Record Reviews
12 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | GRIFFITH PARK COLLECTION ~ THE GRIFFITH PARK COLLECTION 2 IN CONCERT
WOUNDED BIRD 6262 (Barcode: 664140626225) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2008
2nd album by an ad-hoc US Jazz super-group Griffith Park CollectionFind albums by this artist, which was put together by drummer Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist and included trumpeter Freddie HubbardFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and bassist Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist – all Masters of the trade and veteran American Jazz Giants. White is the link between all these players, as he previously played in Henderson´s and Hubbard´s bands and of course he was a member of Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist with Corea and Clarke.
The quintet is in many respects similar to the V.S.O.P.Find albums by this artist quintet, which in turn was modeled after the famous second Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet. They play modern Jazz, strongly based on the Bebop tradition, but pushing the boundaries into modal and sometimes Free Form. Following the recording of their only studio album, the band performed several concerts, which produced these live recordings, which are more relaxed and much expanded, with fearsome long solos. The music is all original by the quintet members except for two standards, performed superbly with flair and breathtaking virtuosity, as expected from these great musicians. This album was unavailable for almost two decades and it´s great to have it back in circulation. A must for modern Jazz lovers!
| | | CD 2 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 |
  | JOE HENDERSON ~ BARCELONA
ENJA 3037 ~ USA ~ Jazz
AMG Review: Tremendous, frenzied trio date by tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, recently released with bassist Wayne Darling and drummer Ed Soph. After many years of obscurity, Henderson has become famous in the last few years. But the whirling lines, huge tone, and astonishing solos that he routinely offers on this album have been prized by jazz fans since the early ´60s.
| | Updated: 04/02/2016Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOE HENDERSON ~ MIRROR MIRROR
MPS 4029759113478 (Barcode: 4029759113478) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2016
This is a reissue of an album by American saxophonist / composer Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, which was his only album for MPSFind albums on this label and which was produced by the legendary Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. Henderson is supported by a wonderful team of top American Jazz musicians: pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy HigginsFind albums by this artist. The quartet performs six tunes, five of which are original compositions: two each by Corea (including the title tune) and Carter and one by Henderson and the remaining one is a standard.
The music is a perfect document of Henderson at his artistic peak, playing his heart out with his usual virtuosity. Although basically a mainstream Bebop album, there are many moments on this album where the quartet moves into less restrained area, with Henderson´s expanded solos being among his strongest in his career.
Corea fans will find him playing acoustic piano brilliantly, as usual in his case, also exploring the Free territory occasionally, as he so often did during his career. Carter and Higgins play amicably all the way through and of course their vast experience and talent are felt very strongly.
Overall this is a neglected gem, which Jazz lovers simply should have in their collections. Perfect execution, superb sound quality and a piece of Jazz history; one simply can´t ask for anything more than this. This album is little known to American Jazz fans since it was released only in Germany and this reissue is a great opportunity to close a gap in a record collection!
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: 28/05/2018Posted: 19/12/2016 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOE HENDERSON ~ MIRROR, MIRROR
MPS 4029759097341 (Barcode: 4029759097341) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2014
This is the only album recorded for the German MPSFind albums on this label label by American saxophone Giant Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, with an acoustic quartet with pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy HigginsFind albums by this artist. This recording was organized by MPS house producer Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, who knew all these musicians in person and managed to persuade them to record an album which will be released in Europe. The quartet performs six tunes, five of which are original compositions: two each by Corea (including the title tune) and Carter and one by Henderson and the remaining one is a standard. This album is little known to American Jazz fans since it was released only in Germany and this reissue is a great opportunity to close a gap.
The music is a perfect document of Henderson at his artistic peak, playing his heart out with his usual virtuosity. Although basically a mainstream Bebop album, there are many moments on this album where the quartet moves into Free, with Henderson´s expanded solos being among his strongest in his career.
Corea fans will find him playing acoustic piano brilliantly, as he always does, also exploring Free territory occasionally, as he so often did during the early days of his career. Carter and Higgins play amicably all the way through and of course their being among the top American players is felt very strongly.
Overall this is a neglected gem, which Jazz lovers simply should have in their collections. Perfect execution, superb sound quality and a piece of Jazz history; one simply can´t ask for anything more!
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: 27/05/2018Posted: 04/02/2016 | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WYNTON MARSALIS ~ THICK IN THE SOUTH: SOUL GESTURES IN SOUTHERN BLUE VOL. 1
WOUNDED BIRD 7977 (Barcode: 664140797727) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1991 Released: 2008
Just ten years after he first appeared on the scene as a solo artist bandleader, trumpeter / composer / bandleader Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist could present a résumé, which was unprecedented in Jazz history and was by far more impressive than many lifetime achievements by his peers. Twenty albums with Jazz and Classical Music recordings, countless performances around the world, numerous compositions, prizes and awards, all these wrapped up and commercialized by an intensive PR campaign by his record label ColumbiaFind albums on this label, presented a renaissance musician, a role model and a superstar. Marsalis was just 30 years old and his ego and probably his conscience drove him incessantly to prove himself worthy of this superstar status. His musical projects became ever more complex and encompassing and Columbia indulged him in view of his success. The album trilogy, entitled "Soul Gestures In Southern BlueFind albums with this title", was Marsalis´ final project about the sources of Jazz, New Orleans Blues / Jazz connections and the emergence of modern Jazz from this primeval genealogy. For this, the first of the three albums, Marsalis formed an ad-hoc quintet by inviting legendary saxophonist Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist to play with him, supported by his regular rhythm session comprising of pianist Marcus RobertsFind albums by this artist, bassist Robert HurstFind albums by this artist and drummer Jeff WattsFind albums by this artist. On a couple of tracks Watts was replaced by another Jazz legend Elvin JonesFind albums by this artist. The quintet performs five Marsalis´ compositions, which are designed to allow for extensive improvisations and interplay between the players. The music is intense and dramatic, revealing the composer´s tendency to intensify his music towards a more "chamber" direction, with layers of sound intertwined into the harmonic structure. Marsalis, Henderson and Roberts play some brilliant solos throughout the album and the overall level of musicianship is simply breathtaking. Surprisingly (or may be not) the trilogy received "icy" reviews, again accusing Marsalis of imitating or being overly influenced by Miles Davis in this project. In my view Marsalis at this point was completely cured from the Miles complex and if these recordings have anything to do with Miles, they are a loving tribute to the Masters legacy, not an imitation. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SLAWOMIR PEZDA ~ TRIBUTE TO TENOR LEGENDS
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5903819630053) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022
This is an album by Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Slawomir PezdaFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Mateusz GawedaFind albums by this artist, bassist Alan WykpiszFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz PalkaFind albums by this artist – a formidable team indeed. As the album’s title suggests, it is a tribute to leading tenor saxophone Jazz players, seven Americans and one Pole: Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist, Pharoah SandersFind albums by this artist, John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, Albert AylerFind albums by this artist, David S. WareFind albums by this artist and Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, presenting one track each of their compositions.
This highly ambitious undertaking of interpreting the entire modern American Jazz, from Bebop to Free / Avant-Garde, focusing on one instrument, might have proved to be a perilous task, a chutzpah of an unprecedented scale. I must confess that I placed the CD into the player with slightly trembling hands and heart, as I deeply respect the four musicians involved and would have hated to hear them ridiculing themselves. To my sheer amazement, this bold attempt not only works splendidly, but offers some of the best Jazz music I have come across in a long time.
Obviously, the compositions by the eight Jazz Giants are a good starting point, but trying to impersonate the highly idiosyncratic expressionism of all eight performers, which in all cases continuously changed over time, is a momentous task. I must say that Pezda and his cohorts managed to capture the spirit not only of the compositions, but also of the eight Saxophone Colossi. The more experienced the listeners to this album are, the more they will be able to appreciate the depth of the perception Pezda and the quartet managed to achieve.
But most importantly, this album manages to exemplify the process of Europeanization of this music, which is truly astounding. Whereas the American, original form of this music is full of fire and natural, raw, wild power of expression, the music on this album is transformed into elegant, precise, coherent and harmonic beauty, losing absolutely nothing of its strength of expression, depth or penetration. Of course this is not the first time such transformation of American music in the hands of European musicians happens, but this album is a perfect school example of the process, which should be taught in every Jazz institution.
Of course it goes without saying that all these musicians are absolute wizards and already in this relatively early stage of their careers, offer a magnificent control of their relative instruments and superb level of knowledge and creativity.
Overall, this is absolutely brilliant album from start to finish, a wonderful lesson in Jazz history and the fundamental differences between American and European Jazz idioms. Of course, as already stated above, the level of understanding of this music might relate to the level of knowledge of Jazz history and the musical worlds of the eight heroes, who are being paid a tribute herein. In any case, this extraordinary piece of music deserved an honorable place on the pedestal of the best Polish Jazz albums ever recorded. Respect!
| | Updated: 05/03/2023Posted: 05/03/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOODY SHAW ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979189027 (Barcode: 886979189027) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1977 - 1981 Released: 2011
American trumpeter / composer Woody ShawFind albums by this artist is often referred to as the last great innovator of the Jazz trumpet tradition. His incredible technical skills as well as his deep Jazz sensitivity enabled him to create some of the most memorable Jazz moments. Unfortunately his recording legacy as a leader is relatively limited and his death at the ridiculous age of 44 has cut his career tragically short. Over the years he recorded extensively as a sideman and contributed his part to some of the most notable and pivotal Jazz recordings, especially during his stint with the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label in the mid to late 1960s, where he was the "house trumpeter".
Shaw´s most important work as a leader was recorded in the late 1970s for ColumbiaFind albums on this label, where he recorded five superb albums which finally awarded him the recognition and appreciation he so much deserved. These recordings allowed his to utilize in full his abilities both as a player and composer, surrounded by a splendid group of musicians. His music often used unusual musical devices, such as polytonality and the pentatonic scale, which Shaw absorbed from his idols like Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, from the 20th century Classical Music composers as well as from World Music influences. However he was able to utilize those complex and often quite difficult musical ideas and make them sound "easy" and natural to the Jazz environment.
The Columbia session were recorded with Shaw leading different combos, from a classic quintet to a tentet and even larger ensembles. The list of participants includes some of the most important Jazz performers active at the time, like trumpeter Charles SullivanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, Rene McLeanFind albums by this artist, Carter JeffersonFind albums by this artist, Gary BartzFind albums by this artist and others, pianist Onaje Allan GumbsFind albums by this artist, George CablesFind albums by this artist, Mulgrew MillerFind albums by this artist and others.
This Box Set includes all the five albums Shaw recorded for Columbia, remastered and expanded with bonus tracks, as well as a sixth bonus CD, which comprises of previously unreleased material recorded at the same Village Vanguard concert, which was partly released as the "Stepping StonesFind albums with this title" album.
This is some of the most remarkable Jazz music made in the 1970s and an important piece of the modern Jazz puzzle, which should be listened to by new generations and inspire them to carry the proverbial torch. It should definitely find its place in any serious Jazz record collection.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MCCOY TYNER / JOE HENDERSON ~ FORCES OF NATURE: LIVE AT SLUGS`
BLUE NOTE 602465975147 (Barcode: 602465975147) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2024
This is a live archival album by American Jazz Giants pianist McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, playing in a quartet setting with bassist Henry GrimesFind albums by this artist and drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the NYC club Slugs’ sometime in 1966. The 2CD album presents five tracks, two of which are original compositions by Henderson, one by Tyner, another one is an improvised piece credited to all four musicians and finally one is a standard. Two of the pieces are close to thirty minutes in duration. The sound quality of the live recording is acceptable, but far from perfect. The album comes with an extensive booklet, with articles by musicians and critics, similar to the format of albums released on the ResonanceFind albums on this label label, which is not surprising since this album was produced by Zev FeldmanFind albums by this artist, the person behind Resonance.
All four musicians are brilliant players of course so anything they play can’t be bad of course, but this album captures just one random night where they play just another gig, so basically there is nothing here that we have not heard a thousand times before. Tyner was not with John ColtraneFind albums by this artist anymore, but he plays as if he still is, and Henderson tries to play like Coltrane, which is not his true call. In short everybody plays a lot of notes, and I mean a lot, and the neck breaking tempo is not doing much good to the music. Of course, again, these are great musicians, just not such a great album.
Overall, this is a meeting of Giants, who are somewhat confused as far as the musical direction of the music, other than playing as many notes per minute as humanly possible. For completists only IMHO, and almost all this music could have fitted on a single CD, making the cost of the album more reasonable.
| | Updated: 23/01/2025Posted: 23/01/2025 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOE ZAWINUL ~ THE RISE & FALL OF THE THIRD STREAM / MONEY IN THE POCKET
RHINO 71675 (Barcode: 081227167523) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 - 1967 Released: 1994
Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist arrived in the US in 1958, after being one of the first European musicians to win a scholarship to Berklee, but he left the school almost immediately and became active on the US jazz scene as pianist, arranger and composer. He played with Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist, Slide HamptonFind albums by this artist and Dinah WashingtonFind albums by this artist before landing on the piano chair with Cannonball AdderleyFind albums by this artist’s quintet, where he stayed for 9 years (1961-1969). Towards the end of his Adderley days Zawinul played for almost 2 years (1969-1970) with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, participating in the seminal recordings Miles made at that period.
In 1970 Zawinul formed the legendary Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, which would revolutionize the jazz and fusion genres and continue (in a slightly different direction) the pioneering breakthroughs made by Davis. Over the years Zawinul recorded only three albums as a leader (on AtlanticFind albums on this label and VortexFind albums on this label), two of which are included here (The eponymous album from 1969 was really the starting point for Weather Report). Money In The PocketFind albums with this title, recorded in 1965, finds him in a setting similar to his Adderley’s quintet gig both musically and personally. He uses the quintet’s bass player (Sam JonesFind albums by this artist) and drummer (Louis HayesFind albums by this artist) and adds three excellent horn players: Blue MitchellFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist (tenor sax) and Pepper AdamsFind albums by this artist (baritone sax). The sextet plays a great set of bebop material, including mostly original material by Zawinul, Jones and Henderson and two standards. Zawinul’s elegant and soulful piano playing sets a firm basis for the music’s graceful flow.
The Rise & Fall Of The Third StreamFind albums with this title, recorded in 1967, is a completely different album and a most ambitious and pioneering jazz venture for the time. It involves a meeting between the American jazz tradition and the European classical tradition, but as the title suggests it was meant to be a new kind of synthesis to the one attempted earlier in the US by Gunther SchullerFind albums by this artist and named “The Third Stream”, which seemed to be forced and artificial rather than natural. A meeting between Zawinul and American classical composer William FisherFind albums by this artist led to the two of them working together in an attempt to create a natural synthesis of the two musical worlds. The project involved a jazz ensemble and a string quartet, playing music composed and arranged by Fisher. The jazz ensemble includes Zawinul on acoustic and electric piano, Jimmy OwensFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Richard DavisFind albums by this artist on bass, Roy McCurdyFind albums by this artist and Freddie WaitsFind albums by this artist on drums, Warren SmithFind albums by this artist on percussion and Fisher on tenor sax. The result is a stunning piece of music, a completely new and previously attempted kind of musical vista.
In retrospect one can of course hear the seeds of what Zawinul will be doing just a couple of years later with Davis and then Weather Report. Although sadly overlooked and rarely mentioned, this is a seminal album in every respect and surely ahead of its time in every respect. For the intelligent jazz lover, interested in the forces that forged the jazz revolution of the late 1960s this is an absolute must!
| | Updated: 09/01/2025Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
|
