Record Reviews

JOE HARRIOTT / JOHN MAYER ~ INDO-JAZZ SUITE RHINO 081227960148 (Barcode: 081227960148) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1966 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of one of the most groundbreaking and revolutionary British Jazz albums, a debut recording by the ensemble that comprised of Jazz and Classical Indian Music players, which resulted in the birth of Jazz-World Fusion. The Jazz players, led by legendary saxophonist / composer Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, a pioneer of British Free Jazz and again here of the British World-Jazz Fusion, included also trumpeter Eddie BlairFind albums by this artist (although most sources say Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, but I have the original LP), pianist Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist, bassist Rick LairdFind albums by this artist (although most sources say Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist, but I have the original LP) and drummer Allan GanleyFind albums by this artist. The Indian players included violinist / harpsichord player / composer John MayerFind albums by this artist, sitar player Diwan MotiharFind albums by this artist, tambura player Chandrahas PaigankarFind albums by this artist and tabla player Keshav SatheFind albums by this artist. The double quintet (or tentet) is completed by Classical flautist Chris TaylorFind albums by this artist. Together the ensemble performs four original compositions, all by Mayer. I have already written extensively about this music so I´ll only reiterate that it is completely unique, insanely ahead of its time and heroically pioneering, combining two idioms that seemed to be completely separated from each other. Thanks to Mayer´s superb compositions and his understanding of European music, he was able to amalgamate the Jazz improvisations and the Indian ragas and other traditional forms, despite the disparity in melody, harmony and above all rhythmic patterns between these two idioms. The result is simply divine and honestly, despite many attempts to replicate this amalgam by other musicians over the time, nothing sounds as natural, elegant and aesthetically perfect as this music. It is worth to ponder why this seemingly impossible blend worked out so well; the answer of course requires the understanding of the cultural and social atmosphere that existed in Britain in the mid-1960s, but especially so in London, which became the cultural center of the world with musicians from the British Commonwealth flooding the London scene and bringing with them their own musical traditions: Caribbean, Indian, African and others. All these cultures were embraced and absorbed without reservations of phobias, a natural, voluntary multiculti music being created in the process in Pop, Rock and Jazz. The music on this album and the further recordings by the [AJoe Harriott and John Mayer Double Quintet} are a wonderful example of that brief, but enchanted period of the British Music history. This album is an absolutely essential recorded document of the development of British and later European Jazz, which deserves to be listened to and studied by every music student in the world. This is music of everlasting value and its message of human tolerance, acceptance and unity is a beacon of hope, especially in the Dark Age we are living in now.

Updated: 20/05/2016Posted: 16/05/2016

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

JOHN MAYER ~ INDO-JAZZ FUSIONS WITH LARRY ADLER BRITISH PROGRESSIVE JAZZ 004 (Barcode: 5050580800953) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1970 Released: 2023 This is an archival “live in the studio” album by the legendary British (born in India) Jazz pianist / violinist / composer / bandleader John MayerFind albums by this artist, who was a pioneer of the British Jazz-World Fusion movement, with his Indo-Jazz FusionsFind albums by this artist ensemble, which combined Jazz and Indian Music. This lineup of his ensemble includes saxophonist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jim MoyesFind albums by this artist, sitar player Clem AlfordFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist and tabla player Keshav SatheFind albums by this artist. American harmonica player Larry AdlerFind albums by this artist is the guest artist. The album presents six tracks, five of which are original compositions by Mayer and one is a standard. The recording, which originates from the estate of John Mayer, was previously unreleased, and is a most valuable addition to Mayer’s recorded legacy, despite the fact that it lasts for less than half an hour. The sound quality is excellent, which adds to the joyful experience of being able to hear this music well over fifty years after it was recorded. Despite the initial questionable collaboration between Mayer and Adler, who originates from quite a different musical sphere, the music works out splendidly, which of course testifies as to the openness of these two musicians to unusual explorations. The sound of the harmonica is obviously somewhat bizarre in this Jazz-World Fusion milieu, but given the chance proves to be completely acceptable. The entire musical adventure simply proves that musicians in the late 1960s were by far more advanced and open-minded than anything happening in music today. Overall, this is a surprising and most welcome addition to Mayer’s recorded legacy, celebrating one of British Jazz greatest innovators, who incorporated Indian Music into the Jazz scene. For British Jazz connoisseurs, this is of course a must have.

Updated: 26/01/2026Posted: 26/01/2026

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

IRENE SCHWEIZER ~ JAZZ MEETS INDIA PROMISING MUSIC 44114 (Barcode: 602527326238) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1967 Released: 2010 This extraordinary album is one of the earliest Jazz-World Fusion excursions, in general and Jazz / Indian music in particular, preceded mainly by the British recording with the Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist / John MayerFind albums by this artist ensembles. This meeting, conceived by the legendary producer Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and originally released on the MPSFind albums on this label label, brings together the trio led by the Swiss pianist / composer Irene SchweizerFind albums by this artist, with bassist Uli TrepteFind albums by this artist and drummer Mani NeumeierFind albums by this artist with an Indian trio led by sitar player Dewan MotiharFind albums by this artist, tabla player Keshav SatheFind albums by this artist and tambura player Kusum ThakurFind albums by this artist. Two guest musicians are also present: trumpeter Manfred SchoofFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Barney WilenFind albums by this artist. Contrary to the above mentioned British encounters, which were more about improvising on Indian melodic themes, this meeting is based on Free Jazz, which makes everything much more intense and complex, but also interesting of course. Considering the fact that this music was conceived and recorded 45 years ago emphasizes Berendt´s visionary approach to music and his pivotal role in the development of European Jazz. This is not easy-listening material, but open-minded people will find this fascinating for sure. Not available for decades, this new edition is a momentous event for non-mainstream music. Not to be missed!

CD 1 Digisleeve Slipcase Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend