Record Reviews

MICHAEL GIBBS + TWELVE ~ PLAY GIL EVANS WHIRLWIND 4639 (Barcode: 639713711943) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is a criminally little known album by British Jazz composer / arranger / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a twelve-piece orchestra comprising of mostly young British Jazz musicians. As the title suggests, the album is a tribute to the American composer / arranger / bandleader Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, who influenced Gibb’s musical path and who was undoubtedly one of the most far-thinking, revolutionary and unique personalities in the orchestral Jazz idiom. The album presents ten tracks, two of which are original compositions by Gibbs, one composition by Evans, three standards and the rest are compositions by American Jazz composers, spanning diverse Jazz sub-genres. The music is a wonderful adaptation of the Evans arrangements, expanded with additional contributions by Gibbs, creating a contemporary orchestral Jazz of the highest quality. The album focus, in addition to the arrangements, is also on the soloing by the individual musicians, and offers some spectacular soli, especially those by German (resident in UK) pianist Hans KollerFind albums by this artist (not to be confused with the legendary Austrian saxophonist), saxophonist Julian SiegelFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Robbie RobsonFind albums by this artist, American (also resident in UK) bassist Michael JanischFind albums by this artist (founder and owner of the WhirlwindFind albums on this label Records label, which released this album) and others. The two Gibbs originals are masterpieces of modern orchestral Jazz and brilliant examples of his compositional skills, which of course are already universally acknowledged. The diversity of the rest of the material makes the album a vigorous listening experience, full of excellent musicianship and heartfelt delivery. Overall this is a vital addition to the Michael Gibbs recorded legacy, which no fan of his would like to miss in his collection. All Jazz lovers, including of curse the avid British Jazz crowd, should definitely own a copy of this album.

Updated: 22/07/2021Posted: 22/07/2021

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GARY HUSBAND / DRIVE ~ HOTWIRED ABSTRACT LOGIX 015 (Barcode: 827912084474) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This is a great album by British drummer / keyboardist / composer Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist and his quartet called DriveFind albums by this artist, which also includes trumpeter Richard TurnerFind albums by this artist (who sadly died at the ridiculous young age of 27 from a heart attack three years after this album was recorded), saxophonist Julian SiegelFind albums by this artist and American (resident in London) bassist Michael JanischFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tunes, six of which are original compositions by Husband, one is by Siegel and two are standards. Although Husband´s work is usually associated with Jazz-Rock Fusion, and even though this album is even labeled as such on its cover, this music is way more real Jazz than Fusion oriented and often ventures into freely improvised passages, not to mention collective improvisations, all of which have little to do with the usual Fusion drudgery. As a result this album might catch some of Husband´s fans by surprise, but this is modern Jazz at its best folks. All four musicians are of course incredible instrumentalists, and therefore the level of performances herein comes as no surprise. Although melody based, the music is mostly about individual improvisations and teamwork. Husband sets the pace of course with his polyrhythmic beat and dominant drive, but he leaves a lot of space for everybody to contribute and plays a few nasty piano parts on top if it. The trumpet / saxophone unisono parts and dialogues are full of fire and grace, not to mention the explosive solos. The bass pulsations keep the music on a firm ground and the bass solos curdle your blood. In short this album kicks your bottom from start to finish. Overall this is a great modern Jazz album, which continues the proud British Jazz tradition of individuality and excellence. I can´t think of a true Jazz fan that would not be impressed by this album and I hope to hear more of similar music in the future. It´s been a while since this album was recorded so another drive would be most welcome. It´s about time for Gary Husband to get the respect and recognition he truly deserves. He is way to modest and good natured to put his elbows to work, so at least those who appreciate his talents should state their opinions out loud. The fact that Husband plays drums and keyboards and does so with the same deadly proficiency is part of the problem, as people often get confused as to his "true" devotion. Well, get used to this folks, he might be instrumentally schizophrenic, but both parts of his musical personality live perfectly in peace with each other. Keep up the great work Sir!

Updated: 02/07/2016Posted: 02/07/2016

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JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ LIBERATION TIME ABSTRACT LOGIX 065 (Barcode: 700261486185) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This an album by iconic British guitarist / composer / bandleader John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic with many musicians around the world using today’s possibilities to make music together “remotely”. The musicians include British keyboardists / drummer Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist, bassist Sam BurgessFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Julian SiegelFind albums by this artist, American drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist, Cameroonian bassist Etienne M`BappeFind albums by this artist, Indian drummer and konokol vocalist Ranjit BarotFind albums by this artist and others. The album presents seven original compositions, all by McLaughlin, two of which are short solo piano pieces played by him. Despite the rumors about retirement, McLaughlin proves to the world that he still is the undisputable numero uno out there, despite being almost eighty years young. His notes are as sharp and precise as ever and his compositions as exciting as one can wish for. The music sounds familiar, like Mother’s food, something that one is never tired of, but is amazingly fresh and energetic, with the album flowing swiftly with never a dull moment. The album rises some pretty grim reflections, as far as Fusion is concerned, given that the person who basically was one of the genre’s pioneers in the mid-1960s, is still on the very top of the crest, as if nothing happened the fifty-five years that passed by since. I’d even go as far as saying that if one owns all his recordings as leader and sideman, one does not miss anything else as far as Fusion is concerned. Overall, this is an excellent album in every respect and a great addition to McLaughlin’s recording legacy, which easily represents the Fusion genre in its full glory. Praying for more albums to come…

Updated: 03/11/2021Posted: 22/10/2021

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