Record Reviews
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  | JOHN ABERCROMBIE ~ GATEWAY
ECM 1061 (Barcode: 602517762121) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2008
US guitarist / composer John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist emerged as one of the most formidable forces in Fusion in the late 1960s / early 1970s. By the time he signed with the legendary ECMFind albums on this label label his musical horizons expanded tremendously and he started experimenting with music outside the relatively limited scope of Fusion. This trio recording with British bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and US drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist is a great example of this metamorphosis. Abercrombie still uses Fusion phrases and voicing, but the format is much more free and exploratory. The music was composed mostly by Holland (four of the six tracks on this album), who would become one of the greatest modern Jazz composers in addition to his virtuoso bass playing. DeJohnette composed one of the tracks and co-composed the remaining one with Abercrombie. The performances are of course stellar and the album remains an important milestone of adventurous Fusion, similar to John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist´s "ExtrapolationFind albums with this title". Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN ABERCROMBIE ~ TIMELESS
ECM 1047 (Barcode: 042282911421) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2000
This is the debut album for the ECMFind albums on this label label by US guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and his second release as a leader. With keyboardist Jan HammerFind albums by this artist and drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist, this is a perfect early Fusion ensemble and the album was recorded at the epicenter (chronologically) of the big Fusion explosion, but it is much more focused and artistic than most of the stuff recorded at the time. In fact although the spirit of Fusion floats in the air, the album wanders all over the place, often touching even Free Jazz. These musicians are of course Masters of the trade and everything they do is just perfect, which holds true now, three and a half decades later. In retrospect this is one of the true classic Fusion recordings and not much done in the years that followed surpassed it, or even got to the same level. A classic indeed!
Visitors' Comments
Christopher Brice
Delightful; as Adam says, many different styles, but Hammer at all times keeps his restraint, matching Abercrombie´s style and not playing as if he was duelling with Jeff Beck! Lovely subtle stuff from Jack DeJohnette as well.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AGA TAURA CONFAB / ENRICO RAVA ~ EL CONVIDADO
SVART / MONDO 381 (Barcode: 6430065589419) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2019
In June of 1975 Italian trumpeter / composer Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist recorded his debut album for the prestigious German ECMFind albums on this label label, entitled "The Pilgrim And The StarsFind albums with this title", which upon its release later that year kick-started his solo career. The album was recorded with an international lineup of ECM stable musicians: American guitarists John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist (who also released his ECM debut the same year) and a marvelous Scandinavian rhythm section consisting of Swedish bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist.
A trumpet virtuoso and an exceptionally gifted composer, Rava established himself on the international scene during the entire decade earlier, playing and recording with the elite of Avant-Garde Jazz players of that period both in Europe and in America, which included Steve LacyFind albums by this artist, Roswell RuddFind albums by this artist, Charlie HadenFind albums by this artist, Don CherryFind albums by this artist, Argentinean Gato BarbieriFind albums by this artist (during his stint in Italy), Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist and others. By the early 1970s Rava embraced a more melodic approach to Jazz and started to cooperate with Fusion musicians, a path common to many of his European contemporaries. This led to his participation in the recording of the seminal Jazz-Rock opera "Escalator Over The HillFind albums with this title" by Carla BleyFind albums by this artist as well as the recording of the little known album for the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label label called "Katcharpari RavaFind albums with this title", where he played vis-à-vis Abercrombie and which, when first heard by ECM owner Manfred EicherFind albums by this artist, led to inviting them both to record for ECM in the first place.
What led Enrico Rava to take part in the recording of the obscure album you are holding in your hand, which took place in December of 1975 in Buenos Aires, the Capital of Argentina, you ask? Well it turns out Rava had some family in Buenos Aires, which he was visiting at the time and which is hardly surprising considering the fact that most of Argentina´s inhabitants are descendants of European ethnic groups, with more than 55% of them having Italian origins. Therefore being Italian and having family in Argentina is a highly probable outcome. Quite accidently, Rava already visited Buenos Aires almost a decade earlier, when playing there with the Steve Lacy quartet. A performance by that quartet recorded in Buenos Aires in November of 1966 was released as the album "The Forest And The ZooFind albums with this title" on the ESPFind albums on this label label.
The rest of the story, however, is pure Jazz "improvisation". Upon learning that Rava is in town, local Jazz aficionados swiftly decided to size the day and hook him up with local musician and record an album. It is difficult to know today if Rava and the Argentineans realized that he was already under ECM contract and they needed to ask Eicher to give them permission to make this recording, which was highly unlikely he would. But considering South American attitude towards rules and regulations nobody probably cared too much about it, which of course in retrospect should make us thankful.
The team selected to accompany Rava, named as "Aga Taura ConfabFind albums by this artist", included three Argentinean Jazz musicians: pianist Fernando GelbardFind albums by this artist, bassist Adalberto CevascoFind albums by this artist and drummer Nestor AstaritaFind albums by this artist and an Argentinean Folk percussionist Farias GómezFind albums by this artist, who also contributed vocalese parts. Although less experienced and with no international exposure at the time, they stood their ground formidably and performed alongside Rava without any inferiority complex. Of the five tunes on the album, four are performed by the quintet, where Gelbard plays the Fender Rhodes electric piano, and one is a duet consisting of Rava and Gelbard, who plays acoustic piano. Not surprisingly Rava´s performances are the absolute pinnacle of the session, encompassing different styles and approaches moving between melodic lyricism and Free Form explorations. He knowingly pays tribute to his idols: Miles Davis and Chet Baker, but avoids copying any explicit phrasing and crafts his distinctly own voice.
The spontaneous recording session lasted for a few hours, just long enough to capture five tracks totaling in about forty two minutes of music. The sound quality of the recording turned out to be better than one might expect, with clear, crispy tone and excellent separation, which suited the music perfectly. The music includes a Rava original, which appears only on this album, a standard, a composition by the Brazilian composer João DonatoFind albums by this artist, a composition by Argentinean saxophonist / composer Horacio BorraroFind albums by this artist and finally a composition by the quintet´s percussionist Farias Gómez – a mixed bag which offers a strong World Music influence and plenty of opportunities for the musicians to show their chops.
In retrospect this is definitely a piece of music that deserves to be revisited, not only for nostalgic reasons, but primarily as a historical document of the period, as well as proof of the fact that music knows no boundaries. Due to its rarity the original LP release is a highly sought after collectors item to Jazz aficionados all over the world, not only connoisseurs of Enrico Rava, but also enthusiasts of early Jazz-World Fusion.
Side Note
The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork.
I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years.
The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.
| | Updated: 22/05/2020Posted: 22/05/2020 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAUL BLEY ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE
CAM JAZZ 1027 (Barcode: 8052405141064) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1983 - 1994 Released: 2013
This superb Box Set collects all the recordings by legendary American (Canadian by birth) pianist / composer Paul BleyFind albums by this artist released the twin Italian independent labels: Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label. The set includes ten albums (one not listed on the box´s packaging and subsequently explained as a bonus album) featuring various recordings by Bley as a leader or co-leader over a span of twelve years (1983–1994) made alongside the top Jazz players active in the 1980s and 1990s and is therefore a superb document of the era.
Bley (born 1932), one of my favorite musicians of all times, was one of the pioneers of Free Jazz in the late 1950s, and continues to be a most creative and innovative figure on the American Jazz scene, although he is less active lately, no doubt due to his age. His approach to piano was always extraordinarily unique and just a few notes are usually enough to recognize his playing. In his life he released over a hundred albums, which featured the crème de la crème of Jazz musician of the last seven decades.
Bley was always a very intimate musician and clearly preferred solo, duos or trios than bigger lineups. Of the ten albums included here, one is a solo album, four are duo albums, three are trio albums, and the last two are quartet albums. The participating musicians include drummers: George Cross McDonaldFind albums by this artist, Barry AltschulFind albums by this artist, Paul MotianFind albums by this artist and Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist, bassists: Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist, Gary PeacockFind albums by this artist, Red MitchellFind albums by this artist, Charlie HadenFind albums by this artist and Furio Di CastroFind albums by this artist, guitarists John ScofieldFind albums by this artist and John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist, and finally clarinetists / saxophonists Jimmy GuiffreFind albums by this artist and Keshavan MaslakFind albums by this artist.
This music is an absolute must to all Jazz enthusiasts, and the fact that it is available again is pure joy. Bley is a genius composer and instrumentalist and his legacy is well worth to be preserved and studied by the new generation of Jazz musicians.
Remastered, mini-sleeved and with a great bargain price – this Box Set is an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector.
Side Note
The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label.
The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented.
However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty.
These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!
| | Updated: 05/05/2020Posted: 26/12/2015 | CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | COPLAND / ABERCROMBIE / WHEELER ~ BRAND NEW
CHALLENGE 70122 (Barcode: 608917012224) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004
This is the second (and last) album by the trio comprising of American pianist / composer Marc CoplandFind albums by this artist, American guitarist / composer John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and legendary British trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tunes, seven of which are original compositions: two each by Copland and Wheeler and three by Abercrombie, and two are standards.
This album continues the concept established on the debut album with the three Master musicians performing intimate interpretations of their compositions and standards, all of which are kept within the melodic mainstream idiom. The music is mostly delicate and lyrical, presenting the gentle side of these three illustrious musicians.
The performances are of course wonderful from start to finish, as expected under these circumstances. Again this album exposes some of the most subtle and fragile guitar playing by Abercrombie, which should be a delightful discovery for his fans. Wheeler is also as brilliant as one might expect with every note perfectly articulated and the wonderful feel for melody present at all times. Copland keeps the music together, making a great job at it, especially in view of the absence of a rhythm section.
The interplay and mutual respect these musicians demonstrate on this album is of the highest standard and the music breathes aesthetics and superb aptitude all along the way.
Overall this is another superb album by the trio and a perfect companion to the debut, both of which deserve a place in any serious Jazz record collection. For Wheeler fans this is of course an absolute must!
| | Updated: 26/04/2019Posted: 26/04/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | COPLAND / ABERCROMBIE / WHEELER ~ THAT`S FOR SURE
CHALLENGE 70098 (Barcode: 608917009828) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001
This is the debut album by the trio comprising of American pianist / composer Marc CoplandFind albums by this artist, American guitarist / composer John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and British trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tunes, eight of which are original compositions: two by Copland and three each by Abercrombie and Wheeler, and one is a standard.
The music is all quite conventional mainstream Jazz, mostly very melodic and low key, but of course all three participants are Masters of their trade, both as composers and players, so there is no shortage of great music here.
The intimacy and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the entire session is the key, which allows the musicians to toy with their ideas and play as much for each other as for the sake of the recording.
Abercrombie fans will find here some of the most melancholic guitar playing of his entire career, which of course is both surprising and delightful. Wheeler´s trumpet and flugelhorn are also at their absolute best, as he was at the absolute peak of his career at the time this music was recorded. Copland seems to be the quiet romantic here plying relatively few solo parts, but keeping the music together harmonically.
Overall this is a delightful album, which showcases three mature Masters at the peak of their creative years, playing superbly together. No big surprises here, but who needs surprises when everything works out just perfectly. The trio recorded another album together four years later, which is very similar to this one and is also certainly worth being discovered. For the Wheeler fans and connoisseurs, this is an absolute must in their collection!
| | Updated: 04/04/2019Posted: 04/04/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DREAMS ~ DREAMS / IMAGINE MY SURPRISE
BGO 0940 (Barcode: 5017261209405) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2010
The fantastic US Jazz-Rock ensemble DreamsFind albums by this artist, which unfortunately recorded only two albums, both included here, was one of the best examples of the American branch of Brass-Rock, a relatively short-lived sub genre of Jazz-Rock, which also included such superb ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist and a few others. Dreams originated in NY and had a somewhat flexible lineup of associated musicians, but the importance of these two albums is mainly due to the fact that they provided a debut recording opportunity to some of the genre´s most iconic figures: brothers -Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist (trumpet) - and drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist. Other Dreams members were already established figures on the scene, like bassist Doug LubahnFind albums by this artist (DoorsFind albums by this artist), guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Don GrolnickFind albums by this artist. Other group members were keyboardist / guitarist Jeff KentFind albums by this artist, trombonist Barry RogersFind albums by this artist, vocalist Edward VernonFind albums by this artist, bassist Will LeeFind albums by this artist and guitarist / trumpeter Bob MannFind albums by this artist. Musically the group mixed genres freely, with Jazz, Funk, Rock and Soul adopted at will and beautifully arranged to create some of the most memorable sounds of the period. The music is just perfect; although spontaneous and improvised, every note is just exactly where it belongs, every drum beat precisely on time, every phrase brilliantly placed, every tempo change and every instrumental solo and above all the overall interplay are just what a music fun needs – pure genius. It is hard to believe that a bunch of young musician was capable of producing such magnificent music, but then on the other hand considering that Dreams seeded Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Brecker BrothersFind albums by this artist and many other heroes of the Jazz and Fusion scene, perhaps one should not wonder. I own both these albums since the day they were released and have listened to them repeatedly over the years, always enjoying myself immensely and it was me who suggested to BGOFind albums on this label to reissue them – I´m glad they did! Now many more potential listeners have the opportunity to hear them as well – enjoy as this is essential stuff!
| | Updated: 28/02/2024Posted: | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | GIL EVANS / ORCHESTRA ~ PLAYS THE MUSIC OF JIMI HENDRIX (EXPANDED EDITION)
RCA 63872 (Barcode: 090266387229) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2005
Pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Gil EvansFind albums by this artist was surely one of the most forward-thinking and open-minded Jazz Masters, who were able to overcome the typical American Jazz snobbery and keep their ears wide-open to anything of interest that was happening outside of the genre´s stifling ramparts. His revolutionary work with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, one of the first examples of cross-genre music making and amalgamation of World Music elements into Jazz earned him his initial glory and recognition, but Evans remained a pioneer for the rest of his life. He was also the first Jazz personality to recognize and publically acknowledge his admiration of the talents of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, not only as an exceptional guitarist but also as a great composer. Evans approached Hendrix with a cooperation proposal, which Jimi accepted wholeheartedly, but alas Jimi´s untimely death turned all plans into unfulfilled dreams. However, in spite of the disappointment, Evans decided to pay tribute to the genius of Hendrix by recording this exceptional album of arrangements of music composed by Hendrix, performed by his orchestra. This stunning example of Jazz-Rock Fusion is completely different from most other efforts pursued at the time worldwide and demonstrates a perfect marriage between Jazz and Rock in the orchestral realm. The orchestra, which included mostly young and up-coming Jazz virtuosi, features such illustrious players as guitarists John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and Ryo KawasakiFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist and Marvin PetersonFind albums by this artist, saxophonists David SanbornFind albums by this artist and George AdamsFind albums by this artist, drummers Bruce DitmasFind albums by this artist and Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist and many more. Hearing the music of Hendrix in this fantastic setting is an exceptional musical expedition, especially for people who are familiar with the original recordings by Hendrix. Evans finds new hidden facets in this music, which only a great musician can discover, and shares them with the listener, taking him on a journey of discovery. This expanded edition presents all the material on the original LP in unabridged form and adds alternative takes as bonuses. Exceptional stuff and a must for any true music lover!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FUNK FACTORY ~ FUNK FACTORY
WOUNDED BIRD 0116 (Barcode: 664140011625) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2007
1st and only album by a one-time recording project organized by the brilliant Polish Jazz musician Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist and his wife Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist, following their move to the USA and after recording of several exquisite albums for the Columbia label. The album is to a large extent a cheek-in-tongue joke by Urbaniak in response to the "accusations" by his fellow American colleagues, that Eastern European musicians are not "funky". Here we have a proof that Urbaniak and his cohorts can play Funk as well as any American musician, and perhaps even better, as his Funk is so much more sophisticated and multilayered than anything else recorded in that style.
Together with Urbaniak and Dudziak a couple of two other talented Polish musicians also take part in this project: virtuoso keyboardist Wlodek GulgowskiFind albums by this artist and singer Bernard KafkaFind albums by this artist, founder and leader of the superb Polish vocal group NOVIFind albums by this artist. In addition to the four Poles, a sensational American rhythm section was assembled, with bassists Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist and Tony LevinFind albums by this artist, drummers Steve GaddFind albums by this artist and Gerald BrownFind albums by this artist and guitarists Barry FinnertyFind albums by this artist and John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist. Urbaniak burns his electric violin with the usual passion and virtuosity and Dudziak performs magic with her voice. The music was all written by Urbaniak, Gulgowski and Kafka, so here we have Polish Funk, which funks away all that´s funky. Although completely obscure, this is a great album, which hopefully can now be discovered by a wider audience after being reissued on CD. A must for all Polish Jazz enthusiasts!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KOBY HAYON ~ GEMINI
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 884501309998) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010
This is a debut recording by Israeli guitarist / composer Koby HayonFind albums by this artist with his trio featuring veteran bassist Kermit DriscollFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerome MorrisFind albums by this artist. Hayon composed nine of the eleven tunes performed here and the two remaining compositions originate from such diverse sources as Israeli / Yemenite folk tune and the Beatles. Most Israeli Jazz players, many of which live in the US, as does Hayon, incorporate Middle Eastern influences in their music, and the same applies here. Although in most cases these influences are pretty subtle, hidden between the contemporary Jazz idioms, they can be discovered by an attentive listener with ease, and sometimes they become pretty obvious. Hayon´s technique is excellent throughout, regardless if he plays a straight-forward Jazz or crosses over to Fusion pyrotechnics. Although the influence of his teachers and mentors, like John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist is also evident, Hayon contributes enough originality and personal input to make his statements sound unique and distinctive well beyond plagiarism. The most impressive aspect of this recording is the interplay between the musicians and the performance of these three musicians as team. Driscoll´s bass is beautifully supportive and complementary and Morris´ drumming delicately ornaments the music rather than trying to force the rhythmic patterns on top. Personally I enjoyed more the delicate, slow and contemplative compositions here, rather than the more expressive Fusion oriented pieces, but one has to admit that Hayon´s performances are beautifully executed in all cases. The recording quality is also excellent, with every single note perfectly audible and the overall sound ambience just right for this kind of music. This is definitely a most impressive debut and I hope to hear more from Hayon in the not too distant future. Warmly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHARLES LLOYD ~ VOICE IN THE NIGHT
ECM 1674 (Barcode: 731455944525) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999
Legendary US saxophonist / composer Charles LloydFind albums by this artist continues his quest, now in the fifth decade of his activity, building up a legendary status as one of the most talented and original Jazz Masters. His accumulative legacy as a recording artist is truly immense, ranging from Bebop to Free, but his unique voicing and extraordinary sensitivity, both as a player and a composer, set him aside from most. Lloyd resumed his recording activity in the late 1980s on the ECMFind albums on this label label, where he released a series of wonderful albums, this one being a prime example of his abilities. The quartet consists of US guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist, British bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and US drummer Billy HigginsFind albums by this artist. Together they perform six original compositions by Lloyd and two standards, all of which are truly moving. There is little need to encourage anybody to try this out, as people, who understand Jazz, already are more that convinced. Brilliant stuff!
Visitors' Comments
Christopher Brice
Very interesting interplay between Lloyd and Abercrombie, so that the guitarist merges more than usual with the other lead, and does not stick always to the trade mark Abercrombie style, sounding sometimes like Wes Montgomery and occasionally almost like Mark Knopfler!
| | Updated: 01/06/2018Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | OREN NEIMAN ~ FROLIC AND DETOUR
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 884501114257) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009
2nd album by Israeli (resident in US) guitarist / composer Oren NeimanFind albums by this artist, a quartet recording with Neiman on guitar, Kenny WarrenFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Doug DrewesFind albums by this artist on bass and Kenny ShawFind albums by this artist on drums, featuring his original compositions. Neiman moved to NY in 2001, where he studied with some of the best Jazz players on the scene, including guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist, and soon becoming his protégé. Following the studies he formed his own quartet, recording a debut album in 2006. This new recording, with a new quartet, is quite a unique statement. Neiman concentrates here more on producing a musical statement rather than showing off his guitar playing. In fact it is the trumpeter, who plays most of the leads on the album, with Neiman more in the shadows playing only occasional solo parts, but sometimes they play amazing unisono passages, which remind me of the Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist / Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist excursions in Eleventh HouseFind albums by this artist, but which are stylistically remote from the Fusion played by Eleventh House. Neiman´s music is very difficult to characterize (which is a good thing), obviously influenced by many diverse sources. It is predominantly Jazzy, but it also touches upon ethnic themes and rhythmic patterns, often using odd meters and unusual harmony. Also the unusual sound blend of the guitar / trumpet combination gives the listener the impression of hearing something innovative and rarely attempted before. Warren is an impressive player, with great sensitivity, warm tone and good range, who is able to make his instrument aggressive and lyrical, whichever suits the music at the time. The rhythm section gives a perfect support to the soloists, handling the difficult tempi with ease and elegance. Neiman´s praise goes mainly to his composing abilities, as his instrumental duties here are not the main concern (as far as I perceive it), although his playing is obviously top notch. Overall this is an interesting and challenging album, absolutely worth investigating.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | NIEMEN ~ MOURNER`S RHAPSODY
GREEN TREE 120 (Barcode: 4015689001206) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2003
This is the 4th and last album recorded by Polish singer / keyboardist / composer / lyricist / poet Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist as part of his 4 albums deal with CBSFind albums on this label. Following the recording and release of the first three albums in Germany, CBS decided to pass the torch to the parent company in US, ColumbiaFind albums on this label Records, and this album was recorded in New York. Produced by one of Columbia’s resident producers Sol RabinowitzFind albums by this artist, who had a lot of experience with Jazz-Rock, and surrounded by some of the best US players at the time, the album had all the potential to become a monster hit, but alas things turned out differently. The music world was obviously not ready to accept a non-English speaking artist to the hall of fame, regardless of how good he really was. The players on the album include (among others) Jan HammerFind albums by this artist (drums), Rick LairdFind albums by this artist (bass), Steve KhanFind albums by this artist (guitar), John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist (guitar), Don GrolnickFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and another great Polish musician, violinist Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist. Niemen wrote all the music for this album, some of it new and some taken from his Polish releases. The sound quality and production are the best he ever had up to that point and the album is perfect in every respect, except perhaps for the producer’s effort to “Americanize” the final result in order to make it more accessible. This affected the slick sound the album (similar to many other Columbia albums at the time), but overall the album is an absolute knockout. Niemen’s complex, but beautiful melodies and his unique vocal delivery are completely unrivalled. The album’s title track (taken from the Polish album “EnigmaticFind albums with this title”) gets here an absolutely stunning new arrangement, using a choir to deepen the already profoundly dramatic atmosphere of the suite. In short, this is a monster album, sadly overlooked at the time by Western music community, but a momentous achievement for one of the most unique Artists on this planet. One can not even imagine what one is missing not ever listening to this album. Essential listening!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ENRICO RAVA ~ THE PILGRIM AND THE STARS
ECM 1063 (Barcode: 602517758544) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2008
This was the first album on the legendary ECMFind albums on this label label by Italian trumpeter / composer Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist, one of the most important representatives of modern European Jazz. A trumpet virtuoso and an exceptionally gifted composer, Rava established himself on the international scene by the late 1960s / early 1970s, playing mostly with the elite of Avant-Garde players of that period, both in Europe and in America. Later on Rava returned to more melodic approach via a stint with Fusion, a path similar to many of his young European contemporaries. This brilliant album presents him in a quartet setting with US guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist. The music moves freely between freely improvised passages and melodic interludes, with the overall sound close to Fusion due to Abercrombie´s electric guitar. Full of fire and passion, this is a prime example of the musical climate at the time and in retrospective the music lost absolutely nothing of its strength and beauty. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAL URBANIAK ~ FUSION III
WOUNDED BIRD 3542 (Barcode: 664140354227) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2012
This is a reissue of the third (and last) US album by Polish Jazz violinist / composer Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, released originally on the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label in 1975. In retrospect it is also one of the best Fusion albums ever recorded on this planet. Urbaniak, a veteran of the Polish Jazz scene, first came to prominence as the member of the legendary groups led by the Godfather of Polish Jazz, pianist / composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. While with Komeda, Urbaniak played the saxophone and switched to violin only after founding his own group in the late 1960s, when he also changed his musical direction from Modern / Free Jazz to Fusion, inspired by the groundbreaking innovations created at the time by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist.
In his group he included his wife, the extraordinary singer Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist and together they quickly developed a completely unique type of Fusion, which was light years ahead of anything else happening in that genre at the time anywhere in the world. Mixing Jazz, Rock, Folklore and Avant-Garde vocals, they established a completely new approach to composition and multilayered complexity, as documented on the two albums the group recorded as part of the legendary "Polish Jazz" series of albums, which was simply brilliant.
Frustrated by the state of affairs in his country, which suffered under a Socialist Regime and harsh economic conditions, Urbaniak, like most of his colleagues, constantly looked for an opportunity to leave Poland and establish a career behind the Iron Curtain. He managed initially to record a couple of albums in West Germany for the SpiegeleiFind albums on this label label, but the real break came when Columbia offered him a recording deal. He and his wife left Poland and settled in the USA, as did several other Polish Jazz musicians at the time, like his ex group member pianist / composer Adam MakowiczFind albums by this artist for example.
The three albums Urbaniak recorded for Columbia (and several more for other US labels, especially the dazzling "Funk FactoryFind albums with this title" album recorded shortly after this one and also reissued on Wounded BirdFind albums on this label) were outstanding and simply much better than anything the local scene could muster, but unfortunately Urbaniak´s US career never really took off, same as the careers of all other Polish Jazz musicians who tried to make it there, in spite of their immense talents. The reason was simply the narrow-mindedness of the US Jazz community (listeners and critics alike), which considered Jazz to be exclusively an American Art Form and failed to recognize anything originating outside of the US as artistically valid and meaningful, even if it hit them in the face.
On this album Urbaniak is accompanied by top US Fusion players like guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist, bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve GaddFind albums by this artist, as well as Polish compatriot keyboardist Wlodek GulgowskiFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist guests on one track, guitarist Joe CaroFind albums by this artist guests on another and Polish vocalist Bernard KafkaFind albums by this artist guests on yet another track. Drummer Gerald BrownFind albums by this artist replaces Gadd on two tracks. Dudziak´s vocals are simply out of this world and alone are worth listening to this album repeatedly.
Urbaniak wrote almost all the dazzling music except for three tracks: a Dudziak improvisation, a superb composition by Polish saxophonist Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, which fits this album´s mood like a glove and one tune by Gulgowski.
As already said, this is timeless, heavenly, unparalleled music, which I´ve been listening to in the last almost 40 years without any trace of getting tired by it any time soon. This is an absolutely essential Fusion music, and anybody who has not heard this music does not know the true meaning of Fusion. God bless Wounded Bird for finally releasing this divine album on CD!
| | Updated: 11/09/2019Posted: | CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ COME TOGETHER-GUITAR TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES VOL.1
NYC 6004 ~ USA ~ Jazz
The music of the Beatles is often an ispiration for Jazz artists, and this tribute album features some of the best guitar players ever, just read the names and drool: Mark WhitfieldFind albums by this artist, Toninho HortaFind albums by this artist, Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist, Steve KhanFind albums by this artist, Zachary BreauxFind albums by this artist, Adrian BelewFind albums by this artist, John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist, Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, Leni SternFind albums by this artist & Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist.
| | Updated: 09/11/2024Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KENNY WHEELER ~ MUSIC FOR LARGE & SMALL ENSEMBLES
ECM 1415/16 (Barcode: 042284315227) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1990 Released: 1990
Trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist has been one of the great pillars of the British and international Jazz scene for five consecutive decades. His role as one of the most creative protagonists of the British / European Jazz revolution in the 1960s / 1970s was invaluable, but Wheeler continued his seemingly endless streak of creativity into the 21st Century, staying relevant and up to date, with very few rivaling forces of his magnitude. This album, in retrospect, is in many respects a pinnacle of his recording career and firmly belongs to the exclusive club of the top Jazz recordings of all time. Wheeler present here some of his best and most ambitious compositions, both as a composer for a large Jazz orchestra and a small Jazz combo, like the quintet featured here. The list of names of the participating musicians – all 19 of them – reads like the who´s who of modern British Jazz with a couple of American guests (guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist) added for good measure. Pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, his wife the divine vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, trombonist Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist are just the more familiar of these names. The music is of course heavenly, regardless of the large or small format, both melodically, harmonically and structurally. Wheeler emerges as a Master composer and bandleader and the resulting music is a source of immense pleasure, both aesthetically and intellectually. This is a masterpiece and an essential piece of music, which is a worthy addition to any serious music library. Beyond essential!
Visitors' Comments
Christopher Brice
Truly (and surprisingly) "Essential"; I generally avoid large ensembles, but this is different as the individual voices of the specific participants were planned for and can be clearly heard
| | | CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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