Record Reviews

GORDON BECK ~ JUBILATION!: TRIOS, QUARTETS, AND SEPTETS IN SESSION 1964-1984 TURTLE 501 (Barcode: 5013929580107) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 - 1984 Released: 2018 This is an archival release collecting live recordings made by various ensembles led by the seminal British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, one of the key figures of the revolutionary British Jazz movement of the 1960s, who died in 2011. The recordings present Beck in different settings, from solo piano to a septet, spanning two crucial decades in which Beck and the entire British Jazz scene metamorphosed from a copycat of American Jazz to a bold, adventurous and pioneering musical movement with its own values and aesthetics, leading the rest of Europe towards the same process of emancipation. On the recordings included in this release Beck is accompanied by the crème de la crème of the British Jazz heroes; bassists Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and Mick HuttonFind albums by this artist, drummers Johnny ButtsFind albums by this artist, Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist and Steve ArguellesFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist and Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. Of the twenty eight pieces performed, only three are standards and the rest are original compositions by Beck. The music moves in a multidimensional space-time continuum, between traditional American Jazz and modern European Jazz, between standards and original compositions and between solo piano and ensemble playing, but always beautifully focused on Beck´s superb feel of melody and rhythm and his exquisite perception of harmony. The trio recordings, which open the first of the three CDs included in this Box Set, present a transition, which presents the quantum jumps separated from each other by two years gaps (1964-1966-1968), by which Beck and the trio move from a Bill EvansFind albums by this artist inspired swing perfection to a much more open, almost free playing, emphasized mostly by the change of the drummer from Butts to Oxley, one of the most important Jazz drummers of all time. By the mid 1970s the trio will be brought to perfection with the inclusion of Mathewson, and rechristened to MOBFind albums by this artist (Mathewson / Oxley / Beck) which can be heard on the second CD. The septet recordings, which take the rest of the first CD, are rather atypical in Beck´s career, as he preferred small ensembles, show Beck´s arranging skills, which he was able to perfect as the resident composer / arranger for the Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist´s all-star band, which included six of the seven members of the septet (John SurmanFind albums by this artist is the missing one). The latest (chronologically) recordings present a quintet session, which is led by the mature musician Beck has become in the meantime, are presented on the third CD. Beck´s solo material is presented on the second and third CDs. Overall the Box Set is full of magnificent music, diverse stylistically, but always perfectly executed, which presents a portrait of a great Artist. Considering that all these recordings are previously unreleased, this in an absolute treasure chest and a historic document of the outmost importance. All the recordings were beautifully remastered and offer a first class listening experience. The Box Set, which was released by the reanimated TurtleFind albums on this label Records, includes an extensive booklet written by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, which is intelligent, informative and well researched, a true model for what all releases of this kind should offer those who buy the product. Absolutely essential to all British / European Jazz connoisseurs!

Updated: 16/02/2019Posted: 15/02/2019

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend