Record Reviews

PIOTR BARON ~ SALVE REGINA CELESTIS ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 Music and religion go hand in hand since the early days of human history and religion has always been a major force and inspiration for artistic activity, musical and otherwise. But as far as Jazz is concerned, the obvious links between religion and music have been, more often than not, hidden either subconsciously or purposefully. Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Piotr BaronFind albums by this artist is one of the few Jazz artists who wears his religion on his sleeve, openly and consistently voicing his Christian belief, both as a person and an Artists, which is beautifully demonstrated by this album. As the title suggests this album presents three versions of the "Salve Regina" antiphon, tracing its development over time, starting with its earliest 11th Century incarnation via a 16th and lastly 18th Century ones. In addition the album also includes two traditional religious hymns and two original compositions by Baron, which open and then close the album, both kept in similar spiritual mood as the rest of the album. But if the subject matter of this music is highly unusual, the actual performances are even more astounding, since the music was recorded in the USA and features a quartet, which also includes the Polish (but resident in US) bassist Darek OleszkiewiczFind albums by this artist and two American Free Jazz heroes: trumpeter Leo SmithFind albums by this artist and drummer Marvin SmithFind albums by this artist (not related to each other). Nolan ShaheedFind albums by this artist, who was the sound engineer on this recording, plays cornet on one track. This Polish-American quartet is one of the very few of its kind, which features musicians form two continents and from completely different backgrounds playing highly improvised music, which requires a unity of soul and mind of a higher sphere, which evidently was achieved herein. This music, although mostly highly improvised, originates in the religious music, stating the melody at the start of each of the tracks and then moves away into the free spirit zone, where the musicians stretch out and make their individual statements as well as improvise collectively. The level of individual performances is obviously stellar, but Baron respectfully takes a step back from the position of the leader, allowing the trumpeter to be the dominant soloist on this album. Oleszkiewicz is simply brilliant, carrying the music almost single-handedly as the steady chord and rhythm indicator, allowing the other players complete freedom. His beautiful tone and solos are simply breathtaking. The drummer also keeps a low profile most of the time, as appropriate for this spiritual music, which has not an iota of aggression or unnecessary haste. When Baron does solo, his superb sound and fluidity wholly complete the music, respectfully wondering in the lyrical plane, which reflects his devotion. Although not an easy piece of music, this is brilliant artistic experience, which true Jazz connoisseurs should be delighted with anytime anywhere and a superb example of music, which has a meaning way beyond the actual sounds. Thank you, as usual, Mr. Baron!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

DAVE HOLLAND ~ EXTENSIONS ECM 1410 (Barcode: 602517758421) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1989 Released: 2008 British bassist / composer Dave HollandFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly one of the greatest Masters of his trade. From his role as a member of the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist ensembles at their most revolutionary transition period through his work with other distinguished Jazz musicians and his work as a leader, Holland emerges as a pillar of stability and inventiveness combined into one Genius. This brilliant album presents Holland in somewhat unusual setting, with a quartet comprising of US musicians: saxophonist Steve ColemanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Kevin EubanksFind albums by this artist and drummer Marvin SmithFind albums by this artist, which means that the music includes a certain measure of Funk, which is not what Holland´s music is associated with normally. However, the leader and the group emerge victorious (as expected), with the music being fresh and artistically perfect, not allowing the Funk to dominate it, but cleverly incorporating it within. Holland, Coleman and Eubanks contribute two compositions each, and this highly spirited and brilliantly played music is a delightful musical experience. Superb stuff!

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DAVID MURRAY ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE VOLUME 3 CAM JAZZ 1042 (Barcode: 8052405142511) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 1987 Released: 2016 This superb Box Set collects recordings by the American saxophonist / bass clarinetist / composer David MurrayFind albums by this artist on the Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label labels. It is the third such collection, this time dedicated to recordings made between late 1970s and late 1980s. It includes six albums: "The HealersFind albums with this title" is a duet with pianist Randy WestonFind albums by this artist, "Southern BellsFind albums with this title" is a clarinet quartet with Alvin BatisteFind albums by this artist, John CarterFind albums by this artist and Jimmy HamiltonFind albums by this artist, "InterboogieologyFind albums with this title" is a quintet recording with cornetist Butch MorrisFind albums by this artist, bassist Johnny DyaniFind albums by this artist, drummer Oliver JohnsonFind albums by this artist and vocalist Marta ContrerasFind albums by this artist (on two tracks only), "ChildrenFind albums by this artist" is another quintet recording with guitarist James Blood UlmerFind albums by this artist, pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist, bassist Lonnie PlaxicoFind albums by this artist and drummer Marvin SmithFind albums by this artist and finally the "Live At Sweet BasilFind albums with this title" Vol.1 and Vol.2 feature the David Murray Big BandFind albums by this artist, which includes eleven musicians and conductor Butch Morris. Murray is considered as one of the most influential and prominent American Jazz personalities and a great master of the saxophone and bass clarinet. He started his career playing mostly Free Jazz but later developed a highly individual style, incorporating many different influences, including World Music, Rock and others, and returning to more traditional Jazz styles. He is one of the most prolific recording artists on the American Jazz scene. Most of the music presented here was composed by Murray and the Box Set reflects the incredible diversity of his music, which crosses genres and instrumental settings. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 24/06/2020Posted: 24/06/2020

CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ARCHIE SHEPP ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE CAM JAZZ 1035 (Barcode: 8052405141828) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1975 - 1985 Released: 2015 This superb Box Set collects recordings by the legendary American saxophonist / composer Archie SheppFind albums by this artist on the Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label labels. It includes four albums, in various settings between a quintet and a septet, each with a different lineup. "A Sea Of FacesFind albums with this title" features trombonist Charles GreenleeFind albums by this artist, pianist Dave BurrellFind albums by this artist, bassist Cameron BrownFind albums by this artist, drummer Beaver HarrisFind albums by this artist and vocalists Bunny FoyFind albums by this artist and Rafi TahaFind albums by this artist. "Down Home New YorkFind albums with this title" features trumpeter Charles E. McGheeFind albums by this artist, pianist Ken WernerFind albums by this artist, bassist Saheb SarbibFind albums by this artist, drummer Marvin SmithFind albums by this artist and vocalist Bazzi Bartholomew GrayFind albums by this artist. "Little Red MoonFind albums with this title" features Italian trumpeter Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Siegfried KesslerFind albums by this artist, bassist Wilbur LittleFind albums by this artist and drummer Clifford JarvisFind albums by this artist. Finally "California MeetingFind albums with this title" features pianist George CablesFind albums by this artist, bassist Herbie LewisFind albums by this artist, drummer Eddie MarshallFind albums by this artist and vocalist Royal BlueFind albums by this artist (on one track only). The music includes a few compositions by Shepp and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and the rest are mostly standards. Shepp is best known from his association with John Coltrane during his late Avant-Garde period and other recordings in the same idiom. The recordings included in this Box Set, made a decade and two decades later, find Shepp in a much more conventional musical environment, which also includes his vocal performances as well as contributions by other vocalists and early Rappers. Of course he is still a formidable instrumentalist and his soloing is exceptional. The album with Rava is an absolute blast and offers some of Rava´s best playing ever, much different from his usual recordings with Italian / European musicians. The music is still absolutely relevant and offers a glimpse of Shepp´s later career, when he returned to traditional Jazz forms but kept exploring new territories, often playing with European musicians and recording for European record labels. This is definitely an important document of the American post Free Jazz movement. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 05/05/2020Posted: 05/05/2020

CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend