Record Reviews

BRECKER BROTHERS ~ THE COMPLETE ARISTA ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886979796225 (Barcode: 886979796225) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 - 1980 Released: 2012 Brothers Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist (trumpet / flugelhorn) and Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist (saxophone) are collectively and individually symbols of the American Jazz, Fusion and Funk scenes. They can be credited as co-inventors and pioneers of the American Jazz-Rock Fusion in the late 1960s and early 1970s (DreamsFind albums by this artist, Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist), especially as defining the Brass-Rock movement. By the mid-1970s they founded one of the most iconic and influential ensembles, calling it simply Brecker BrothersFind albums by this artist (or Brecker Bros.Find albums by this artist), which added Funk to the already well defined Fusion genre, creating a unique voice of unparalleled sophistication, feel and vitality, which had little, if any competition. The Brecker Brothers band existed originally for about six years, recording six marvelous albums between 1975 and 1980 (a reunion band recorded two more albums in early 1990s) The lineup changed over time and in retrospect included the absolute cream of the crop of American Fusion and Funk musicians active at the time: saxophonist David SanbornFind albums by this artist, guitarists Bob MannFind albums by this artist, Steve KhanFind albums by this artist, Barry FinnertyFind albums by this artist and others, keyboardists Don GrolnickFind albums by this artist, George DukeFind albums by this artist and others, bassists Will LeeFind albums by this artist, Neil JasonFind albums by this artist and Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, drummers Harvey MasonFind albums by this artist, Christopher ParkerFind albums by this artist, Terry BozzioFind albums by this artist, Steve GaddFind albums by this artist and others. These names really tell the story, and the collective talents combined with the extraordinary compositions by Randy and Michael and the intricate arrangements created some of the unforgettable music, which still sounds as goof today as it did at the time it was recorded. This Box Set collects all the original six albums, released on the Arista label, and adds a couple of little known albums recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1978, originally called "Blue MontreuxFind albums with this title" and "Blue Montreux IIFind albums with this title", which find Randy and Michael in the company of other Jazz luminaries: pianist Warren BernhardtFind albums by this artist, guitarists Steve Khan and Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Mike MainieriFind albums by this artist, bassists Tony LevinFind albums by this artist and Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve JordanFind albums by this artist, performing some Brecker Brothers material and other original compositions, all perfectly executed. With Michael´s tragic death in 2007, hearing the Brecker Brothers again is no longer possible, so this Box Set is a great tribute to a closed chapter in the history of American music, which should be remembered, as it is timeless and essential. Changing fads and fashions slide away, leaving the solid gold shining…

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

MILES DAVIS ~ MERCI MILES! – LIVE AT VIENNE WARNER 603497844616 (Barcode: 603497844616) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 2021 This is an archival album by the legendary American Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, recorded with his last sextet featuring saxophonist Kenny GarrettFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Deron JohnsonFind albums by this artist, lead bassist FoleyFind albums by this artist, bassist Richard PatersonFind albums by this artist and drummer Ricky WellmanFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents eight tracks, with only one track co-composed by Davis, two tracks composed by Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, two others by PrinceFind albums by this artist and the remaining three by other composers. The last track features the band only without Davis. The sound quality is somewhat murky and boomy, but excusable. The music was recorded on July 1, 1991 during the last Davis’ European tour and just over two months before his untimely death. A week later (July 8) Davis performed the legendary concert with the orchestra led by Quincy JonesFind albums by this artist, which revisited his recordings with Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, and which was released on record as “Miles & Quincy Live At MontreuxFind albums with this title”, which makes it the one before last live recording by Davis. The music remained unreleased for thirty years! Regardless of the heated discussion if Miles was still playing Jazz at this stage of his career, which IMHO in completely ridiculous, the music was alive and kicking and the individual performances scorching, especially those by Davis himself, who plays relatively lengthy soli herein, in contrast to many other live performances, many of which I was lucky to witness, where he contributed limited solo parts. The team of much younger musicians, a trick of the trade Davis used throughout his entire career, revitalized the music and the energy and vigor present here is undeniably stunning, especially at the crescendo moments. But as usual, the intimate, quiet trumpet solo parts, where the band is only audible in the far background, are the absolute pinnacles as far as I am concerned. Overall, this is another document of the timeless career of Jazz Giant Miles Davis, which captures some of his last moments on stage. Perhaps it does not present anything previously unheard, but it certainly is a faithful reflection of his Art and for Davis’ completists, as well as for those of his fans, who enjoyed his most Funky, Groovy moments, this is an absolute must!

Updated: 21/01/2024Posted: 21/01/2024

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

MILES DAVIS ~ THAT`S WHAT HAPPENED 1982-1985: THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL.7 COLUMBIA 194398638522 (Barcode: 194398638522) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1982 - 1985 Released: 2022 This is the 7th installment of the “Bootleg Series recordings by American trumpeter / composer / bandleader / visionary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, released by ColumbiaFind albums on this label Records. It presents previously unreleased material by Davis, captured during the period following his return to recording and performing after a five years long hiatus (1975-1980). It follows the previous installment in the series, which was released in 2018 and offers 3 CDs of studio and live material. CD1 presents material recorded during the “Star PeopleFind albums with this title” sessions in late 1982 and early 1983, with saxophonist Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, trombonist J.J. JohnsonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mike SternFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, drummer Al FosterFind albums by this artist and percussionist Mino CineluFind albums by this artist. Additionally, two tracks are from the “DecoyFind albums with this title” sessions from 1983, with guitarist John ScofieldFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Darryl JonesFind albums by this artist, drum programing by Robert Irving IIIFind albums by this artist and Cinelu. CD2 presents material recorded during the “You`re Under ArrestFind albums with this title” sessions between January 1984 and January 1985, with saxophonist Bob BergFind albums by this artist, Scofield or John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, Irving (on keyboards), Jones, Foster or Vince Wilburn, Jr.Find albums by this artist on drums and percussionist Steve ThorntonFind albums by this artist. CD3 presents a live recording from July 7, 1983 captured at the Montreal Jazz Festival, with Scofield, Evans, Jones, Cinelu and Foster. The music is all by Davis, except for the interpretation of a Cindy LauperFind albums by this artist song, and illustrates the transition period between the decades of recording for Columbia, with the last three albums on that label, and the explosive career of the “new” Miles Davis following his signing with Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and the release of “TutuFind albums with this title”, and the last years of his life (1986-1991). Overall, as usual with any archival material by Miles Davis, the music is absolutely Godly, stressing again his unshaken position as the greatest Jazz musician of all time. Although the music does not reveal any surprising elements, it affirms his status, and for every Davis’ follower on this planet is absolutely essential.

Updated: 31/12/2024Posted: 26/10/2022

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

DR. JOHN ~ IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD MUSIC ON CD 13505 (Barcode: 8718627225905) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 1989 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of the 12th studio album by iconic American singer / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mac RebennackFind albums by this artist), recorded with an impressive cast of American Jazz musicians, including bassist Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Hugh McCrackenFind albums by this artist, drummer Harvey MasonFind albums by this artist and others, and string and brass sections. The horn and string arrangements were done by the legendary Marty PaichFind albums by this artist and the album was produced by no less legendary producer Tommy LiPumaFind albums by this artist. As the album’s title suggests, it presents nine popular love songs, most of which are Jazz standards. Dr. John is undoubtedly a superb interpreter of Jazz (and Pop) standards. His beautiful throaty voice, keyboards playing and highly aesthetic approach are absolutely perfect and his affinity to Jazz results in creating superb cross-genre albums, like this one. He has very few competitors in this particular niche, which he repeatedly proved over the years. Overall, this is a little hidden gem of American music, which deserves to be remembered and a lot can be learned from it about how to combine cross-genre musical sources to create a perfect amalgam, which is simply everlasting. Vocal Jazz enthusiasts should love this album to bits!

Updated: 20/10/2023Posted: 20/10/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ THE IMAGINE PROJECT SONY 771899 (Barcode: 886977189920) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 One of the advantages of being 70 is that you don´t need to prove yourself any more. This is of course especially true in case of Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, who lists among the greatest Jazz musicians of all time. He was lucky to age well, with his career still intact and what is perhaps even more important he keeps moving forward and changing his musical directions constantly. Hancock never was one of those Jazz musicians, who refuse to leave the lofty pedestal of Jazz "superiority", ignoring whatever is happening in contemporary music. In the last couple of decades Hancock, in parallel to his Jazz activities, recorded projects which pay tribute to other musical phenomena, including Pop and Rock. His "The New StandardFind albums with this title" album presented a collection of contemporary Pop anthems arranged for a Jazz ensemble, His wonderful tribute to the talents of the divine Joni Mitchell ("River: The Joni LettersFind albums with this title") is another of such projects. This project takes thing even a notch further. Hancock invited a group of musicians from all over the world; each and every one of them representing a different aspect of World Music influenced contemporary music and recorded with them new arrangements to some classic Pop songs. Augmented by some of the best Jazz musicians around (drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist, percussionist Alex AcunaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Larry GoldingsFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist and many others) and recorded in many different studios around the world, this is a magical tribute to contemporary music by a Master musician. I absolutely loved every minute of it and I´m sure many of you will too! Side Note: I have read quite a few reviews of this album published in the few weeks since its release and unfortunately most of them are completely irrelevant, missing the point by a mile. Many people seem to dislike this album for a variety of reasons, simply being completely ignorant to its concept and qualities. As we say around these parts: "The dogs keep barking and the caravan moves on".

Updated: 17/06/2016Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JACO PASTORIUS BIG BAND ~ WORD OF MOUTH REVISITED HEADS UP 3078 ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 1st album by the Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist tribute Big Band, conducted and led by Peter GravesFind albums by this artist. Graves was the leader of the Big Band, in which Pastorius played for five years (1970-1975) and where he perfected his chops, before leaving to record his eponymous debut album and then joining Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, where he stayed for another five years (1976-1981). Pastorius revolutionized the way bass guitar would be played from his days onward and earned a momentous respect for the instrument, placing it alongside the leading instruments in any musical setting. He died in tragic circumstances in 1987. Graves collected some of the original Big Band members, added many superb contemporary players and invited the best bass players on the scene (Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist, Gerald VeasleyFind albums by this artist, Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, and others) to create this tribute recording. The music includes tunes from the early Big Band days, Jaco’s solo albums and Weather Report albums. The band swings like hell, the bassists fly and soar and the music is exceptional all the way through. Between the music tracks there are inserts of Jaco’s spoken commentary during the recording sessions of his albums, which enhance the atmosphere and make this recording even more special. For any Pastorius or / and bass guitar fan this is a wet dream come true – an absolute must! This enhanced CD includes bonus material and a link to video clips documenting the recording session.

CD 1 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MICHAL URBANIAK ~ FOR WARSAW WITH LOVE AGORA 5903111493684 (Barcode: 5903111493684) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rap Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 "Jazz is (*) the music of the oppressed black working class in capitalist America". This is the slogan that enabled Polish Jazz musicians to play and flourish behind the iron curtain, when the above definition was softened following Stalin´s death (1953) from its original form, which also included "the product of the degeneration presented as" in the place of the asterisk above. Expression of solidarity by the Polish working class with the "black working class in capitalist America" was allowed by playing Jazz. Of course Polish Jazz musicians – including our hero saxophonist / violinist Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist – were never a part of the working class, but that was the beauty of the whole thing. Polish intelligentsia and the artistic bohemian class in particular, which included filmmakers, Jazz musicians, actors, poets and other undesirable riffraff, were absolute Masters in fooling the system and its censorship apparatus into believing in their legitimacy as representatives of the working class and their conformity with the official Socialist Party policies. Urbaniak and a few of Polish Jazz pioneers visited the US in 1962 and he fell head over heels in love with the "original" American Jazz. From that moment on his primary life´s desire was to move to NY and become part of the local scene, which he consistently pursued and eventually achieved in 1973, together with his wife at the time, vocalist Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist. His NY residency was crowned by a recording contract with Columbia and release of several brilliant and groundbreaking albums and a brief stint with the legendary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. His talent and intensive work schedule earned him many friends among the American (and not only) musicians, which explains how he managed to get on this album a string of stars like drummer Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, pianist Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, guitarist David GilmoreFind albums by this artist, rapper Walter WestFind albums by this artist and others. Eventually Urbaniak, like many other Polish Jazz musicians who tried their luck in the US, returned to Poland, which in the meantime managed to free itself from the shackles of the Socialist regime, and resumed his activity on the local scene, retaining of course his NY ties. His keen senses and sharp ears enabled him to select some of the best Polish Jazz musicians, mostly members of the young generation, and invite them to take part in this project, like pianist Michal TokajFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, Michal WroblewskiFind albums by this artist and Marek PedziwiatrFind albums by this artist and others. Formally this album is a tribute to the city of Warsaw, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the tragic Warsaw Uprising against the Nazi German occupation and the album was issued by the Warsaw Uprising Museum. To be honest I completely fail to see any connection and for me this is not a tribute to Warsaw but a tribute to NY and contemporary American music scene. It offers a mixture of Rap, Hip-Hop, Groove, Blues and a bit of Jazz, with a distinct Afro-American feel, which to people familiar with Urbaniak´s current activity is hardly surprising. Most of the music is attributed to Urbaniak, but there are also two classic Jazz standards dressed up to fit with the rest of the album. And yes, it offers a lot of superb playing on the way. The album proves that Urbaniak wishes to stay relevant and up to date with contemporary trends, which is certainly more than other musicians of his group age are doing. It has a strong Jazz tinge, but certainly is not meant as a Jazz album per se; and why not? Urbaniak does not have to justify his musical choices to anybody, and his extensive legacy proves that he paid his dues and can do whatever he wants to do. The "critics", who dismissed this album outright, fail to see the point here – it is up to the musician to play what see thinks is right and it is up to the listener to decide if he wishes to listen / buy the album. Urbaniak is simply well beyond scrutiny by self proclaimed "critics" – he has been around for long enough to ignore this bullshit. It was a pleasure to meet Michal again a couple of month ago at the after party of the Singer Festival, where he gave me an autographed copy of this album. Nigel KennedyFind albums by this artist, the star of the final concert and an accomplished musician by all standards, looked at Michal with love and admiration deserved by an older Master… certainly good enough for me. Even if this music is not exactly my glass of vodka, if this is what he wants to play, who am I to tell him otherwise? Respect!

Updated: 11/11/2019Posted: 11/11/2019

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend