Record Reviews

BRAND X ~ THEORY OF NOTHING (RECORDED LIVE 1977) MOONJUNE 150 (Barcode: 692287915025) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1977 Released: 2026 This is an archival live album by the British Fusion / Prog band Brand XFind albums by this artist, recorded during the 1977 North American tour by the second lineup of the group following the departure of drummer Phil CollinsFind albums by this artist, which included guitarist John GoodsallFind albums by this artist, bassist Percy JonesFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Robin LumleyFind albums by this artist, American drummer Kenwood DennardFind albums by this artist and percussionist Morris PertFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents ten tracks, including three tracks, which were yet not released on albums at the time of the recording and would appear later on the “MasquesFind albums with this title” album. All the music was original, written by the band’s members. Although not intended for release, the quality of the recording is quite good and allows most of the sonic details to be heard properly, in contrast to the many bootleg recordings by the group available on the market. Brand X were a great bunch of highly talented musicians, alas their arrival on the scene was just a tad too late to really make a statement, simply because both Progressive Rock and Fusion were already dying, with a distinct smell of decay already in the air. The truly great statements in both genres have been already made during the first decade of the 1970s, and all that was left to do was sadly and probably mostly subconsciously, an attempt to repeat / copy / restate some of the substantial statements already made. As a result, as almost everything recorded in these genres after 1975, was destined to sound “déjà vu” in one way or another, despite the fact that this album includes some great musical pieces and many virtuosic performances, but all not enough to make it truly exciting or surprising in any way. But of course this is a splendid tribute to Goodsall, Lumley and Pert, all of whom are sadly deceased. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of British Prog / Fusion history, which is definitely worth being heard and remembered, but offers nothing really new about the history of the band or the genre in general. Of course kudos to MoonJuneFind albums on this label Records for releasing this piece of memorabilia!

Updated: 07/09/2026Posted: 07/09/2026

CD 2 Digisleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

LEW SOLOFF ~ LITTLE WING BELLAPHON 4003099899025 (Barcode: 4003099899025) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 1992 This is an album by American trumpeter / composer Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist, recorded in a septet setting with trombonist Ray AndersonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Gil GoldsteinFind albums by this artist and Pete LevinFind albums by this artist, bassist Mark EganFind albums by this artist, drummer Kenwood DennardFind albums by this artist and percussionist Manolo BadrenaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by the septet members, one is a standard and one is an arrangement of the classic composition by Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, which give the album its title. Soloff is primarily known as the lead trumpeter and founding member of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, but he was very active on the Jazz scene as well, playing with Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, Carla BleyFind albums by this artist, Mingus Big BandFind albums by this artist and many others. His recording legacy is rather limited, with just eight albums to his credit, but he plays on dozens of album by others. His high-pitch virtuosic trumpet notes were his trademark, with very few other Jazz trumpeters able to compete in that department, but he was also a wonderful melodic player and his solos are truly heart-melting. Personally I have always had a soft spot for his superb performances since I’ve heard him first with BS&T, and I tried to follow his solo recordings, which sadly are quite difficult to find. Overall, this is an almost unknown album, which is a superb example of Soloff virtuosity and a great piece of Jazz-Funk Fusion, which deserves a much wider recognition. If you are able to put your hands on a copy, don’t think twice for even a second, as it is a true gem!

Updated: 04/06/2026Posted: 04/06/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend