Record Reviews
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  | JAN AKKERMAN ~ LIVE
WOUNDED BIRD 9241 (Barcode: 664140924123) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
6th album by Dutch guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival shortly after the release of the eponymous predecessor. Backed by an excellent band, which includes the Dutch keyboardist Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist, drummer Bruno CastelucciFind albums by this artist, percussionist Neppie NoyaFind albums by this artist and others, Akkerman delivers a blistering set of Jazz-Rock Fusion displaying his amazing technique and energy. Three of the six tunes played are composed by Akkerman and the others are contributions by his band members. Akkerman was at the peak of his powers at the time and this overall excellent album is a great reminder of that period. Definitely a must for all his loyal fans, but of interest also to all Fusion buffs. Recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ASSOCIATION P.C. / JEREMY STEIG ~ MAMA KUKU
PROMISING MUSIC 44100 (Barcode: 602517542846) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008
Association P.C.Find albums by this artist was one of several multi-national Jazz groups active in Europe during the late 1960 / 1970 explosive period of creative activity, which resulted in establishment of the European Jazz and its emancipation from the American Jazz traditions. With Britain as one epicenter of the new music, Netherlands, Germany and France were the other one. Their geographic proximity enabled the existence of multi-national groups, as the musicians were able to meet, rehearse and tour, all within a driving distance from their respective homes. These countries also had a common cultural background, which served as common bond between the musicians. The original group was formed by Dutch drummer Pierre CourboisFind albums by this artist (his initials are in the group’s name) with fellow Dutch players Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist – keyboards and Peter KrijnenFind albums by this artist – bass and the German guitarist Toto BlankeFind albums by this artist. Krijnen was soon replaced by German bass virtuoso Siggi BushFind albums by this artist. After van’t Hof left the group to form his own outfit (the legendary Pork PieFind albums by this artist), he was replaced by German keyboardist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist. The group recorded five albums, four of them on the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label, and this was the last of them. The idea for recording an album with American flautist Jeremy SteigFind albums by this artist was initiated by the legendary Jazz critic and resident MPS producer Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, who heard Steig perform at the Munich Jazz Festival, which was organized as one of the events for the Munich Olympic Games in 1972. Berendt was always looking for unusual musical combinations and inspired the (then) forming European Jazz scene by his unequivocal support and prophetic vision. Steig, although American, was always associated with the Avant-Garde and pursued his own search to expand his horizons beyond the stagnant Jazz mainstream. Therefore his rapport with the young European musicians, who were also on a quest to discover the unknown, happened naturally, as Berendt envisioned. The album was recorded live, another wise decision by Berendt, as the character of the music simply suited a spontaneous situation perfectly. Although Association P.C. is often associated with the European Jazz-Rock Fusion (probably due to the fact that electric guitar and keyboards were used), is fact the group had nothing to do with that genre. Blanke and Kuhn will later on play in or lead Jazz-Rock Fusion ensembles, but in that group they played quite a different sort of music, trying to expand Free Jazz (which served as a departure point) into Improvised Music. Steig understood that instinctively and cooperated beautifully. The peak of the album is reached on the 21+ minutes long spontaneously improvised piece, which was the original B-side of the LP. The performances are of course inspired and uplifting, as the musicians were all virtuosi and masters of their trade in spite of their young age. In retrospect the album caught for posterity a glorious moment and a fragment of what was happening on the European scene at the time, which makes it an immensely important document, in addition to being a superb musical experience, completely relevant to this very day. Kudos to Promising MusicFind albums on this label for the excellent remaster and elegant packaging of the reissue. A must!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOTO BLANKE ~ ELECTRIC CIRCUS
CHICKADISC 001 (Barcode: 5901549197624) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2016
This is a reissue of the second album by German Jazz-Rock Fusion guitarist / composer Toto BlankeFind albums by this artist, recorded by a superb trio, which consisted of Blanke, Dutch keyboardist / composer Jasper Van`t HofFind albums by this artist and Finnish drummer Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist. The trio later adopted the album´s title as their stage name and recorded a few albums together later on. American bassist Dave KingFind albums by this artist plays on four tracks and the album´s co-producer Ulli A. RuetzelFind albums by this artist plays piano on one track. The album presents seven original compositions, six of which were composed by Blanke and one by Van`t Hof.
The music presented here is an extraordinary example of European Jazz-Rock Fusion at its best, which is characterized by complex melodies, elegance and sophistication, rather than endless instrumental doodling which dominated Fusion across the pond. The music is multi-layered, spacey, funky, and sometimes even ventures into almost Free territory; in short it bursts with ideas and eschews repeating worn-out formulas. Although Blanke was the leader and the main composer, the album in fact features the work of Van`t Hof as the primary instrumentalist, both as the soloist and the musician who provides the background layers upon which the music is glued together. Van`t Hof´s limitless imagination is at its absolute most prolific best herein.
Blanke, a very original and plainly "different" guitar player also produces some amazing ventures on this album, mostly unconventional both stylistically and as far as the sounds he uses for his instrument. Vesala, one of Europe´s best and most original drummers, known mostly for his Free Jazz activities, plays some incredible drum parts on this album, proving his versatility and ability to adapt to any environment. He stays relatively in the background here, but listening to his work is very educational and of course aesthetically pleasing.
Overall this is one of the great Fusion albums which are almost completely forgotten and the fact that is reissued forty years after it was recorded is a miracle in every respect. This album is a must to every true Fusion fan anywhere on this planet and hopefully it will be rediscovered, as the music deserves it in every respect.
This release marks the start of a new ChickadiscFind albums on this label label, which is owned by the Polish GADFind albums on this label Records label, and promises to unearth many more amazing albums lost in the tides of time. Hats off as usual!
| | Updated: 21/03/2017Posted: 21/03/2017 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PORK PIE ~ OPERANOIA
INTUITION 750447315822 (Barcode: 750447315822) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996
This is a reunion album by the legendary European Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble Pork PieFind albums by this artist, recorded half a century after the original band was formed in the early 1970s and recorded a couple of excellent albums for the MPSFind albums on this label label. The three founding members: Dutch keyboardist / composer Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist, American (living in Europe) saxophonist / composer Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and Belgian guitar virtuoso / composer Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist are joined by American drummer / percussionist Don AliasFind albums by this artist, who completes the reunion lineup. Together they perform ten original compositions, three each by van`t Hof, Mariano and Catherine and one by Alias.
Although reunions often turn out to be pale reflections of glorious past achievements, this album is a beautiful example of a reunion that not only matches the original music, but in some respects surpasses it. In time pioneering spirit and the fire of creating a new musical genre gives place to reflection and contemplation, with the music aging like a good wine. With some World Music elements added to the mix, the music on this album is simply marvelous from start to finish and is executed brilliantly. All these musicians have mastered every trick in the book, but they never forgot the essence of music being based on writing great tunes and improvising intelligently and emotionally.
This music is all about elegance, good taste, space and mutual understanding, lyricism and communication. There is a place for every member of the ensemble to showcase their respective skills, without a shadow of competition or domination. It´s music made by four equal partners, resulting in an effect being greater than the sum of its ingredients.
Although this album achieved little attention at the time it was released, it remains a wonderful piece of contemporary Fusion, which is completely free of the dreaded endless and senseless doodling and consists simply of superbly executed marvelous music. In should be studied by Fusion players to learn what should be avoided and of course wholeheartedly enjoyed by intelligent Fusion fans the world over. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 06/02/2016Posted: 06/02/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PORK PIE ~ TRANSITORY
PROMISING MUSIC 44108 (Barcode: 602517602427) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2008
Dutch keyboardist / composer Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist was one of the most prominent young Jazz musicians on the European scene in the late 1960s / 1970s and a pioneer of the new European Jazz, which emerged like a Phoenix on the ashes of the stagnant Jazz tradition. A founding member of the legendary Association P.C.Find albums by this artist, van`t Hof left the group in 1972 (to be replaced by Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist) and a year later formed his own ensemble Pork PieFind albums by this artist (the name being a tribute to a famous Lester YoungFind albums by this artist tune) with four other excellent musicians: the veteran American (but resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist, Belgian guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, French bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-ClarkFind albums by this artist and Italian (but resident in France) drummer Aldo RomanoFind albums by this artist. The group recorded a couple of albums on the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label label, of which this was the first. The group played a completely innovative music, which moved freely between genres and included Free Jazz, Jazz-Rock Fusion, Psychedelic and World Music elements. All five members of the group were splendid musicians, blessed with virtuosity and inspiration, and the rapport between them was phenomenal. This album sounds today as advanced and oracular as it did at the time of the recording, losing nothing of its freshness, a true timeless masterpiece. The Brazilian percussionist Ivanir “Mandrake” Do NascimentoFind albums by this artist appears as a guest on some of the tracks and adds his magic to the mix. In retrospect this is a superb example of what was happening on the European Jazz scene at the time, underlining the perpetual quest for new forms of expression and ceaseless search for new musical vocabulary. Superbly remastered and elegantly packaged by Promising MusicFind albums on this label, this is a treasure and a great trip down the memory lane. Hopefully the other MPS recording by this group will follow soon. Brilliant!
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | HEINZ SAUER / JASPER VAN`T HOF ~ HAMBURG EPISODE
ART OF GROOVE 80332 (Barcode: 885513803320) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1983 Released: 2015
This is a fabulous archival live recording of a duo concert by two of the most prominent European Jazz musicians: German saxophonist Heinz SauerFind albums by this artist and Dutch keyboardist Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist. Together they perform six original compositions, each of them contributing three of his works. The entire concert was beautifully recorded by the NDR, with the legendary Michael NauraFind albums by this artist at the helm. In spite of the fact that the music was recorded thirty two years before it was released, it lost absolutely nothing if its vitality and relevance over time and is an extraordinary example of the "Art of the Duo".
Among the countless number of saxophone players around the world, Sauer has surely one of the most distinctive voices on his tenor saxophone, immediately recognizable and using a completely unique playing technique, which allows his to play the melody line and the complex improvisations around it, sounding like one inseparable sound. Often describes as Free without being totally Free, his playing has always been one of the most advanced Avant-Garde and yet completely romantic and likeable. This fantastic dichotomy marks Sauer as one of the European Jazz everlasting icons.
Of course van`t Hof is also a great Master, playing every possible keyboard instrument from a grand acoustic piano to the most advanced electronic instruments, always doing so with the utmost sensibility, inventiveness and elegance. His numerous recordings over the years are a brilliant record of great musicianship and immense contribution to European Jazz. His performances on this album are of course as perfect as can be imagined, balancing Sauer´s sonic vistas with his own inventions, as if all this music was written down in great detail, where in fact it was completely improvised.
This album is not only a document of great individual performances, but more importantly is shoes a level of interplay and communication achieved by the great Masters of the Jazz idiom. These veterans speak one language at all times, regardless of what instruments they play. Such telepathic coordination and artistic symbiosis happens only now and then, and this encounter was simply one of those magic moments.
Kudos to the Art Of GrooveFind albums on this label Label for releasing this wonderful music, as it certainly deserves to be heard. This album should be a pride possession of every serious European Jazz collector, so please try to get it ASAP and you won´t regret it.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 29/04/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MANFRED SCHOOF ~ RESONANCE
ECM 2093/94 (Barcode: 602517804531) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1976 - 1979 Released: 2009
This album collects music recorded by the quintets led by German trumpeter / composer Manfred SchoofFind albums by this artist, entitled "ScalesFind albums with this title", "Light LinesFind albums with this title" and "HorizonsFind albums with this title", which were originally released on the JAPOFind albums on this label label, a subsidiary of ECMFind albums on this label. The first two are included here in their entirety and the last one is two tracks short, which is a pity, but considering this is the only CD edition of these albums, it´s infinitely better than nothing, especially in view of the quality of the music. Schoof was one of the most important figures on the European modern Jazz scene since the late 1960s and his contribution to the genre is enormous. A brilliant trumpeter and a great composer, he was always in the epicenter of the scene, playing with musicians from many countries as well as leading his own groups. His 1970s quintet, which recorded the three albums included here, was particularly exquisite, playing some of the most intelligent and adventurous, albeit quite melodic and well organized music created at the time. Of course the element of musical freedom is in the centre of the musical creation, as captured on these albums, but it is pre-composed and retains strong melodic continuity. In retrospect these are truly amazing musical achievements, which have not been repeated successfully since. The musicians present here include: bass clarinetist Michel PilzFind albums by this artist, Dutch keyboardist Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist (on the first two albums) and German keyboardist Rainer BruninghausFind albums by this artist (on the last one), bassist Gunter LenzFind albums by this artist and drummer Ralf HubnerFind albums by this artist. People familiar with European Jazz scene will of course recognize these names instantly. This is an absolute must to connoisseurs of European Jazz at its absolute best. Stupendous stuff!
Visitors' Comments
Christopher Brice
Love that bass clarinet (on YouTube - CDs not yet received)
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT ~ LIVE RECORDINGS 1973 & 1976
SWR JAZZHAUS 479 (Barcode: 730099047951) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1973 - 1976 Released: 2021
This is a sensational archive album by Polish Jazz violinist / composer Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist. It presents live recordings from the vaults of the German SWR broadcasting corporation. The first four tracks are performed by a duo comprising of Seifert and legendary German trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, captured at the 1976 Donaueschingen Musiktage, produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. Two of the pieces are spontaneously improvised and the other two are composed one each by Seifert and Mangelsdorff. The fifth track, recorded at the 1973 New Jazz Meeting in Baden-Baden, also produced by Berendt (at his home town), finds Seifert as a member of an international Jazz-Rock Fusion sextet with New Zealand (resident in UK at the time) pianist Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist, Dutch keyboardists Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist, Belgian guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, who also composed the tune they perform, German bassist Peter TrunkFind albums by this artist and British drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist.
The duo tracks are simply sensational, a beautiful example of the “Art of the Duo” idiom and Improvised Music at its best. Mangelsdorff was already a veteran pioneer of the duo (and solo) formats by that time, but as far as Seifert was concert this is certainly a rare occasion to hear him is such naked intimate setting, although a few months earlier Seifert recorded his solo violin album, which was still unreleased at the time.
The sextet track reflects perfectly what Seifert was into at the time, playing and recording with European musicians, who recognized his exceptional talent, and paving his way to the international career he was destined for, which sadly never materialized when his lost his battle with cancer.
The SWR vaults are a treasure chest of superb live music, which is being constantly released on records. In this case the material is especially important due to the relatively limited recorded legacy by Seifert, which means that every bit of his music is priceless, especially when recorded at such high sound quality as the music on this album.
Overall this is an absolute essential piece of the Polish Jazz recorded history, which dedicated fans will nor willingly miss. But it is recommended to all European Jazz fans since it reveals the incredibly high level of creativity and versatility the genre enjoyed in the 1970s. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 31/03/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT ~ MAN OF THE LIGHT
PROMISING MUSIC 44112 (Barcode: 602527326283) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2010
This exceptional album by Polish violin virtuoso / composer Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist was the first major exposure of his talents outside of his motherland. Legendary MPSFind albums on this label producer Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, who had close ties to the Polish Jazz scene, was aware of Seifert´s incredible talent and managed to pull off this recording session, bringing on board a superb team of players, which consisted of German pianist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and an American rhythm section: bassist Cecil McBeeFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy HartFind albums by this artist. Dutch pianist Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist also participates on one track.
Seifert composed all the music on this album, which is a great example of typical Eastern European Jazz, which cleverly combines elements of modern American Jazz, especially that of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, with Folklore and Classical influences. Seifert´s "obsession" with Coltrane´s music and his improvisational technique are plainly evident, especially during the up-tempo numbers. The album´s title track is dedicated to Coltrane´s pianist McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist.
Hearing the album 35 years after it was recorded makes one realize how great music gets better with time, losing absolutely nothing of its initial grandeur. Both Seifert and Kuhn play some incredible solos here and the rhythm section supports them admirably every step of the way. Tragically, just three years after this music was recorded Seifert died, stricken by cancer, before his endless potential was realized and recognized properly.
Seifert managed to record several albums in the US before his untimely death, but this album is definitely his most important and most perfect legacy. Absolutely essential!
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: 08/01/2021Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Slipcase Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | VAN`T HOF, JASPER ~ AT THE CONCERTGEBOUW-SOLO
CHALLENGE 70010 ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1993
Veteran Dutch pianist and composer Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist is one of the most famous European jazz personalities. This album is a live recording of his solo piano concert from 1993, where he plays mostly his original compositions and a couple of standards. Solo piano albums can be demanding, but for people who enjoy the beauty of the instrument, this is a real treat.
| | Updated: 05/02/2016Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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