Record Reviews

DIDIER LOCKWOOD ~ NEW WORLD MPS 042282188021 (Barcode: 042282188021) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 1990 This is a reissue of the debut album as a leader by French Jazz violinist / composer Didier LockwoodFind albums by this artist, recorded with in a quartet setting with a stellar lineup, which includes British pianist Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Niels-Henning Orsted PedersenFind albums by this artist and American drummer Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist. Three quest musicians appear on selected tracks: British guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist, French guitarist Jean-Michel KajdanFind albums by this artist and pianist Francis LockwoodFind albums by this artist (Didier’s brother). The album presents nine tracks, three of which are his original compositions, two are by his brother, one is by Kajdan and three are standards. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and the album’s booklet includes his liner notes. Lockwood continues the long string of French Jazz violinist, preceded by such giants like Stephane GrappelliFind albums by this artist and Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist, but he was also strongly influenced by Polish violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, who died just a few days before this album was recorded. One of the tracks on the album, entitled “Zbiggy”, was of course Lockwood’s tribute to Seifert. The music is truly sensational, emphasizing Lockwood’s virtuosity and of course the talent of all the participants, especially so of Williams’ hyper-dynamic drumming, which is a prominent feature of this album. Although Lockwood started his musical career in the French Progressive Rock / Fusion group Magma, his solo work was almost completely dedicated to Jazz, with just a slight occasional touch of Fusiony accents. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of music, which puts together musicians from different environments, creating an ideal amalgam of styles and artistic approaches. Although somewhat forgotten, if is a superb document of the European Jazz scene in the late 1970s, which was able to combine musicians from all the European scene and the best players from across the pond, something which Berendt, as the producer, was an absolute Genius of. This music still sounds great today!

Updated: 11/09/2025Posted: 11/09/2025

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DIDIER LOCKWOOD ~ THE KID MPS 042282189721 (Barcode: 0422821897211) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1982 Released: 1990 This is a reissue of the 6th album as a leader by French Jazz / Fusion violinist / composer Didier LockwoodFind albums by this artist, recorded with in a sextet setting with an American team of Fusion musicians, which includes keyboardist David SanciousFind albums by this artist, guitarist Barry FinnertyFind albums by this artist, bassist Alphonso JohnsonFind albums by this artist, drummer Richie MoralesFind albums by this artist and percussionist Sydney ThiamFind albums by this artist. French guitarist Jean-Michel KajdanFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents nine tracks, four of which are his original compositions, one is by his brother Francis Lockwood, one each are by Sancious, Finnerty and Johnson and one is a standard. The music is rather disappointing, obviously commercially oriented and although performed by excellent musicians, it lacks any ambitious direction or effort to innovate. By the time this album was recorded Fusion was already completely out of steam, and sadly Lockwood was tangled in the trend. Ridiculously the album includes a version of “Impressions” by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, which is the best track on the album, but makes the rest of it sound even more as a travesty. Of course Lockwood’s violin parts are still impressive, although now often distorted by electronics. Overall, this is a lackluster piece of music, which is a sad example of how music industry pushes great musicians to record rather worthless music. Of course Lockwood was a wonderful violinist and composer, but I’d rather remember him for his better albums. The album does have its moments, if one looks hard enough.

Updated: 12/09/2025Posted: 12/09/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend