Record Reviews

JOHNNY ALMOND / MUSIC MACHINE ~ PATENT PENDING VOCALION 8417 (Barcode: 765387841720) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005 Multi-instrumentalist / composer Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist was one of the most versatile and in-demand players on the British scene in the late 1960s. A member of the Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist, he also led a septet of young up-and-coming musicians called Johnny Almond Music MachineFind albums by this artist, which recorded two albums of which this is the first. Soon after recording this album Almond joined the new version of John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, which recorded the revolutionary The Turning PointFind albums with this title album. In that group he met guitarist Jon MarkFind albums by this artist, with whom he formed one of the best British Jazz-Rock groups – Mark-AlmondFind albums by this artist. Bass player Roger SuttonFind albums by this artist (ex-Brian AugerFind albums by this artist’s TrinityFind albums by this artist), who plays on this album, was also a founding member of Mark-Almond and would later be e member of Riff RaffFind albums by this artist and NucleusFind albums by this artist. Another player, the drummer Alan WhiteFind albums by this artist, would later join the legendary YesFind albums by this artist. This album is a splendid example of early Jazz-Rock, with strong Rhythm And Blues influences. Almond plays tenor, alto and baritone saxophones, flute, alto flute, organ, vibes, mellotron and bass clarinet – surely deserving the “music machine” nickname. His virtuosity (my favorite being his flute playing) is obvious. He also composed all but one of the eight tunes included here. Overall this is an excellent album and a great trip down the memory lane. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOHN MAYALL ~ THE TURNING POINT BGO 0145 (Barcode: 5017261201454) ~ UK ~ Blues Recorded: 1969 Released: 1992 One of the best and most important live blues albums of all times by the legendary UK bluesman John MayallFind albums by this artist. As the title indicates, Mayall abandons the traditional guitar oriented blues and turns in the direction of the much more sophisticated and jazzy arrangements. Two of the musicians playing here - John MarkFind albums by this artist and Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist were later to form the legendary Mark-AlmondFind albums by this artist group.

Updated: 28/02/2024Posted:

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend