Record Reviews

KEEF HARTLEY BAND ~ LIVE AT ESSEN POP & BLUES FESTIVAL 1969 & 1970 MIG 02842 (Barcode: 885513028426) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2024 This is an archival 2CD live album by the legendary British Blues-Rock group, led by drummer Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist and called The Keef Hartley BandFind albums by this artist. The album presents the band’s concerts in Germany in 1969 (on CD1 – six tracks) and 1970 (on CD2 – seven tracks). The lineup on CD1 includes Hartley, guitarist Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary ThainFind albums by this artist and a brass section with trumpeter Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Jimmy JewellFind albums by this artist. The lineup on CD2 includes Hartley, Anderson, Thain and second guitarist Spit JamesFind albums by this artist. Although Lowther and Jewell are not listed on the album’s booklet, they most definitely also play on CD2 and Lowther plays violin in addition to playing trumpet. The Keef Hartley Band was of the British representatives of the Blues-Rock and early Brass Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion, which offered a phenomenal instrumental ability by its members, especially that of Miller Anderson, who was one of the best electric Blues players of all time, and the brass players, who were also active on the exploding British Jazz scene, like Lowther. Between 1969 and 1972 the band released six sensational studio albums, all of which are absolute classic of the early British Blues-Rock recordings, which sound absolutely superb to this very day. Although the sound quality of these live recordings is not ideal, it is certainly decent enough to enjoy the music and considering how little archival material of this band exists, this album is a true Holy Grail. Overall, this is a brilliant piece of British Blues-Rock and Brass Rock, which is an absolute must to collectors of that kind of music. As usual thanks to the German Radio stations (here the WDR), who not only recorded everything but also kept the recordings safe, we are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor now.

Updated: 27/12/2025Posted: 27/12/2025

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HENRY LOWTHER ~ CHILD SONG VOCALION 8403 (Barcode: 765387840327) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005 Trumpeter / violinist / composer Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist was one of the busiest and most sought after musicians on the British scene in the late 1960s and 1970s. His virtuosity and versatility resulted in him being a member in many groups (often simultaneously) and in different musical environments like Rock (Manfred MannFind albums by this artist), Jazz-Rock (Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist), Blues (John MayallFind albums by this artist) and Jazz (Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist) as well as participating in hundreds of recordings as a session musician. This album is his debut recording as a leader of his own quintet, which includes some of the best young and up-coming British Jazz musicians at the time: Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist – sax, Mike McNaughtFind albums by this artist – electric piano, Daryl RunswickFind albums by this artist – bass and Mike TravisFind albums by this artist – drums. Two additional musicians: Jimmy JewellFind albums by this artist – sax and Neil SlavenFind albums by this artist – percussion also take part in the recording. The music, all composed by Lowther, is a splendid example of the European modern Jazz, which is both melodic and adventurous at the same time. The performances are all spotless and the music flows beautifully, leaving the listener wishing for more when the album is over. Overall the album stands the test of time with flying colors and I can wholeheartedly recommend it every Jazz buff, but of course especially to people partial to the British Jazz scene. Great stuff!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend