Record Reviews
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  | IF ~ IF
REPERTOIRE 1037 (Barcode: 4009910103722) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006
Thi is the debut album by the superb British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, formed in 1969 by three representatives of the burgeoning British Jazz scene, which was experiencing an unprecedented surge of creativity and revolutionizing the Jazz form at the time. Although partly inspired by American Jazz-Rock pioneers like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChicagoFind albums by this artist, which were gaining wide popularity at the time, If was quintessentially different from its American counterparts.
Essentially Jazz-Rock was "invented" in Britain several years earlier by musicians like Graham BondFind albums by this artist and others, creating a distinctive "sound and feel", which was quite different from the development of the genre on the other side of the pond. The Americans based their bands on the rich "brass" tradition, which was perfected over the years by countless Big Bands and Brass bands, adding an aggressive rock backbeat to the music, whereas the British used a different approach, which basically left the Jazz environment intact, rejuvenating it with modern rhythmic approach and electric instruments (and in some cases adding Rock vocals), but remaining faithful to the Jazz idiom. In short where the American Jazz-Rock mainly rocked, the British Jazz-Rock mainly swung.
If were a great example of these differences and although short-lived, the band produced some of the most exquisite examples of British Jazz-Rock ever recorded. The core of the band comprised of the extraordinary guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist and another saxophonist / flautist Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist (please note the absence of trumpeters). All three musicians had behind them several years of playing Jazz in various ensembles and were amongst the most gifted young British players at the time. Supported by a great and versatile rhythm section: keyboardist John MealingFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim RichardsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Dennis ElliottFind albums by this artist and fronted by unusually gifted and able vocalist J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist, If were an absolutely perfect combination of talent and abilities, which actually worked. This, combined with the abilities of the "in house" composers (mostly Morrissey and Quincy), who crafted incredible melodies; crispy, complex and intelligent yet "easy" on the ear, made If a lean and mean music making machine of staggering proportions. All three main instrumental soloist were wonderful musicians, which is evident on this album from start to finish, but the most incredible work was surely performed by guitarist Terry Smith, who uses every trick in the book and beyond, always fresh and unconventional.
It is most interesting to compare Smith´s work with Chicago guitarist Terry KathFind albums by this artist (what a coincidence – both named Terry), who also was the most gifted instrumentalist in his band. Smith´s adaptation of Jazz guitar techniques into Rock as opposed to Kath´s improvised Rock guitar playing again emphasize the differences between the two bands. Words of praise should also go to If´s vocalist, who demonstrated exceptional feel on top of his wide range and clear, effortless treatment of even the trickiest challenges.
To summarize, If in general and this, their debut album in particular, are superb examples of what great music is all about. Although mostly forgotten and rarely mentioned in most references, this album is as essential to every Jazz-Rock fan as the air he breathes. Ignoring it would constitute an act of criminal negligence, not to mention the complete void in one´s musical education. Did I say essential?
| | Updated: 17/09/2022Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | IF ~ IF 3
REPERTOIRE 1097 (Barcode: 4009910109724) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2007
This is the third album by the superb British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, recorded in London following a grueling touring schedule in the US and Europe in the months before the recording. Although worn out by touring, the band was tighter and more experienced than ever, keeping the same lineup from the very start, which is evident by their playing on this album (although they were brilliant from day one). They also had more time to work on new material, which proved to be as inspiring as always, but more focused on melody and arrangements rather than the display of extended instrumental improvisations. In many respects this is the most "perfect" If album, closest in spirit to great British Jazz-Rock essence.
Most of the music here was composed by saxophonist / flautist Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist, with two more compositions by keyboardist John MealingFind albums by this artist and one each by guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / flautist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist. The vocals by J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist are particularly lyrical and moving here, placing his abilities in par with the instrumental wizardry of the other band members. Although tamer and less spontaneous than its two predecessors, this is still an essential Jazz-Rock recording of the highest musical quality and an indispensible item in any serious music collection.
| | Updated: 17/09/2022Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | IF ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
REPERTOIRE 1427 (Barcode: 4009910142721) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1972 Released: 2022
This is a sensational archival album by the superb but relatively forgotten British Jazz-Rock Fusion / Brass Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, which to this very day remains as one of the finest examples of the genre. Sourced from the BBC vaults, the double album presents twenty tracks of original music by the ensemble members, recorded over two years, which span the initial life span of the ensemble, all previously unissued.
Following the ensemble’s formative days in 1969, the core lineup stabilized as a septet, which included vocalist J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist, saxophonists/ flautists Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist and Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist (who wrote most of the material), keyboardist John MealingFind albums by this artist, guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim RichardsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Dennis ElliottFind albums by this artist. That lineup recorded the ensemble’s first four iconic albums, called simply “IfFind albums with this title”, “If 2Find albums with this title”, “If 3Find albums with this title” and “If 4Find albums with this title”, and disbanded by the end of 1972. That lineup is featured on all the tracks on this album.
The ensemble reformed with a different lineup and continued until 1975, releasing four more studio albums. A reunion lineup released a studio album in 2016, called “If 5Find albums with this title”, which was a sad affair.
Although stylistically somewhat similar to the American Brass Rock groups like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist and others, If had a very unique British / European approach, which less emphasis on brass arrangements but way more complex music and sophisticated ensemble sound. For a more detailed comparison, please read my review of the If’s early albums.
Overall, this is a treasure chest of previously unheard material by one of the best British Jazz-Rock ensembles ever, and an absolute must to the genre’s many fans. The sound is a bit iffy, despite the fact that the material was remastered, but the music is outstanding. RepertoireFind albums on this label are doing a remarkable job by bringing the material from the BBC vaults back to life, but their pricing borders on insane and the booklets are a bit trivial and repetitive lately, lacking the proper historical perspective this music deserves. But this is Holy Grail any way one looks at it, so don’t think twice and grab a copy.
| | Updated: 18/09/2022Posted: 17/09/2022 | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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