations!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANTANA ~ CARAVANSERAI
COLUMBIA 511128 (Barcode: 5099751112822) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2003
4th album, which reflects clear change of direction for the band (and the bandleader in particular) and initiating the entrance of SantanaFind albums by this artist into the world of Fusion. Following three phenomenally successful albums and a clearly defined style (perfected by five years of recording and touring) mixing rock with Latin and Jazz rhythms, the band was now in a turmoil, being torn apart by two conflicting tendencies. Some of the band members wished to continue the same path (stylistically) and others (especially Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist) wanted to move on to the next phase. In the period shortly preceding the recording of this album Carlos was exposed to two new major cultural influences. Fellow guitarists Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist and John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist introduced Carlos to the teachings of Guru Sri ChinmoyFind albums by this artist and he embraced these with passion. Santana’s drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist inaugurated Carlos into the burgeoning world of (then) contemporary jazz and Fusion of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Weather ReportFind albums by this artist and Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which he immediately fell in love with. All these new influences pushed Carlos further and further away from the old Santana style into Fusion, which would soon result in the collapse of the original line-up and the creation of a new band. CaravanseraiFind albums with this title is a crossroads album for the band, with several members playing here for the last time. Organist Gregg RolieFind albums by this artist and guitarist Neal SchonFind albums by this artist would leave soon after to form JourneyFind albums by this artist and new members, notably keyboards player Tom CosterFind albums by this artist and bassist Doug RauchFind albums by this artist would join. Since the album includes all of these wonderful players, the resulting music is truly exquisite. The dual lead guitar front line drives the melodic material to stratospheric heights and the expanded percussive rhythm section provides a soaring background. In spite of the “in transition” mood, the albums sounds cohesive and provides an uplifting musical continuum. The album was to be followed shortly by the divine Carlos Santana / John McLaughlin duet album Love, Devotion, SurrenderFind albums with this title and a series of outstanding albums like WelcomeFind albums with this title, IlluminationsFind albums with this title (with Alice ColtraneFind albums by this artist) and LotusFind albums with this title. An absolute classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CARLOS SANTANA ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS
SONY 886976260620 (Barcode: 886976260620) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 - 1980 Released: 2010
This Box Set collects reissues of three studio albums by the iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist, originally released on the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label between 1974 and 1980. They are: “IlluminationsFind albums with this title” (1974), “Oneness: Silver Dreams - Golden RealtyFind albums with this title” (1979) and “The Swing Of DelightFind albums with this title” (1980). All three were released under Santana’s Sanskrit name Devadip Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist given to him by Sri ChinmoyFind albums by this artist. These three albums followed Carlos Santana’s debut solo album recorded in collaboration with guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist entitled “Love Devotion SurrenderFind albums with this title” (1973).
“Illuminations” is a collaboration with pianist / harpist Alice ColtraneFind albums by this artist, the wife of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. SantanaFind albums by this artist (the group) keyboardist Tom CosterFind albums by this artist and percussionist Armando PerazaFind albums by this artist play on the album and Coster also co-composed three of the tracks. Jazz musicians: bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist, drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist and several others take part in the recording, as well as a large string section conducted by Alice Coltrane, who wrote the arrangements and co-composed one the tracks. A short chant by Chinmoy is the album’s opening track.
“Oneness: Silver Dreams - Golden Realty” presents fifteen relatively short compositions, most composed by Carlos Santana and is performed by a large group of musicians, including many Santana (the group) members. The first six tracks were recorded live and the rest were recorded in the studio.
“The Swing Of Delight”, originally a double LP, presents nine compositions performed by a large group of top Jazz musicians, including Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Ron CarterFind albums by this artist, Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist and many others.
These three albums together with the a.m. “Love Devotion Surrender” album present some of the most spiritual and deeply Jazz influenced music that Carlos Santana created during his long-lasting career. The mixture of Indian spirituality, which he shared with many Jazz musicians at the time, and extensive / hypnotic Jazz improvisations are in retrospect some of his best achievements, and deserve to be cherished and remembered.
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 13/09/2021Posted: 13/09/2021 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | PIOTR SCHMIDT / ELECTRIC GROUP ~ SILVER PROTECT
SJ 005 (Barcode: 5902596066048) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012
This is the debut recording by the Polish Fusion band Electric GroupFind albums by this artist led by the young trumpeter Piotr SchmidtFind albums by this artist and including also keyboardist Tomasz BuraFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist, drummer Sebastian KuchczynskiFind albums by this artist and vocalist Wojciech MyrczekFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of six original compositions, four of which are by the pianist and two by the leader. In addition to leading this group, Schmidt also co-leads a Jazz quintet with pianist Michal WierbaFind albums by this artist, which uses the same rhythm section as this group.
It seems that the Polish Jazz scene is not only capable of grooming excellent piano players, but apparently also brilliant young trumpeters, as evident from the recent wave of extraordinary new releases. This album certainly falls into the same category as far as presenting new trumpet players, but it is quite different in every other sense, most notably being a Fusion recording, a genre which nowadays rarely features the trumpet as the leading instrument, as it used to in its heydays. This album in however not just one more Fusion album, as it includes many other elements, especially Funk, which makes it particularly interesting.
The compositions present a diverse musical approach, with excellent melody lines supported by Funky rhythms, memorable vamps and overall superb execution, which is simply heartwarming, especially in view on the musicians´ age. I must admit that its been quite a while since I´ve had the pleasure to listen to such Funky high quality music, which at best brings back fond memories of Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist´s "MwandishiFind albums with this title" period. Schmidt sounds great regardless if he plays a muted trumpet, an electronically processed one (a la echoplex) or simply blows straight forward. Bura is best (in this environment) playing the electric piano rather than synthesizers and the rhythm section is close to stealing the show at times, with those bass slaps that make your ass dance and the extraordinary drumming, which is all over the place and yet so on time. The vocals are used mostly as vocalese, where they are most effective. When they turn to singing lyrics (in English), they quickly become the weakest link of the otherwise excellent effort.
Overall this is definitely a most impressive debut recording, which is both fun to listen to and a quality listening experience. I´m really looking forward to hear their next one, hopefully soon. Not to be missed!
Schmidt, a native of Silesia, the southwestern Polish region (where I come from as well) is one of a growing number of important Polish Jazz musicians originating there. The region is cultivating an active and first-rate local Jazz scene in the last decade, including clubs and festivals. In short, Silesia rulez!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | WAYNE SHORTER ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979202429 (Barcode: 886979202429) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1971 - 1988 Released: 2011
There are very few Jazz musicians, who can claim being at the epicenter of the most innovative and creative music making for decades and also be called one of the greatest Jazz composers, but saxophonist / composer Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist certainly is one of them. His role as a member of the legendary second Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet and than as co-founder and co-leader of the no less legendary Weather ReportFind albums by this artist are already more significant than the achievements of most other musicians, but Shorter also has a most impressive solo career, which spans from the late 1950s to now, i.e. for over half a century.
Shorter´s recordings as a leader, which were chronologically released on the Vee-JayFind albums on this label, Blue NoteFind albums on this label, ColumbiaFind albums on this label and VerveFind albums on this label labels present a magnificent body of work both as a performer and a composer. The Blue Note recordings, eleven albums released between 1964 and 1970 and recorded while he was a member of the Miles Davis quintet, are perhaps the most impressive and pivotal as far as Jazz development is concerned, but all the others are also great showcases of his talent.
Shorter recorded four albums for Columbia; one in 1974 and the other three in the late 1980s, all of which are included in this Box Set. The first album, ("Native DancerFind albums with this title") recorded with the brilliant Brazilian musician / composer Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist is the most memorable and impressive of the Columbia recordings and a beautiful example of Jazz-World Fusion at its best. In addition to several great Brazilian musicians playing on the album, including Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, it also features Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist on piano. The other three albums are somewhat Fusion oriented and feature different lineups of first class musicians, especially keyboard players like Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Stu GoldbergFind albums by this artist, Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, Patrice RushenFind albums by this artist, Geri AllenFind albums by this artist and others and of course almost exclusively the superb compositions by Shorter.
This Box Set also includes two bonus CDs, which collect all Weather Report tracks, which were composed by Wayne Shorter and recorded during the group´s entire lifespan. Although not adding anything new, these CDs present a great historic document of Shorter´s contribution as a composer to the group´s monumental accomplishments.
This Box Set is a must to all Wayne Shorter fans, especially in view of the fact that the individual albums have been out of print for ages. The musical content is of course top notch in every respect, a part of the legacy of a great musician, which deserves to be heard and remembered!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAL URBANIAK ~ FOR WARSAW WITH LOVE
AGORA 5903111493684 (Barcode: 5903111493684) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rap Fusion
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019
"Jazz is (*) the music of the oppressed black working class in capitalist America". This is the slogan that enabled Polish Jazz musicians to play and flourish behind the iron curtain, when the above definition was softened following Stalin´s death (1953) from its original form, which also included "the product of the degeneration presented as" in the place of the asterisk above. Expression of solidarity by the Polish working class with the "black working class in capitalist America" was allowed by playing Jazz. Of course Polish Jazz musicians – including our hero saxophonist / violinist Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist – were never a part of the working class, but that was the beauty of the whole thing. Polish intelligentsia and the artistic bohemian class in particular, which included filmmakers, Jazz musicians, actors, poets and other undesirable riffraff, were absolute Masters in fooling the system and its censorship apparatus into believing in their legitimacy as representatives of the working class and their conformity with the official Socialist Party policies.
Urbaniak and a few of Polish Jazz pioneers visited the US in 1962 and he fell head over heels in love with the "original" American Jazz. From that moment on his primary life´s desire was to move to NY and become part of the local scene, which he consistently pursued and eventually achieved in 1973, together with his wife at the time, vocalist Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist. His NY residency was crowned by a recording contract with Columbia and release of several brilliant and groundbreaking albums and a brief stint with the legendary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. His talent and intensive work schedule earned him many friends among the American (and not only) musicians, which explains how he managed to get on this album a string of stars like drummer Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, pianist Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, guitarist David GilmoreFind albums by this artist, rapper Walter WestFind albums by this artist and others.
Eventually Urbaniak, like many other Polish Jazz musicians who tried their luck in the US, returned to Poland, which in the meantime managed to free itself from the shackles of the Socialist regime, and resumed his activity on the local scene, retaining of course his NY ties. His keen senses and sharp ears enabled him to select some of the best Polish Jazz musicians, mostly members of the young generation, and invite them to take part in this project, like pianist Michal TokajFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, Michal WroblewskiFind albums by this artist and Marek PedziwiatrFind albums by this artist and others.
Formally this album is a tribute to the city of Warsaw, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the tragic Warsaw Uprising against the Nazi German occupation and the album was issued by the Warsaw Uprising Museum. To be honest I completely fail to see any connection and for me this is not a tribute to Warsaw but a tribute to NY and contemporary American music scene. It offers a mixture of Rap, Hip-Hop, Groove, Blues and a bit of Jazz, with a distinct Afro-American feel, which to people familiar with Urbaniak´s current activity is hardly surprising. Most of the music is attributed to Urbaniak, but there are also two classic Jazz standards dressed up to fit with the rest of the album. And yes, it offers a lot of superb playing on the way.
The album proves that Urbaniak wishes to stay relevant and up to date with contemporary trends, which is certainly more than other musicians of his group age are doing. It has a strong Jazz tinge, but certainly is not meant as a Jazz album per se; and why not? Urbaniak does not have to justify his musical choices to anybody, and his extensive legacy proves that he paid his dues and can do whatever he wants to do. The "critics", who dismissed this album outright, fail to see the point here – it is up to the musician to play what see thinks is right and it is up to the listener to decide if he wishes to listen / buy the album. Urbaniak is simply well beyond scrutiny by self proclaimed "critics" – he has been around for long enough to ignore this bullshit.
It was a pleasure to meet Michal again a couple of month ago at the after party of the Singer Festival, where he gave me an autographed copy of this album. Nigel KennedyFind albums by this artist, the star of the final concert and an accomplished musician by all standards, looked at Michal with love and admiration deserved by an older Master… certainly good enough for me. Even if this music is not exactly my glass of vodka, if this is what he wants to play, who am I to tell him otherwise? Respect!
| | Updated: 11/11/2019Posted: 11/11/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | GROVER WASHINGTON, JR. ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979244825 (Barcode: 886979244825) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985 - 1999 Released: 2011
This Box Set includes all the albums released by US saxophonist / composer Grover Washington, Jr.Find albums by this artist on the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label, which spanned the last decade and a half of his life, untimely cut short by his tragic and unexpected death. Washington, primarily known as the Godfather of Smooth Jazz was in fact a gifted Jazz musician with a career spanning almost forty years, which slowly shifted from mainstream Jazz towards Jazz-Funk and Soul-Jazz. He enjoyed immense popularity amongst non-Jazz music lovers, but his true Jazz spirit was always a part of his milieu, especially when examined in retrospect.
The Columbia recordings present a wide range of stylistically diverse settings, moving between Funk, Soul-Jazz and mainstream Jazz, which is rarely associated with his legacy. Some superb players took part in these recordings, such as trumpeter Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist, pianists Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist and Hank JonesFind albums by this artist, bassists Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and George MrazFind albums by this artist, drummer Billy HartFind albums by this artist and many, many more. Washington plays alto, tenor and soprano saxophones with mastery skill and fluency and his improvisational abilities are beyond reproach.
Of course many hardcore Jazz listeners will find this music way to "easy going" for their ears, but many will also be surprised by the Artistry Washington presents often on these albums. Listeners, who like the easier side of Jazz, should find this stuff absolutely delightful. Whatever one´s opinion of Washington´s music may be, one must admit that he certainly was one of the most influential musicians in the 1980s and 1990s. This Box Set, with the original albums mini-sleeved and an informational liner notes included is definitely worth investigating.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARCIN WASILEWSKI TRIO ~ LIVE
ECM 2592 (Barcode: 602567384861) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2018
This is the fourth album on the ECMFind albums on this label label by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist and his trio, which also includes bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist. This is also the first live recording by the trio on that label. The album presents seven compositions (the first two combined into one piece), all composed by Wasilewski except for an interpretation of a song by StingFind albums by this artist and a Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist tune. All of these compositions originate from the trio´s previous album "Spark Of LifeFind albums with this title" except for one that originates from the second album "FaithfulFind albums with this title". As usual for ECM recordings, the album offers excellent sound quality and clarity.
Wasilewski and his trio managed to develop a symbiotic musical relationship in the twenty years they played together and ten albums they recorded together, not to mention their work with the legendary Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist as members of his "Polish Quartet". These years proved to be fruitful and rewarding in every sense, and established the trio among one of the top European piano trios since the turn of the Millennium.
Wasilewski´s role as a composer also developed steadily over time and he is today a core member of the Polish Jazz musical architects, who define the idiom, combining the Jazz tradition with Polish Folklore sources, the typical Polish melancholy and deeply melodic / harmonic sense of beauty and European finesse. His round and elegant music is the epitome of modern European Jazz, continuing the path set by the Godfathers of Polish / European Jazz. Naturally in time he achieved a highly respected position on the local Jazz scene as one of the leaders of the mid-generation and a highly sought after performer.
The trio functions at all times like one body, with the obvious virtuosity displayed by the leader, but not less importantly by the rhythm section, which fused together create an effect that is greater than the sum of its parts. These live recording enables the numerous fans of the trio to experience an instantaneous connection with the process of music making, which of course is much more intensive than listening to a studio album.
Overall this is a superb piece of Jazz piano trio music, performed by Masters and full of delicate and intricate moments hanging in the air, before the next touch of a key or pluck of a string or strike of a stick take the listener to the next magical moment. Elegant, sophisticated, lofty and above all unpretentious and honest, this music is pennies from heaven to every true Jazz connoisseur! Hats off!
| | Updated: 18/09/2018Posted: 16/09/2018 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | IREK WOJTCZAK ~ OUTLOOK
ALLEGRO 016 (Barcode: 5901157049162) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2007
This is an excellent album by Polish Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer Irek WojtczakFind albums by this artist and his quartet OutlookFind albums by this artist, which also includes pianist Piotr ManiaFind albums by this artist, bassist Patryk StaruchaFind albums by this artist and drummer Kuba StaruszkiewiczFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of six original compositions, three of which are by Wojtczak and the other three are co-credited to all the quartet members.
Wojtczak is one of the busiest players on the local scene and is featured on quite a few recordings made in the last decade, both as a leader and a sideman, which span very versatile musical settings, proving that he feels comfortable in any situation. His technical proficiency and musical maturity are truly admirable, as are his compositional skills.
This particular recording is kept in a "retro" Jazz-Rock Fusion atmosphere, emphasized by the excellent utilization of the electric piano, re-creating the ambience of early days of the genre à la Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist. But the music is completely original and up to date, with brilliant melody lines, which serve as a vehicle for expanded improvisations by the leader and the pianist. The rhythm section is also first class, providing just the right amount of support for the soloist during their solos and keeping the entire show appropriately slick and funky.
Overall this album is a most pleasant listening experience, with intelligent and aesthetically satisfying music and first rate playing. Both mainstream and Jazz-Rock listeners should find listening to this album a valuable experience. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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