Record Reviews
25 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS ~ AMARYLLIS
SUNBEAM 5027 (Barcode: 5051125502714) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
3rd and last album by Scottish duo Bread, Love And DreamsFind albums by this artist, which included singer David McNivenFind albums by this artist, who also wrote most of the material, and female singer Angie RewFind albums by this artist. The group started originally as a trio with another female singer Carolyn DavisFind albums by this artist and they recorded their debut album a year earlier. After Carolyn left to pursue a solo career, the duo engaged in an extensive recording project, which produced enough material for a double album. Unfortunately the record label (Decca) refused to issue a double album (originally intended to be called “Mother Earth”) and as a result the first of the two was released a few month earlier under the title The Strange Tale Of Captain Shannon And The Hunchback From GighaFind albums with this title, taken from the title of the epic song included on that album, and the second a few month later, again taking the title from the epic three-part suite present on this album. The duo was lucky to have some great musicians taking part in the recording sessions, namely Pentangle’s rhythm section of Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist on drums, as well as saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist from ColosseumFind albums by this artist. Some of the songs were also beautifully arranged and orchestrated. The resulting music is a prime example of British Folk-Rock with some Psychedelic influences as well. Although the original albums sold poorly at the time they were released, in time they achieved a legendary status among British Folk-Rock enthusiast and became rare collectors’ items. Having them back in circulation is a long-awaited dream come true and no Acid Folk fan can call his collection complete without these two albums.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS ~ AMARYLLIS
SI-WAN 0035 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album from 1971. Extremely obscure, includes the lengthy title suite based on a poem, which was comissioned by the Edinburough Festival. A superb example of Folk / Prog and the much loved poetry & music genre popular at the time. Some legendary players perform on the album, including Danny Thompson and Terry Cox from Pentangle.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS ~ THE STRANGE TALE OF CAPTAIN SHANNON AND THE HUNCHBACK FROM GIGHA
SUNBEAM 5047 (Barcode: 5051125504718) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
2nd album by Scottish duo Bread, Love And DreamsFind albums by this artist, which included singer David McNivenFind albums by this artist, who also wrote most of the material, and female singer Angie RewFind albums by this artist. The group started originally as a trio with another female singer Carolyn DavisFind albums by this artist and they recorded their debut album a year earlier. After Carolyn left to pursue a solo career, the duo engaged in an extensive recording project, which produced enough material for a double album. Unfortunately the record label (DeccaFind albums on this label) refused to issue a double album (originally intended to be called “Mother Earth”) and as a result the first of the two was released under this title, taken from the title of the epic song included on the album, and the second a few month later as AmaryllisFind albums with this title. The duo was lucky to have some great musicians taking part in the recording sessions, namely PentangleFind albums by this artist’s rhythm section of Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist on drums, as well as saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist from ColosseumFind albums by this artist. Some of the songs were also beautifully arranged and orchestrated. The resulting music is a prime example of British Folk-Rock with some Psychedelic influences as well. Although the original albums sold poorly at the time they were released, in time they achieved a legendary status among British Folk-Rock enthusiast and became rare collectors’ items. Having them back in circulation is a long-awaited dream come true and no Acid Folk fan can call his collection complete without these two albums.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROGER GLOVER ~ SNAPSHOT+
EAR MUSIC 4029759170105 (Barcode: 4029759170105) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2001 - 2002 Released: 2021
This is a reissue of the fourth solo album by the veteran Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist, called “SnapshotFind albums with this title”, originally released in 2002. The album was recorded with American vocalist / multi-instrumentalist / songwriter Randall BramblettFind albums by this artist, guitarist Warren HaynesFind albums by this artist and about a dozen other contributors. The album presented fourteen original songs, most written by Glover and a few by Bramblett. This reissue adds five demo recordings recorded some years before the album was recorded and a much improved design and packaging.
Musically the album is pure Classic Rock, with strong American influences (Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist and others) and far removed from the Deep Purple heavy sound. The songs are all very melodic and present Glover as a seasoned songwriter. Several guitarists contribute excellent guitar solos, which are the main instrumental contribution on this album, on top of keyboards background, solid rhythm section and a few brass section parts on selected songs.
Overall, the album a great collection of excellent Rock songs, superbly executed and full of grace and elegance. The music is definitely retro oriented and sounds more like something recorded back in the 1960s rather than four decades later, which of course is all for the best. For Classic Rock lovers this is a real treat!
| | Updated: 06/04/2022Posted: 06/04/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | H.P. LOVECRAFT ~ DREAMS IN THE WITCH HOUSE: THE COMPLETE PHILIPS RECORDINGS
REV-OLA 88 (Barcode: 5013929438828) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2005
This album compiles all the studio recordings (1st and 2nd albums and singles) by the excellent US group H.P. LovecraftFind albums by this artist, one of the most important American bands, which flourished in the late 1960s on the West Coast scene (although formed in Chicago, the band moved to California in the early days of their career). Based on the American Folk tradition, the band´s sound was similar to that of the early Jefferson AirplaneFind albums by this artist, featuring beautiful vocal harmonies by the group´s two founders: guitarist George EdwardsFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Dave MichaelsFind albums by this artist, playing a mixture of self-penned material and covers. They epitomize the American psychedelia probably better than most of their contemporaries both in the instrumental approach, which included atmospheric keyboards, tasty guitar solos and some orchestral arrangements, and the vocal approach, based on perfect, multilayered vocal harmonies. Unfortunately the group fell apart after recording only these two splendid albums. A later incarnation, called just Lovecraft, released two more albums, but these were nowhere near the original greatness. Fortunately, in the 1990s a live recording of the group surfaced on CD ("Live May 11, 1968Find albums with this title") showing them in full splendor. This is absolutely classic stuff, essential listening to Classic Rock enthusiasts and Psychedelic heads. Superb stuff!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | H.P. LOVECRAFT ~ H.P LOVECRAFT / H.P. LOVECRAFT II
COLLECTORS` CHOICE 139 (Barcode: 617742013924) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2000
1st and 2nd albums by the excellent US group H.P. LovecraftFind albums by this artist, one of the most important American bands which flourished in the late 1960s on the West Coast scene (although formed in Chicago, the band moved to California in the early days of their career). Based on the American Folk tradition, the band´s sound was similar to that of the early Jefferson AirplaneFind albums by this artist, featuring beautiful vocal harmonies by the group´s two founders: guitarist George EdwardsFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Dave MichaelsFind albums by this artist, playing a mixture of self-penned material and covers. They epitomize the American psychedelia probably better than most of their contemporaries both in the instrumental approach, which included atmospheric keyboards, tasty guitar solos and some orchestral arrangements, and the vocal approach, based on perfect, multilayered vocal harmonies. Unfortunately the group fell apart after recording only these two splendid albums. A later incarnation, called just LovecraftFind albums by this artist, released two more albums, but these were nowhere near the original greatness. Fortunately, in the 1990s a live recording of the group surfaced on CD ("Live May 11, 1968Find albums with this title") showing them in full splendor. This is absolutely classic stuff, essential listening to Classic Rock enthusiasts and Psychedelic heads. Superb stuff!
| | | CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | EERO KOIVISTOINEN ~ LABYRINTH (40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
SVART 435 (Barcode: 6430065581413) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2017
This is a reissue of an iconic album by one of the Godfathers of modern Finnish Jazz, saxophonist / composer / bandleader Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist, which was his second release on the legendary LoveFind albums by this artist Records label. The album was recorded in a classic Jazz quartet setting with Russian born pianist Vladimir ShafranovFind albums by this artist, bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist and drummer Reino LaineFind albums by this artist. The original album presents eight tracks, three of which are parts of the suite that gave the album its title. This remastered and expanded 2CD edition adds an entire second CD of alternate takes and outtakes, more than doubling the playing time of original LP.
Koivistoinen´s music embraced a stunning stylistic diversity, which crossed genres and idioms from Free Jazz to Jazz-Rock Fusion, Progressive Rock, Jazz & Poetry, children´s songs, World Music and others. His biography, recorded legacy and list of achievements are truly remarkable and can serve as an example of excellence and inspiration.
This album presents him as a classic modern mainstream Master, a post-Coltrane virtuoso, as well as a weaver of beautiful, soulful melodic themes, which are ideal vehicles for extended improvisations. The superb musicians playing with him are able to support his soloing ideally, with amazing piano accompaniment and soloing by Shafranov and a most sympathetic and elegant work by the rhythm section.
This edition enables the listener to compare the originally selected takes with the alternate takes, which offer a myriad of subtle differences, slight tempo changes and other variations, which are of course characteristic of the process of recording a Jazz album, with each take capturing a unique creative moment.
In retrospect this album stands out as one of the finest Finnish Jazz recordings of all time, an absolute classic which lost nothing of its power of expression and timeless beauty over time. It definitely earned a "must have" status for any serious Finnish / European Jazz collection and this expanded edition is even more deserving. Absolutely essential!
Koivistoinen is still active today and seems to be as creative as ever, which is awe inspiring. I can only wish you many more years of activity and heath, my Friend!
| | Updated: 06/07/2020Posted: 06/07/2020 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ARTHUR LEE ~ ARTHUR LEE
FRIDAY MUSIC 1095 (Barcode: 829421109525) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2009
2nd album by singer / songwriter Arthur LeeFind albums by this artist, mostly known as the charismatic leader of the legendary US band LoveFind albums by this artist, which revolutionized the US Rock scene in the mid to late 1960s, recorded with members of the late 1970s incarnation of the band. In spite of Lee´s extraordinary talent as songwriter, his career following the breakdown of the original lineup of Love, as well as his personal life, was a troubled and tragic affair. The collection of songs on this album, mostly written by Lee, show his enormous potential and spark of genius, but sadly lack a focus and production effort, which would turn them into such gems as his early work. Nevertheless the material is surely worth listening to and the many fans of Love will find here plenty of interesting moments.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOVE ~ DA CAPO (DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO 73604 ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
2nd album from 1967. With some additional musicians Love create here a Psychedelic opus, dedicating the entire second side of the LP to one improvised piece 19+ minutes long - an unprecedented step towards modern rock. The shorter songs on the first side on the LP are all brilliant, typical of their capability and a foresight to the next album, which would top anything done in rock music beforehand. This edition includes the entire album in mono and stereo version as well as bonus tracks. A classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOVE ~ E BIK DANGAM LAN
LOVE & BEAUTY 03 (Barcode: 5707471051313) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garge Pop
Recorded: 2016 - 2017 Released: 2017
This is the debut album by the ensemble LOVEFind albums by this artist, led by Polish (resident in Denmark) saxophonist / composer Jedrzej LagodzinskiFind albums by this artist, who is also a member of the Love And Beauty SeekersFind albums by this artist trio. The ensemble includes two additional Polish musicians: bassist Tomo JacobsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Szymon GasiorekFind albums by this artist and three Scandinavian musicians: vocalist Lo ErsareFind albums by this artist, tuba player Rasmus Kjaergard LundFind albums by this artist and pianist Petter RylenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by the leader.
The music is an amalgam of contemplative chants / songs and passages of Jazz improvisations based on the basic melodies. The unusual instrumentation and overall stylistic aesthetic creates a dreamlike continuity, which moves from one track to another, with long quiet passages which build up to a crescendo eruptions and then return again to more melodic and quiet moments. The music has some characteristic of a religious / spiritual ceremony and the poems used as part of the lyrics emphasize that atmosphere.
The problem with albums like this one is that it might appeal to a very limited audience, as it falls between categories: it is not a Jazz album per se and it is not a meditation / relaxation album as well. In short, only open-minded listeners, who like surprises and adventure in the music they listen to, might love listening to it. Personally I´ve had a great fun listening to this album and recommend it to my fellow unconventional music lovers.
Based on his recording activity Lagodzinski clearly emerges as a versatile composer / instrumentalist and is certainly worth being closely watched in the future, as his output so far is definitely very promising.
| | Updated: 26/05/2017Posted: 26/05/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOVE ~ FOREVER CHANGES (DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO 73537 (Barcode: 081227353728) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2001
3rd album by LoveFind albums by this artist and one of the finest rock albums of all times. A superb collection of songs with brilliant strings and brass arrangements - years ahead of their time. This album remains to be a favorite both among the fans and the critics and is a never-ending sonic experience. Unfortunately this was to be the last album by the original band. This edition includes several bonus tracks. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOVE ~ FOUR SAIL (DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO 73640 (Barcode: 081227364021) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2002
4th album by the US band LoveFind albums by this artist. By the time this album was released Arthur LeeFind albums by this artist was the only original Love member left in the group and his domination was complete. However, this still is a very good album, with Lee`s superb songwriting strong as ever and a solid support from the new band members. More rocky then the previous albums and with a harder sound, this was to be the last truly worthwhile effort by the band.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOVE ~ LIVE
FRIDAY MUSIC 1094 (Barcode: 829421109426) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
Ten years after the original lineup of the legendary US band LoveFind albums by this artist fell apart, mainly as a result of personality clash between the band´s charismatic leader / singer / songwriter Arthur LeeFind albums by this artist and the second singer / songwriter in the band Bryan MacLeanFind albums by this artist, the two protagonists agreed to a short reunion of the band in 1978. This album is the only document of this reunion, recorded at the legendary "Whisky A Go-Go" club and although the quality of the recording is no better that your average bootleg, the historic importance of this meeting overshadows the technical shortcomings. The band plays three of the songs from their revolutionary epic "Forever ChangesFind albums with this title" and other material, composed all by Lee and MacLean, except one cover. The informal atmosphere of the gig and authenticity of the setting bring the listener back to times, when great music could be heard in clubs any day of the week. Any fan of Love will surely love to put his hands on this album.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOVE ~ LOVE (DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO 73567 ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
1st album from 1966 by this superb US group. Pioneers of the West Coast sound and genious singwriters, they had a strong cult fllowing not only by their fans but also by many fellow musicians, who appreciated and often envied their talents. Led by Arthur Lee (one of the most idiosyncratic and enigmatic talents of the 1960`s) they also had another terrific composer in Bryan MacLean. The debut album is a bit raw, but all the signs of greatness are already there. This edition includes the entire album in mono and stereo version as well as bonus tracks. A classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOVE AND BEAUTY SEEKERS ~ ZAR
LOVE & BEAUTY 01 (Barcode: 5707471048733) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016
This is the debut album by young Polish trio Love And Beauty SeekersFind albums by this artist, which consists of saxophonist Jedrzej LagodzinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Franciszek PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Szymon GasiorekFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions, five of which were composed by Lagodzinski, four by Pospieszalski and two by Gasiorek.
I had the pleasure to hear the trio live a couple of times in 2015, first in a small club in Krakow and than as guests of my Singer Jazz Festival in Warsaw, and was very impressed by the music they create. This album captures this music very authentically and presents one of the most interesting new ensembles on the Polish scene, even though as of now they reside in Copenhagen, where they still attend the local Music Conservatory.
The music of the trio is a unique amalgam of Free Jazz, Improvised Music, Punk and Romanticism, which results in an incredibly fascinating, vibrant and fresh sound and attitude. Although the music includes a lot of freedom and space, it also features beautiful melodic themes and coherent development of the compositions, in complete contrast to the chaos and mayhem that usually characterizes Avant-Garde music. The trio uses a plethora of effects, toys and other paraphernalia to create sounds that ornament their basic trio sound, which also broadens the overall result.
The individual contributions by all the trio members are absolutely perfect within the framework of their music. They are all equal partners and the trio is not a saxophone player accompanied by a rhythm section, but three musicians who play different instruments and create music together. Lagodzinski elegantly moves between playing gentle melodic themes and blowing his horn wildly, Pospieszalski switches between clear bass lines to freely improvised multi-tempo passages and Gasiorek, as appropriate for a gifted drummer, plays anything but basic rhythmic patterns, simply moving all over the place and creating layers of percussive embellishments.
Polish Jazz is a very fertile soil for Free Jazz / Improvised Music and the number of individual musicians and ensembles working within the framework of the Avant-Garde scene is stupefying. And yet this ensemble definitely stands out as a surprising contestant to the veterans of the genre with this mind blowing debut. I am already highly curious as to their next release, hoping it will be a worthy follow up to this debut effort, which won´t be easy to beat or even match easily. Respect!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 04/01/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOVE SCULPTURE ~ BLUES HELPING
EMI 99416 ~ UK ~ Blues
1st album from 1968 by this UK Blues trio with sensational guitar playing by Dave Edmunds, who unfortunately later in his career aborted his great gift for blues. The material is pretty standard (except a great version of Summertime), but the performance absolutely brilliant. Blues guitar fans still wet their lips hearing this after all these years.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOVE SCULPTURE ~ FORMS AND FEELINGS
EMI 99768 ~ UK ~ Blues
2nd and last album from 1970. On this one the band leaves behind the simple blues formula and moves into more experimental ground with slelf-penned material and two covers of classical pieces, one of which (Sabre Dance) produced an unexpected mega hit for them. Edmunds` guitar work is brilliant and gutsy, a delight for the Gibson sound fans.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANDREAS LOVEN ~ DISTRICT SIX
LOSEN 152 (Barcode: 7090025831522) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016
This is the second album by Norwegian (currently residing in South Africa) pianist / composer Andreas LovenFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic Jazz quartet setting with three native South African musicians: saxophonist Buddy WellsFind albums by this artist, (female) bassist Romy BrautesethFind albums by this artist and drummer Clement BennyFind albums by this artist. The album consists of nine original compositions, all by Loven. The album is dedicated to the Cape Town´s "District Six" community, which symbolized the spirit of possible coexistence in South Africa, but was demolished during the 1970s by the apartheid regime.
The music is beautifully melodic and well within the mainstream Jazz idiom. Contrary to the expectations, it sounds very European, even Scandinavian most of the time, displaying only subtle African influences. This of course does not harm in any way the beauty of this music, but is simply, as mentioned above, somewhat unexpected.
The most surprising element of this album is the exceptional level of playing displayed here. All four musicians play gracefully, elegantly and sympathetically towards each other. Loven plays the piano with gentle touches, full of lyricism and melancholy. Wells follows the great tradition of seductive saxophone, with long vibrato lines and heartbreaking charm, Brauteseth plucks the bass with sheer virtuosity and incredible feel of both melody and rhythm, and finally Benny keeps his pulsations well in the background in order not to disturb the overall delicate approach, and is more upfront only when it is completely appropriate, showing a remarkable respect so rarely met in drummers.
To avoid any misunderstandings, the fact that this music is subtle and melodic does not mean that it is in any way trivial. These tunes are all excellently woven, structured and performed, and the tranquility, so rarely present in today´s music, is exactly what this music needs. In our daily hectic life pressured by the aggressive deafening media, music like this one is an oasis if sanity and tranquility.
Fans of melodic, Scandinavian Jazz, should have a field day with this album, but basically there is so much excellent music herein that every Jazz connoisseur should be able to bond with it. Warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 11/02/2016Posted: 11/02/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANDREAS LOVEN ~ NANGIJALA
LOSEN 135 (Barcode: 7090025831355) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This is the debut album by Norwegian pianist / composer Andreas LovenFind albums by this artist, recorded while he lived in South Africa, created in an intimate duo setting with local saxophonist Buddy WellsFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Spha MdlaloseFind albums by this artist is featured on a couple of tracks and contributed the lyrics to the song she performs. The album presents ten tracks, nine of which are original compositions by Loven and one is a composition by the Danish composer Bent Fabricius-BjerreFind albums by this artist.
The music is beautifully melodic and lyrical, even melancholic at times, which is often the case with musicians originating in the Scandinavian countries. Loven did not yet immerse himself at this point into the riches of the South African ethnic experience, and therefore this music is still very much European, but it does show some subtle World Music influences.
Loven plays wonderfully from start to finish, keeping the music swinging and floating gently. Wells adds his excellent saxophone contributions, playing fluidly and in perfect harmony with Loven, creating together in intimate, highly emotional aesthetic environments, which in often minimal sonically but full of graceful music. Obviously the "less is more" method wins again.
The two vocal tracks are both excellent. Mdlalose sings a superb vocalese on one track and conventional lyrics on the other, and they are definitely like a proverbial cherry on top of the cake. I´d love to hear more from her.
The album has a wonderful sound quality, warm and embracing, which will surely put a wide smile on the faces of people who enjoy exquisite Hi-Fi results, those in addition of course to the great musical contents.
Overall this is a very impressive debut recording, which promises good things to come in the future. Delicate, gentle and highly aesthetic and of course warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 21/03/2016Posted: 21/03/2016 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | RASP LOVERS ~ ROMANTIC ALTERNATIVE SCHIZOPHRENIC PUNK
HOWARD 4 (Barcode: 5903420816273) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019
This is the debut album by the Polish Jazz ensemble RASP LoversFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist Szymon WojcikFind albums by this artist and also including saxophonist Jerzy MaczynskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Marcel BalinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Rafal RozalskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartosz SzablowskiFind albums by this artist. However, four of the above listed musicians (all except Balinski) appeared last year as members of the P.E. QuartetFind albums by this artist which released their debut album "CokolwiekFind albums with this title" then, so one might wonder why the change of moniker? The album presents eleven original compositions, all by Wojcik. The music was recorded at the Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, who is probably the only person on earth up to the task.
To my surprise the music on this album does not continue the direction of the above mentioned P.E. Quartet´s debut album, which perhaps answers the question about the name change. It is a harsh, often conflicting amalgam of many musical elements, from Avant-Garde, Jazz, Rock and Punk (more in attitude than musically). As a result the music shakes the listener at first contact, which perhaps is the desired effect. It is very difficult to find a coherent direction or concept in this music at first, again perhaps intentionally so, with the music jumping between rocky riffs and improvised music parts without warning and which, as a result, can be quite masochistic for a casual listener.
But on the other hand one has to admire the non-conformism and the courage to follow the Artistic vision, which obviously stands behind this music. The five musicians all perform wonderfully and imaginatively throughout this album, creating absorbing flow and fascinating moments, given the opportunity to be heard and noticed. It takes time and patience to create a mental bridge to this music, which probably very few listeners are able to build eventually, and which is probably not a primary concern of the music´s creators.
For hardened Improvised Music / Avant-Garde fanatics this is an obvious chaotic heaven, the rest of the world – you have been warned ;)
| | Updated: 14/12/2019Posted: 14/12/2019 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROCKFOUR ~ MEMORIES OF THE NEVER HAPPENED
ANOVA 002 (Barcode: 7290011799021) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 - 2006 Released: 2007
Israeli group RockfourFind albums by this artist has been the dominating force on the local scene since the early-1990s. Although basically an Alternative Rock outfit, they have changed styles and genres with every one of their albums released over the years, moving between Psychedelica, Prog, Classic Rock, Retro and even Avant-Garde. The sound of the group is completely unique and all their albums sound as if a British band recorded them in the late 1960s (nobody hearing their stuff would ever guess these are Israeli musicians recording in the 1990s or 2000s). Although the band performs and records predominantly their own music, they have often included in their shows (and sometimes recorded) their interpretations of classic 1960s material by their favorite groups like LoveFind albums by this artist, ZombiesFind albums by this artist and especially Pink FloydFind albums by this artist (see Side Note). This album presents the three core members of the band: Baruch Ben IzhakFind albums by this artist (lead vocals and guitars), Marc LazareFind albums by this artist (bass) and Issar TennenbaumFind albums by this artist (drums) with Yaki GaniFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and some guest musicians performing a set of new songs sung in English (they have been using English lyrics for several years now), recorded partly in the US and partly in Tel Aviv. The result is an outstanding album sounding like a lost treasure from the 1970s, full of beautiful songs and excellent instrumental work. It is quite certain that this album will achieve the same international acclaim as the last few Rockfour albums, which have been praised by top music critics like Ritchie Utenberger and others. Absolutely deserving wider recognition, I hope this album will open new gates all over the world for this great group.
Side Note: Rockfour have always had a soft spot for early Pink Floyd and they recently won the Arnold Lane Contest organized by David GilmoreFind albums by this artist, in which bands from all over the world submitted their versions of the Syd BarrettFind albums by this artist’s song (see Gilmore’s web site for details).
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | STOFFNER / LOVENS/ MAHALL ~ MEIN FREUND DER BAUM
WIDE EAR 032 (Barcode: 7640172461921) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017
This is an album by the European Improvising Music trio comprising of Swiss guitarist Florian StoffnerFind albums by this artist and German drummer Paul LovensFind albums by this artist and clarinetist Rudi MahallFind albums by this artist. The album presents four tracks with improvised music credited to the trio members.
The music is typical of European Avant-Garde, which creates numerous opportunities for musicians form different countries to play together and try to find a common langue, like in this case. The question always arises if this language is understandable or emotionally relevant to people outside of the circle of participants in the conversation. In cases like this one, where there is completely no melody, harmony or rhythm in the conventional sense, the contact is extremely limited to a miniscule group of Improvised Music enthusiasts.
But Artistic freedom and the search for new forms of expression is a Holy Grail of Culture and therefore regardless of how detached or unconventional the music might be, it is always relevant by the very reason that it was created, recorded and released on record, i.e. being part of a process of documenting the endless diversity of human communication via music.
Listeners interested in the European Improvised Music will of course be familiar with Mahall and Lovens, who are veterans of the genre and are both highly regarded. Stoffner is perhaps a less familiar, but he stands shoulder to shoulder with his partners on this album, contributing on an equal level. The trio manages to create a wide spectrum of intensity, dynamics and sonic elements, which keeps the listener on his toes.
Overall this is a difficult but interesting effort, which is worth investigating by Improvised Music followers, obviously requiring an open-minded attitude by the listeners.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 01/03/2018 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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