Record Reviews
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  | NEIL ARDLEY ~ KALEIDOSCOPE OF RAINBOWS LIVE `75
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 21 (Barcode: 5060774190142) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by British keyboardist / composer / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, which presents a live recording of his orchestral piece entitled “Kaleidoscope Of RainbowsFind albums with this title”, originally commissioned by the London Borough of Camden and supported by the Arts Council of Great Britain (those were the days!), premiered at the legendary Roundhouse in October of 1974 by a Jazz Big Band / Orchestra. The version performed here, one year later, is somewhat revised and expanded, recorded, with Ardley conducting of course, by a smaller and much tighter group of Top British Jazz musicians at the time, all of which took part in the studio recording of the seminal “Kaleidoscope Of Rainbows” album, which was recorded a few months later in 1976 and released the same year. The lineup includes the members of NucleusFind albums by this artist led by trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist with saxophonist Bob BertlesFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ken ShawFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger SuttonFind albums by this artist and drummer Roger SellersFind albums by this artist. Additionally, the collective lineup adds saxophonists Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist and Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist, cellist Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist and percussionist Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. The lineup that recorded the studio album also included guests: saxophonist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist and keyboardist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, who are not present here.
The 2CD album presents sixteen tracks, timing at 103 minutes, which have been later combined and condensed into nine tracks, timing about half of that time, as released on the studio album. Therefore, this album, which presents the full extent of Ardley’s vision for his work, is extremely important and the fact that it is available here for the first time is truly a momentous occasion and a milestone of British Jazz history.
“Kaleidoscope Of Rainbows” is the last part of a triptych of orchestral works by Ardley, which also includes the earlier “The Greek VariationsFind albums with this title” and “A Symphony Of AmaranthsFind albums with this title”. All three pieces are based on a concept of taking a limited musical element and expanding it into a large framework. Ardley would create one more orchestral piece a couple of years later (1978), called “Harmony Of The SpheresFind albums with this title”, before he embraced a career as author and composer of choral music.
The music follows the pattern of earlier Ardley’s works, amalgamating Jazz with World Music elements and heavily influenced by the minimal music concepts of repetition and slowly developing / cyclic repetition, all brilliantly put together and masterly executed by all the participants. Although structurally the music is not Jazz per se, the soloing, improvising and phrasing are indeed very Jazzy (not surprisingly), and with the expanded format of the piece, are more prominently featured here that on the more disciplined studio version.
Ardley, together with Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist constitute the triumvirate of the British Jazz orchestral composers / bandleaders, who offered a completely revised alternative to American Big Band Jazz, taking it into entirely new musical spheres, artistic heights and European aesthetic values, which still reverberate in contemporary music.
As usual praise goes to the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label for unearthing this music and releasing it on CD. Please keep up the good work, as nobody else has the stamina, energy and passion to do it and these reissues are way too good to remain hidden in the vaults.
| | Updated: 03/07/2021Posted: 03/07/2021 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEIL ARDLEY / IAN CARR / MICHAEL GIBBS / STAN TRACEY ~ WILL POWER
VOCALION 8412 (Barcode: 765387841225) ~ UK ~ Jazz
This stunningly beautiful album managed to stay on the top of my personal list for over 30 years now and I love it as much as I did the first time I heard it. It simply represents all the beauty, sophistication and intellectual quality of the British Jazz of the late 1960s / 1970s, perhaps more accurately and more concisely than any other one album. It documents a concert performed at London’s Southwark Cathedral, one of the many events dedicated to Shakespeare’s tercentenary celebrations, and presents four major works written by four great British Jazz composers: Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, dedicated to Shakespeare’s genius.
The list of performers certainly resembles the “Who’s Who” of British Jazz at the time and includes: Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and Pepi LemerFind albums by this artist – vocals, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist – reeds, Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist and Colin WalkerFind albums by this artist – cello, Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Stan Tracey – keyboards, Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist – bass, Tony LevinFind albums by this artist – drums and Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist – percussion. All the lengthy suites, although quite different from each other, are majestic and respectful to the great poet’s legacy, often touching on Elizabethan era motifs, even if ever so slightly. The ambience of the Cathedral adds to the overall effect and the magic of that performance if caught forever by this extraordinary recording.
Everything that is so great about Jazz – composition, arrangement and performance – is unified here to produce that magical moment, which can never be repeated. I can’t imagine anybody not liking this, and although it’s by far no easy listening, the immediate magnanimity of this music is so apparent that repeated listening could only deepen the experience. Beyond essential!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEIL ARDLEY / NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ ON THE RADIO: BBC SESSIONS 1971
DUSK FIRE 115 (Barcode: 5065001032516) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2016
This is a wonderful archival album from the seemingly bottomless vault of the BBC recordings, which presents two sessions led by British composer / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist. The first session (six tracks) presents the full glory of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist) led and conducted by Ardley and the second session (one track) presents a suite-like composition performed by a small Jazz ensemble, which also includes a string section and electronics. The lineup of the New Jazz Orchestra includes the crème de la crème of the British Jazz players at the time: trumpeters Nigel CarterFind albums by this artist, Bud ParkesFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, trombonists Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist, Robin GardnerFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, tuba player Dick HartFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Don RendellFind albums by this artist, Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Dave GellyFind albums by this artist and Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and percussionist / vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist. The small ensemble includes several NJO members and also features bassist Barry GuyFind albums by this artist and the man in charge of the electronic sounds Keith WinterFind albums by this artist.
For listeners familiar with the NJO recordings the music presented here will not be unanticipated, as it follows the pattern presented on their studio recordings, which is based on intricate and lavish orchestral arrangements and excellent solos by the orchestra members. The live sound and the raw power of the twenty piece orchestra are of course irresistible and illustrate the supremacy of orchestral music over small ensembles as far as the scale of possibilities is concerned. The orchestra performs two compositions by the lamented pianist / composer Mike TaylorFind albums by this artist, who was already deceased when this music was recorded. Another pleasant surprise is the inclusion of a composition by the legendary Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, who played in the earlier lineup of the orchestra. The presentation of the tunes by the no less legendary Humphrey LytteltonFind albums by this artist is the proverbial cherry on the top.
The suite-like piece marks the beginning for Ardley´s interest in electronic music, which started when he met Keith Winter a year before this music was recorded. His future recording will feature synthesizers of course but this early, both technologically and conceptually, meeting between electronic and acoustic sounds is truly fascinating and innovative, especially since it also features a string section.
Overall this album is an invaluable historical document of the time and of the British Jazz history, and well deserved thanks go to Peter MuirFind albums by this artist, the man behind the Dusk FireFind albums on this label / Market SquareFind albums on this label labels and to Dave Gelly for the informative liner notes and his first hand experiences. This is an absolute must to all British Jazz connoisseurs, and in fact to all Jazz lovers around the world, especially the young musicians, who should be aware of how much can be learned from music made in the past. Not to be missed!
| | Updated: 23/05/2018Posted: 31/05/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | GARY BURTON ~ NEW VIBE MAN IN TOWN / WHO IS GARY BURTON? / IN CONCERT
BGO 1519 (Barcode: 5017261215192) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1961 - 1968 Released: 2024
This is a reissue / remaster of three early albums by American vibraphonist / composer / bandleader Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist, released originally on the RCAFind albums on this label label. Burton started his musical career at a very early age and was considered a prodigy. Choosing the vibraphone as his “weapon of choice”, and his decision to play Jazz rather than classical music made him a sensation and he recorded the first of the albums included here at the age of eighteen, quite an unprecedented event at the time. CD1 presets his first two albums, eight and seven tracks, recorded in 1961 and 1962 respectively. CD2 presents the 10th album, with eight tracks recorded in 1968, which is the only live recording by Burton and the one before last album released on RCA.
“New Vibe Man In TownFind albums with this title” was recorded in a trio setting with bassist Gene ChericoFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe MorelloFind albums by this artist. All the tracks are standards. “Who is Gary Burton?Find albums with this title” was recorded in a septet setting with trumpeter Clark TerryFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bob BrookmeyerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, pianist Tommy FlanaganFind albums by this artist, bassist John NevesFind albums by this artist and drummers Morello or Chris SwansenFind albums by this artist. Four of the tracks are standards, two are by Swansen, who was Burton’s classmate at Berklee Collage of Music and finally one is by British trombonist / composer Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, who was his Berklee teacher and later a lifelong friend and musical collaborator.
“In ConcertFind albums with this title” was recorded with the revolutionary quartet, which included guitarist Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and drummer Bob MosesFind albums by this artist, and sounded like something from another planet, being one of the earliest Jazz-Rock Fusion ensembles, which changed the face of music. Except for one cover of a song by Bob DylanFind albums by this artist, all the tracks are originals, three composed by Burton, two by Coryell, one co-composed by the two and finally again one track by Gibbs.
Overall, this is a brilliant reminder of the early musical path by one of the most important American Jazz figures, which is perhaps also the most “non-American” Jazz figures, closer to the European sound and aesthetics than to his roots, which are still plainly present on his first two albums. This reissue joins the other three reissue projects of Gary Burton recordings on RCA, released by the great British BGOFind albums on this label label, which now cover ten of the eleven RCA recordings.
| | Updated: 29/07/2024Posted: 29/07/2024 | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | GARY BURTON ~ SOMETHING`S COMING! / THE GROOVY SOUND OF MUSIC / THE TIME MACHINE
BGO 1241 (Barcode: 5017261212412) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1963 - 1966 Released: 2016
This is a reissue of three early albums by the legendary American Jazz vibraphonist / composer Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist (his third to fifth albums): "Something`s Coming!Find albums with this title" from 1964, "The Groovy Sound Of MusicFind albums with this title" from 1965 and "The Time MachineFind albums with this title" from 1966.
"Something`s Coming!" was recorded in a quartet setting with guitarist Jim HallFind albums by this artist, bassist Chuck IsraelsFind albums by this artist and drummer Larry BunkerFind albums by this artist. It presents seven pieces, two of which are original compositions by British composer Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, one is by Hall and the remaining four are standards.
"The Groovy Sound Of Music", as the title suggests, includes Burton interpretations of eight songs from the musical "The Sound Of Music", recorded in a sextet setting with trombonist Bob BrookmeyerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, guitarist Joe PumaFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and alternating drummers Joe HuntFind albums by this artist and Ed ShaughnessyFind albums by this artist.
"The Time Machine" was recorded in a trio setting with bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Larry Bunker. It presents ten pieces, four of which are original compositions by Burton, two by Gibbs, one by Swallow and the remaining three are standards.
These wonderful albums tell the story of the early days of Burton´s musical development and already point out towards several characteristics of his music in the later years, like his close friendship and cooperation with composer Michael Gibbs, his close association with bassist Steve Swallow, who would continue to record with Burton for many years, his appreciation and understanding of the role of the guitar in Jazz, which will soon after lead to his revolutionary cooperation with Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist and the birth of the American Jazz-Rock Fusion, etc.
Whereas the first two albums find Burton still engulfed in Bebop and Cool Jazz, the third album is distinctly different and shows his individual voice and stylistic differentiation from mainstream Jazz, which shifts into more sophisticated approach both as a player and a composer, which would eventually bring Burton to be much closer to European Jazz than almost any other of his compatriots.
Although these albums were recorded fifty years ago, they all sound absolutely fresh today and the music lost absolutely nothing of its wonderful vitality, musicality and exquisite taste. For Burton and vibraphone fans this is an absolute essential piece of Jazz history, but all music connoisseurs should find it absolutely delightful. Not to be missed!
| | Updated: 17/10/2016Posted: 17/10/2016 | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALAN COHEN ~ RUNNIN` WILD / BLACK, BROWN & BEIGE
VOCALION 4252 (Barcode: 765387425227) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 - 1974 Released: 2005
Two brilliant albums by British arranger / conductor / bandleader Alan CohenFind albums by this artist, which he recorded with his orchestras, paying tribute to Jazz tradition and especially its Big Band heroes. Both albums were originally released on the ArgoFind albums on this label label. "Runnin` WildFind albums with this title", recorded in 1974, is a tribute to Paul WhitemanFind albums by this artist, who dominated the early (1920s) jazz scene in the US, leading an orchestra, which incorporated the best Jazz players of the time. "Black, Brown & BeigeFind albums with this title", recorded in 1972, is a tribute to Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, who started in the early 1940s to compose a series of superb Jazz suites, of which this was the first and which was unfortunately never properly recorded in its entirety by its creator. Cohen managed to assemble the pieces of the puzzle 30 years later and this is the first time we´re able to hear this magnificent piece of music as intended. Cohen´s orchestras included the best players on the burgeoning British Jazz scene at the time: Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist (trombone) Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Art ThemenFind albums by this artist (saxophones), Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist (drums) and many more. The divine Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist contributes a wonderful vocal part on one track. Together these two albums are a wonderful glimpse at the Jazz history, presenting wonderful music, performed with inspiration and love. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | COLOSSEUM ~ LIVE AT THE PIPER CLUB, ROME, ITALY 1971
REPERTOIRE 1394 (Barcode: 4009910139424) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2020
This is an archival album by the seminal British Jazz-Rock Fusion / Progressive Rock band ColosseumFind albums by this artist, recorded live in Summer of 1971 and presenting one of the last known recordings of the final lineup of the band, which disbanded just a few months later in October of 1991. Founded in 1968 by drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist the final lineup included also the charismatic vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist, superb keyboardist Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist, one of the best British Blues guitarists Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Mark ClarkeFind albums by this artist.
The music includes two original pieces and one piece each by Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, which appeared over time on the group’s studio albums, all of which was tested and polished during the band’s many live appearances, reaching a level of perfection, which combined with the highly developed improvisation abilities by the band members (Hiseman, Heckstall-Smith and Greenslade had a Jazz background), produced live performances of unparalleled quality. The two original tunes (one co-written by Clempson and Hiseman and the other by Hiseman) get over-extended versions on this album, timing well over twenty minutes each, which present the incredible instrumental abilities by the band members, including Hiseman’s unique drumming technique.
The sound quality of this recording if truly iffy, and even the remastered version is not easily listenable, albeit somewhat better than the bootleg versions of this album that have been around for ages. Obviously the source material for this material is simply sub-standard.
And yet, every instance of Colosseum material, especially as excellently performed as the music included here, is worth its weight in gold. It is truly amazing that this music, almost exactly fifty years young, sounds still so exciting today. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 08/07/2021Posted: 08/07/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE COOPER ~ OH REALLY?! / DO I KNOW YOU? / TROUT STEEL / PLACES I KNOW / THE MACHINE GUN CO.
BGO 1371 (Barcode: 5017261213716) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Blues Fusion
Recorded: 1968 - 1972 Released: 2019
This is a reissue of the first five albums by the British guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Mike CooperFind albums by this artist. The first album was originally released on PyeFind albums on this label Records and the other four on the subsidiary DawnFind albums on this label Records. This remastered edition adds also three bonus tracks released originally on singles.
The first two albums present Cooper playing Blues / Folk / Country oriented material, mostly self-penned, on which he accompanied himself on acoustic guitar. On the second album he was joined by the legendary bassist Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and a female vocalist on a few tracks.
However, on the next three albums – the last two of which were recorded during the same session and were intended initially to be released as a double album – he is joined by a dreamy team of the crème de la crème of British Jazz musicians at the time, which includes arranger Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Geoff HawkinsFind albums by this artist, Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, bassists Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist and Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummer Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist, vocal Diva Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and many others, a truly unprecedented gathering.
Those albums are dominated by Cooper´s idiosyncratic songwriting, guitar playing and singing, and still deeply rooted in the Blues, but the instrumental parts offer some blood-curdling goodies, which no British Jazz fan wants to miss.
Considering how obscure and impossible to find these albums are this monumental reissue is a true godsend, done in the best tradition of BGOFind albums on this label Records´ mission to unearth music that should be given another chance.
Absolutely not to be missed!
| | Updated: 02/09/2020Posted: 01/09/2020 | CD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN DANKWORTH ~ THE ZODIAC VARIATIONS / THE $1,000,000 COLLECTION
VOCALION 8480 (Barcode: 765387848026) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1964 - 1967 Released: 2011
Legendary British saxophonist / composer / arranger / bandleader John DankworthFind albums by this artist was one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz. Although his career started in mid-1940s he was keen to pursue the sounds of Bee Bop, when those crossed the Atlantic and later pioneered the modern British Big Band sound. This album brings together two of thematic / "concept" Jazz suites written by Dankworth and performed by his Big Band / Orchestra, both being masterpieces of the genre. "The Zodiac VariationsFind albums with this title", recorded both in US and UK, feature some top American Jazz players as soloists: trumpeter Clark TerryFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bob BrookmeyerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist and others. "The $1,000,000 CollectionFind albums with this title" (about famous paintings), recorded three years later, when the British Jazz scene was rapidly developing into a dew dimension, features many of the brilliant young players arriving on the scene, like trumpeters Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, trombonists Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and many others. Musically this is brilliant stuff, from start to finish of course. British Jazz fans will find this stuff delightful, and Big Band enthusiasts will have a field day with this. I don´t think there is anything else I need to add here, just grab it, if this is your cup of tea!
| | Updated: 31/05/2017Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GIBBS ~ JUST AHEAD
BGO 679 (Barcode: 5017261206794) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2005
Composer / arranger / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist was one of the most prominent figures on the burgeoning British Jazz scene at its peak. He performed (as trombonist), composed and arranged music for many ensembles active at the time, in parallel to leading his own band, which is captured here during a residency at the legendary Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist’s club in London. The band included the top British Jazz players of the time, most of which played on Michel’s previous two studio recordings: Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist, Geoff PerkinsFind albums by this artist (trombone), Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist, Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist, John TaylorFind albums by this artist (piano), Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist (guitar), Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist (bass), John MarshallFind albums by this artist (drums) and Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist (vibes & percussion). The music covers a wide range of styles, from the typical atmospheric and moody compositions by Gibbs, to scorching Jazz-Rock Fusion exemplified mostly by Spedding’s lead guitar parts and even Blues. Gibbs pays a tribute to some of his American pioneering colleagues: Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist, Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist, Carla BleyFind albums by this artist and Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist, whom he befriended during his studies in the US, by including his arrangements of their tunes. Notably Gibbs kept looking across the Atlantic for inspiration, being somewhat different in that respect from most of his British contemporaries, who wanted to emancipate themselves from American influence as much as possible. Nevertheless his unique approach to composition and arrangement was clearly much more advanced than most stuff coming over from America. The raw energy and the virtuosity of the players make this album one of the greatest documents of the era, which remains a timeless masterpiece. A must for British Jazz lovers!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GIBBS ~ MICHAEL GIBBS / TANGLEWOOD 63
VOCALION 4253 (Barcode: 765387425326) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2005
Composer / arranger / bandleader / trombonist Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist was born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). In his early twenties he moved to the US, where he studied both Jazz and Classical music at the Berklee College of Music, the Boston Conservatory and the Tanglewood Institute, where he studied with renowned classical composers Aaron CoplandFind albums by this artist and Lukas FossFind albums by this artist. In 1965 Gibbs settled in London and immediately was absorbed into the burgeoning local Jazz scene, first as a trombonist, and later when he stopped to play the instrument, as a composer, arranger and bandleader. Over the years he assembled an impressive body of work as a composer, which has been considered as some of the most innovative and daring forays into the fusion of Classical, Jazz and Rock. He recorded many of his compositions using large ensembles, which comprised of the best British and later also European Jazz musicians, all of which are considered masterpieces. He also composed music for cinema and created many incredible arrangements for albums in the Rock and Jazz areas. This album combines his two first albums, composed for and performed by huge ensembles including brass, string and rhythm sections and including around 30 musicians. The names of the participants resemble the “who’s who” of the British Jazz scene at the time and the main soloists are: Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist, Ray RussellFind albums by this artist (guitar), Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist (sax), Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist (piano), Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, Brian OdgersFind albums by this artist (bass), Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist, John MarshallFind albums by this artist (drums) and many more. The music is quite incredible of course, very difficult to classify, as it flows between genres and musical landscapes disregarding any preconceptions. Gibbs is a master at creating an internal tension in his scores, which is often expressed by the role the brass and rhythm sections play against each other, with the brass section representing the jazzy elements and the rhythm section (especially the guitar) the rock elements. The music is often contemplative and moves slowly, similarly to many of the modern Classical music pieces, influenced obviously by the composer’s teachers and resembling sometimes even the work of Philip GlassFind albums by this artist. Definitely not easy listening, but a highly rewarding intellectual experience. For the lack of a better alternative I’ve decided to classify it under Jazz, but this music is truly beyond classification and constitutes a class of its own. Fascinating!
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  | MICHAEL GIBBS ~ NONSEQUENCE
PROVOCATEUR 1027 (Barcode: 5038491102724) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001
British composer / arranger / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist is one of the pillars of modern British Jazz. His outstanding 1970s recordings serve as musical milestones in the development of Jazz and Jazz-Rock Fusion composition and his bands of the period, which always included some of the best players on the scene, are remarkable achievements remembered and cherished to this very day. After the decline of the British Jazz scene Gibbs returned to the US, where he concentrated on teaching and composing works for many different media (TV, cinema, performances and concerts) in a variety of musical genres, including of course Jazz and contemporary Classical Music. Although many of his compositions were released as soundtrack albums, he recorded only three “real” / dedicated Jazz albums in the last 30 years. Therefore his new album on ProvocateurFind albums on this label Records is a major event and a delight for his many fans and admirers. The album presents an ambitious project involving a recording on two continents (Hamburg and New York) by two big ensembles (the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist in Hamburg and a specially assembled band in NY), presenting music mostly written by Gibbs with just a few of his unique arrangements of compositions by other composers. The NY band includes some of the most illustrious names on the contemporary Jazz scene, like Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist and Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Chris HunterFind albums by this artist and Alex FosterFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Hiram BullockFind albums by this artist (guitar) and Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist (bass) among others. The NDR Big Band includes many marvelous players, but most notably saxophonist Christof LauerFind albums by this artist and pianist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist. The music is everything one might expect from Gibbs – marvelously melodic, beautifully crafted, devilishly cleverly arranged and superbly executed by both ensembles. Gibbs skillfully gets the best out of the big band setting, using the incredible dynamics it allows for and interposing multi-layered harmonic and rhythmic structures against each other to achieve an incredibly dramatic effect. Several excellent solo parts ornament the album like cherries on a cake and the different moods and tempi never allow for even a brief dull moment. The music reflects perfectly the composer’s versatility and open-mindedness, which have always been his forte. This is one refreshing and delightful musical experience that I’d hate my friends to miss; so nothing else remains to be said other that recommending this album wholeheartedly. You won’t regret it!
| | | CD 1 HDCD Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GIBBS ~ REVISITING TANGLEWOOD 63: THE EARLY TAPES
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 24 (Barcode: 5060774190227) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by British trombonist / composer / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, which presents two radio broadcasts of live sessions, recorded in May and November of 1970. The lineups of the Orchestra / Big Band (thirteen or sixteen members respectively) consists of Top British Jazz musicians at the time, some of which took part in the recording of the seminal “Tanglewood 63Find albums with this title” album, which was recorded shortly after the second session. The collective personnel includes: trumpeters Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, Nigel CarterFind albums by this artist and Harold BeckettFind albums by this artist, trombonists Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist, Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and Gibbs, tuba player Dick HartFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Jim PhillipFind albums by this artist and Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist, pianist Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, guitarist Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummers John MarshallFind albums by this artist and Clive ThackerFind albums by this artist and finally vibraphonist / percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist.
The album presents seven tracks, four from the first session and three from the second. Those include all five compositions included on the “Tanglewood 63” album. In addition, it also presents “Country RoadsFind albums with this title”, written by Gary Burton and Steve Swallow, which appeared first on the Burton’s 1968 album by the same name, which included a couple of compositions by Gibbs and one co-composed piece by Gibbs and Burton, and which would have to wait for a couple of years to appear on the 1972 Gibbs “Just AheadFind albums with this title” album. The last track is “June The 15, 1967”, which appeared initially on the Burton’s 1967 “Lofty Fake AnagramsFind albums with this title” album, which also included two compositions by Gibbs, including this one, and which would have to wait for forty-two years to appear on the 2012 Gibbs “Back In The DaysFind albums with this title” album.
The music is, as everything Gibbs ever recorded, absolutely heavenly, both as far as the compositions and the performances are concerned. The formidable team of musicians, under his direction, is able to achieve peaks never earlier encountered in British Jazz orchestral music, and these archival recordings are absolutely fascinating, especially when compared to the final version of most of the music included here, recorded on the “Tanglewood 63” album.
So far, this is definitely my favorite release on the new Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, which does a splendid job digging out treasures from dusty vaults, especially so because this album also offers the best sound quality of all their releases so far. So as usual, hats off for the team behind the label and waiting for more of your gems. A bit more attention to details won’t hurt…
| | Updated: 29/06/2021Posted: 28/06/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GIBBS BAND ~ SYMPHONY HALL, BIRMINGHAM 1991
DUSK FIRE 116 (Barcode: 5065001032677) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1991 Released: 2018
This in an archival release presenting a live recording by a band led by the British trombonist / composer / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, which comprises of fourteen British and American Jazz musicians, who play music composed by Gibbs and John ScofieldFind albums by this artist. The Brits include such legendary musicians as trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Tony CoeFind albums by this artist and (then very young) Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and others and the American guests include guitarist / composer John Scofield, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill StewartFind albums by this artist. The concert captured on this album was the tenth of a twelve concert UK 1991 tour. It presents eleven pieces, seven of which were composed by Scofield and arranged by Gibbs and four were Gibbs´ compositions.
Gibbs shows a consistent affinity towards the guitar and guitar players throughout his entire musical career. His early albums featured British guitarists like Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist and Ray RussellFind albums by this artist, later on he included in his bands the Belgian guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, and then Americans like Scofield, Hiram BullockFind albums by this artist and Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist. Scorching guitar solos and a Rocky feel are therefore a habitual part of Gibbs´ musical DNA and this album is no exception. The Scofield tunes originate from his debut album for the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label "Time On My HandsFind albums with this title" and from the follow up "Meant To BeFind albums with this title", as well as from the still unreleased at the time of the concert next album "Grace Under PressureFind albums with this title". A couple of the Gibbs tunes were premiered during these concerts.
Musically the album follows the "typical" Gibbs´ patterns, with the brass fanfares and swinging background sections, which slowly step back to make space for the soloists, and eventually come back to wrap things up. There are plenty of opportunities for almost everybody to play a solo and the tightly swinging rhythm section keeps everything exactly in check. Naturally Scofield is given the most extensive soloing space and he delivers everything one might expect from him.
This album, as all the albums released on the Dusk FireFind albums on this label label, under the watchful eyes of Peter MuirFind albums by this artist, is a tremendous document of British Jazz history, and is an invaluable addition to any British Jazz collection. The fact that this album features also American musicians makes it no less British, as it is after all Gibbs who sets the tone here, even if Scofield is the front person most of the time. Comparing this music with the versions recorded by Scofield on his solo albums reveals the differences in musical depth and perception, revealing the fact that a British flavor, zing and zest are able to turn pretty straightforward American music into a tasty dish.
The excellent sound quality of this recording makes this album even more desirable than it appears to be at the first glance and of course it is wholeheartedly recommended to all British Jazz connoisseurs, who are still alive and kicking in spite of the statistical truth pointing elsewhere.
| | Updated: 29/05/2018Posted: 22/05/2018 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GIBBS / GARY BURTON ~ FESTIVAL 69
TURTLE 503 (Barcode: 5013929580305) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2018
This is an archival release documenting a live concert by pioneering American vibraphonist / composer Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist supported by a Big Band led by British trombonist / composer / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist. The concert, which is presented on the first two CDs of this three CDs set, was recorded in November 1969 in Belfast. The third CD presents an earlier (February 1969) recording by the Big Band at the Lancaster University. Both recording were made prior to the release of the Michael Gibbs eponymous debut album in 1970.
The first CD presents five tracks performed by the Gary Burton Quartet, which included guitarist Dave PritchardFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill GoodwinFind albums by this artist, and one track with the quartet supported by the Big Band, which included trombonists Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and Gibbs of course, trumpeters Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Trevor BarberFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist and Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist and guitarist Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist. The second CD presents four tracks with the quartet supported by the Big Band and one final track just by the quartet.
The third CD presents the Big Band with a dreamy lineup of saxophonists John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist and Alan Skidmore, trumpeters Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Rodney TealFind albums by this artist, trombonists Chris Pyne and Gibbs of course, tuba player Dick HartFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, pianist Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist, bassist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist – a true Who´s Who of the British Jazz scene at the time. The Big Band performs eight original compositions by Gibbs (two combined into one track).
The Gibbs / Burton association goes back to their common Berklee School of Music days. Burton included many compositions by Gibbs on his albums in the 1960s, but for a variety of reasons they did not manage to record together until the "In The Public InterestFind albums with this title" album released in 1974. In fact almost all of the compositions by Gibbs appearing in this set were already previously recorded by Burton. Therefore this historic recording is another wonderful example of their lasting cooperation, and since it remained unreleased for five decades, it is even more significant.
Of course Burton always was a "strange bird" on the American Jazz scene and his aesthetic affiliations were much closer to the European Jazz, which was rapidly developing by the mid-1960s. The pioneering Jazz-Rock Fusion recordings by his quartet, especially those with guitarist Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, paved the way for the Fusion explosion by the end of the 1960. It is therefore not surprising, that Burton was able to appreciate the quality of Gibbs´ compositions in spite of their complex harmonic and rhythmic structures.
The Lancaster University recording is by no mean less interesting and presents the very early stage of Gibbs´ illustrious career as a band leader, parallel to his composing duties. The glorious days of British Jazz when the concept of a functional Big Band was still feasible were sadly rather short lived and therefore any document of the era is simply invaluable. The presence of Jack Bruce on bass, shedding his superstar post-CreamFind albums by this artist image just for the love of Jazz, that he always considered as very close to his heart, was far from sensationalism. In the short period of time, when Bruce was closely involved with the core British Jazz scene, including the recording of his superb "Things We LikeFind albums with this title" album, are truly worth remembering.
Overall this set is a splendid piece of the British Jazz at its creative peak, and as such is an essential part of every serious British Jazz collection. The sound, which is far from ideal, has been restored to the best ability of today´s sound technology and the set includes well researched and comprehensive booklet describing the background and circumstances of these recordings, which is very informative.
This set is the fifth release by the resurrected TurtleFind albums on this label Records, a Cherry RedFind albums on this label label dedicated to reissues and archive releases of historic British Jazz recordings, which unearth lost and forgotten musical treasures British Jazz connoisseurs simply can´t live without!
| | Updated: 28/06/2021Posted: 30/09/2018 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GIBBS / NDR BIG BAND / NORMA WINSTONE ~ HERE`S A SONG FOR YOU
FUZZY MOON 005 (Barcode: 5065001308031) ~ UK ~ Jazz
This is an absolutely stunning album by British Jazz composer / arranger / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, recorded with the German NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist and featuring the vocals of the British Jazz Diva Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve songs; some of which originate from Pop / Rock repertoire and other are Jazz standards. Only one song is an original by Gibbs, which goes back in time to his eponymous debut album.
Both Gibbs and Winstone have been cooperating with the NDR Big Band, which is hardly surprising as the NDR Big Band is the best of its kind in Europe (if not in the world) since many years and one of the last remaining active large ensembles of this kind, which manages not only to survive but also to produce numerous recordings of the highest quality. Winstone recorded the wonderful "It`s Later Than You ThinkFind albums with this title" (2004) album with them and Gibbs the albums "NonsequenceFind albums with this title" (2001), "Back In The DaysFind albums with this title" (1995-2003), "Plays The Bill Frisell Set ListFind albums with this title" (2013) and "In My ViewFind albums with this title" (2013-2015).
This album presents three separate layers, which amalgamate to produce a masterpiece of modern Jazz. First there is he stunning interpretation of the songs by Winstone, who is able to take them apart and transform them into unique vocal pieces that only she could sing the way she does. Then there are the brilliant arrangements by Gibbs, which often take the original songs very far away from the source, changing almost everything there is to change (harmony and rhythm most obviously) but still make them recognizable. Last, but by far not least, is the exquisite playing by the Big Band as a whole and the outstanding soloists, who stuff the entire musical cake with many sweet raisins. Of course each of these layers compliments the other two, creating something that is way more powerful than just a sum of the ingredients.
Overall this album is in many respects the most accessible musical gift to a wide range of Jazz connoisseurs that Gibbs and Winstone ever created, either separately or jointly. It is a pity that the CD was only released in a limited edition version.
Michael Gibbs graciously sent me a copy of this beauty from his vaults, after I´ve been hunting for it for years. So here we are with me smiling as the music is playing and my record collection being one step nearer the infinitely distant completeness. God bless, Mike!
| | Updated: 22/06/2018Posted: 22/06/2018 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GIBBS + TWELVE ~ PLAY GIL EVANS
WHIRLWIND 4639 (Barcode: 639713711943) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is a criminally little known album by British Jazz composer / arranger / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a twelve-piece orchestra comprising of mostly young British Jazz musicians. As the title suggests, the album is a tribute to the American composer / arranger / bandleader Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, who influenced Gibb’s musical path and who was undoubtedly one of the most far-thinking, revolutionary and unique personalities in the orchestral Jazz idiom. The album presents ten tracks, two of which are original compositions by Gibbs, one composition by Evans, three standards and the rest are compositions by American Jazz composers, spanning diverse Jazz sub-genres.
The music is a wonderful adaptation of the Evans arrangements, expanded with additional contributions by Gibbs, creating a contemporary orchestral Jazz of the highest quality. The album focus, in addition to the arrangements, is also on the soloing by the individual musicians, and offers some spectacular soli, especially those by German (resident in UK) pianist Hans KollerFind albums by this artist (not to be confused with the legendary Austrian saxophonist), saxophonist Julian SiegelFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Robbie RobsonFind albums by this artist, American (also resident in UK) bassist Michael JanischFind albums by this artist (founder and owner of the WhirlwindFind albums on this label Records label, which released this album) and others.
The two Gibbs originals are masterpieces of modern orchestral Jazz and brilliant examples of his compositional skills, which of course are already universally acknowledged. The diversity of the rest of the material makes the album a vigorous listening experience, full of excellent musicianship and heartfelt delivery.
Overall this is a vital addition to the Michael Gibbs recorded legacy, which no fan of his would like to miss in his collection. All Jazz lovers, including of curse the avid British Jazz crowd, should definitely own a copy of this album.
| | Updated: 22/07/2021Posted: 22/07/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHEL GIBBS ORCHESTRA ~ BY THE WAY
AH UM 016 (Barcode: 5017771102029) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1993 Released: 1993
This is an album by British Jazz trombonist / composer / arranger / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and his Anglo-American Orchestra commemorating the orchestra´s 25th Anniversary. The members of the orchestra include many of the top British Jazz players, like trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Evan ParkerFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist and the young (at the time) saxophonist Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist and guitarists Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist and John ParricelliFind albums by this artist. The Americans include saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and drummer Bob MosesFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions, all by Gibbs, which span the entire 25 years period, some of which already appeared on earlier recordings and other that are performed here for the first time.
Gibbs´ followers will find this album consistent with his earlier recordings and with his unique orchestral approach and sound colors. Gibbs treats the orchestra like a palette and paints bright sound vistas with zest and vivid imagination. As usual the pieces allow for extensive soloing, which on this album reaches many remarkable peaks. Gibbs´ affinity to Rock is also evident, as is his tendency to feature the guitar as one of the main ingredients of the orchestra with plenty of soloing, which on this album is performed by Walker, who has a profound Bluesy feel and sensitivity.
Overall this is another superb album by a great Master of the orchestral Jazz idiom, who had very few parallels over the years and still dominates the scene today. This music lost nothing of its power or beauty over time and is a great document of the period, similar to the recently released album with the Gibbs Orchestra featuring John ScofieldFind albums by this artist from 1991 ("Symphony Hall, Birmingham 1991Find albums with this title").
This is one of the most obscure albums by Michael Gibbs, probably due to the fact that it was released by the short lived small independent British Ah UmFind albums on this label label, founded by musician / producer Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist, and has been available for many years. Wholeheartedly recommended and if you can dig it out somehow, don´t even think twice – grab it as it is worth its weight in gold!
Side Note
British composer / arranger Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist founded the short-lived Ah UmFind albums on this label label in 1989, which existed until 1993 and released a total of sixteen albums with some of the top British Jazz musicians of that period and a few American guests, which remain as of the finest recordings of that period. For some inexplicable reason all these albums are almost completely obsolete today, despite their excellent musical value, which is a shame, as they all deserve an honorable place in any decent British Jazz collection.
| | Updated: 11/02/2025Posted: 29/05/2018 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GUILDHALL BIG BAND / JOHN TAYLOR ~ PURE AND SIMPLE
CAM JAZZ 3303 (Barcode: 8024709330321) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2007
This is a criminally little known brilliant album by the Guildhall Big BandFind albums by this artist – the home band of the renown Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London – conducted by Scott StromanFind albums by this artist, which plays Big Band arrangements of six compositions by British Jazz pianist / composer John TaylorFind albums by this artist, who was one of the teachers at the school and who played piano on these recordings.
People familiar with the music of Taylor will find these Big Band arrangements as striking as everything else he ever touched, completely different from the traditional Jazz Big Band approach, and to some extent continuing the modern British Big Band / Jazz Orchestra legacy, which was developed from the late 1960s onward by orchestra leaders like Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist and others. As a result these compositions sound quite refreshed and morphed cleverly into the new environment.
The Big Band performs splendidly, despite the complexity of the arrangements, which is hardly surprising considering the extraordinary level of talent by the young generation of British / European young musicians. One would never suspect that this is a band comprised of students, since it sounds as professional and disciplined as a fully fledged veteran working band.
Taylor plays wonderful soli on five of the pieces, which are usual displays of his High Artistry and offer the proverbial cherry on top of this superb album, which is an absolute must to all Taylor followers and British Jazz connoisseurs.
| | Updated: 26/09/2020Posted: 26/09/2020 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PABLO HELD ~ BUOYANCY
HOPALIT 004 (Barcode: 4064832992199) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022
This is the 16th album by German pianist / composer Pablo HeldFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet, which includes British trumpeter Percy PursgloveFind albums by this artist and organist Kit DownesFind albums by this artist, and German drummer Leif BegerFind albums by this artist. Legendary British vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist guests on one track, to which she also wrote the lyrics. The album presents eight tracks, five of which are original compositions by Held, one is by Berger and two are from other sources. The liner notes were written by the great British composer Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, which makes this album even more connected to British Jazz that it is already.
Held is a popular artist on the German / European scene and a prolific recording artists with eighteen albums as a leader to his credit at the time of writing, most recorded with his trio. His music is very melodic, but by far not simplistic, and he is an accomplished pianist and composer. This album presents an unusual lineup of piano and organ, trumpet and drums, which enables him to present deeply melodic vistas, which allow extensive improvisations by all the members of the quartet. The resulting sound is intriguing and highly unusual, as usual when Downes is aboard, and should be very interesting to many listeners not familiar with his playing.
Overall, this is a very introvert, slow and somewhat demanding album, which offers many surprising moments and a highly unusual atmosphere, which all add to create a fascinating sonic voyage. The only pity is that Winstone is not present on more tracks, as her presence is always invaluable. This album is a great introduction to Held’s music, which hopefully more listeners will discover.
| | Updated: 09/08/2024Posted: 09/08/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | NIKOLA KOLODZIEJCZYK ORCHESTRA ~ CHORD NATION
FOR TUNE 0042 (Barcode: 5902768701487) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Nikola KolodziejczykFind albums by this artist, recorded by a twenty five piece orchestra, with members who originate from three different countries, which presents a five-part suite, which in turn is a hybrid of contemporary Classical music, classic mainstream Big Band and Free Jazz / Improvised music. There is no doubt that this is a very ambitious project, brought into reality against all odds and one that refuses to compromise and takes no prisoners.
Although highly motivated and certainly ingenious, this project is not quite as revolutionary or innovative as one might imagine. In fact it continues the European orchestral Jazz tradition, which followed a different path from the American orchestral Jazz tradition, which flourished in the US in the early 20th Century and was than imported into Europe and mimicked for a few decades until the emancipation of the European Jazz in the 1960s. Since than a long line of superb European Jazz orchestras carried the torch towards new horizons, starting with the British orchestras led by Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and many others and than gradually spread across Europe and even behind the Iron Curtain, with such notable bandleaders as Gunter HampelFind albums by this artist, Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, Martial SolalFind albums by this artist, Gustav BromFind albums by this artist and such distinguished ensembles as the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, the Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist and so many others. Many of these European Jazz orchestras often use similar characteristic devices to those used in the process of making the music heard on this album: switching between melodic mainstream Big Band parts and freely improvised passages, using string arrangements and wordless human vocalese, in short the typical palette of contemporary European Jazz orchestral music.
Considering Kolodziejczyk´s age, limited experience, restricted resources and all the obstacles that he had to confront in order to record this album, one must admit that this is a remarkable achievement, not only from the aesthetic perspective but also from the pure organizational one. But of course most listeners are not really interested in the behind the scenes of music making and judge it by what they hear. As far as the music is concerned, Kolodziejczyk presents a collection of sonic plateaus, which intertwine and develop slowly, and are best listened to in the sequence dictated by the album´s tracks and as a whole. The separate parts of the suite do not really stand on their own, as the melodic content of the entire proceedings is relatively limited. To use a metaphor from a different media, the suite makes sense the same way a complete canvas of a painting makes sense, and wouldn´t do so if looked at when sliced into several pieces.
At times one might get the impression that this music is more about "how" than about "what". Kolodziejczyk is obviously enamored with the bag of tricks that are at his disposal as a composer / orchestrator, and with the sound of the orchestra, much more than with the actual compositions, and as a result we get a complex baroque musical structure, supported by quite simple foundations. Sometimes the instinctive urge to show as much of one´s talents as possible, here and now, can prove hazardous. This often happens to young and talented artists and is quite meaningless in a long range, provided that Kolodziejczyk is treating this project as just one of many lessons he has to go through during his long and hopefully very successful career.
All in all this is a very impressive, ambitious and unusual debut album by an obviously talented musician / composer, who presents enormous potential, which hopefully will be fully realized in his future projects. Since orchestral Jazz albums are extremely rare, this is even more of a valuable contribution to the Polish Jazz scene. Thanks to For Tune for finally releasing this album, over three years after it was recorded, it´s certainly better off now in the open for all music lovers to enjoy. I am anxiously waiting for the next project.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOACHIM KUHN ~ BIRTHDAY EDITION
ACT 6017 (Barcode: 614427601728) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1987 - 1995 Released: 2014
This album celebrates the 70th Birthday of the German Jazz pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist. The first album of this 2CD set presents recordings by the Kuhn trio with French bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-ClarkFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the Jazzfest Berlin in 1987 and 1995. The second album is a re-edition of the brilliant Jazz symphony "EuropeanaFind albums with this title", composed by the renowned British composer Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and performed by a dream team of European Jazz musicians, including Kuhn´s trio with Jenny-Clark and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist and many soloists like German trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, French accordionist Richard GallianoFind albums by this artist and others, with the NDR Philharmonic Orchestra. This album was originally recorded in 1994 and released in 1995.
Kuhn, who left East Germany in 1966 to join his older brother Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, who was already living in West Germany, became in time one of the most prolific and influential German and European Jazz musicians. Kuhn, who started as an avant-gardist and Free Jazz enthusiast went through a Jazz-Rock Fusion phase during the 1970s, being one of the pioneers of that genre at the time, returned to advanced Jazz explorations later on, and is to this day considered as one of the top European Jazz artists.
The piano trio album is a superb example of the modern approach to this seemingly simple setting, which treats the instruments on an absolutely equal level, giving them the same opportunity to express their ideas. Of course every trio is only as good as the cooperation between its members, and this particular trio has very few competitors in that department. Of the six pieces the trio plays, four are originals by Kuhn, one is a Humair / Kuhn collaboration and one was composed by the great French Jazz clarinetist Michel PortalFind albums by this artist. It is fascinating to see how the music, which was recorded eight years apart, appears to be as if recorded during the same concert. Such level of perfect integration and telepathic interplay is only achieved by the very best musicians out there and it´s great that ACTFind albums on this label released these live recordings as they are simply too good to be forgotten.
The Jazz symphony is of course as different form the trio recordings as the Jazz idiom permits; from an intimate trio into a symphonic grandeur. It is no secret that I have been a loyal follower of the works by Michael Gibbs ever since he appeared on the British scene, and in retrospect his orchestral works have been some of my fondest experiences not only as Jazz pieces, but as examples of grand music in general. The concept of this extraordinary work is to take a musical tour of Western Europe, from the northern Scandinavian countries, via central Europe and then south west to Spain. The symphony is divided into thirteen separate fragments, each one featuring different soloists, which are loosely connected to specific European countries but overall present the diversity of the Continent´s Cultural heritage and aesthetic values as expressed by music.
Although these two albums have seemingly almost nothing in common on the surface, they do represent simply a different facets of the same Cultural attitude, based on tradition and grooming as many new ideas as possible, ignoring incompatibilities and obstacles. Gibbs proves again that his exquisite melodies are perfect vehicles for Jazz improvisations, and the superb team gathered to perform this music stands up to the challenge with flying colors.
Overall this is a great tribute to the life and music of Joachim Kuhn, but includes also many other aspects of the music we love so much. Even if one already has a copy of "Europeana", it´s still worth to get a copy of this set just for the trio album, which will probably lead to another listening of the Gibbs work as well. Great stuff!
| | Updated: 13/08/2016Posted: 05/04/2016 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | HENRY LOWTHER ~ CHILD SONG
VOCALION 8403 (Barcode: 765387840327) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005
Trumpeter / violinist / composer Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist was one of the busiest and most sought after musicians on the British scene in the late 1960s and 1970s. His virtuosity and versatility resulted in him being a member in many groups (often simultaneously) and in different musical environments like Rock (Manfred MannFind albums by this artist), Jazz-Rock (Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist), Blues (John MayallFind albums by this artist) and Jazz (Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist) as well as participating in hundreds of recordings as a session musician. This album is his debut recording as a leader of his own quintet, which includes some of the best young and up-coming British Jazz musicians at the time: Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist – sax, Mike McNaughtFind albums by this artist – electric piano, Daryl RunswickFind albums by this artist – bass and Mike TravisFind albums by this artist – drums. Two additional musicians: Jimmy JewellFind albums by this artist – sax and Neil SlavenFind albums by this artist – percussion also take part in the recording. The music, all composed by Lowther, is a splendid example of the European modern Jazz, which is both melodic and adventurous at the same time. The performances are all spotless and the music flows beautifully, leaving the listener wishing for more when the album is over. Overall the album stands the test of time with flying colors and I can wholeheartedly recommend it every Jazz buff, but of course especially to people partial to the British Jazz scene. Great stuff!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ CAMDEN `70
DUSK FIRE 105 (Barcode: 5065001032042) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008
The New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist) led by composer / arranger Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist was Britain’s most prestigious and adventurous big band in the 1960s. Under Ardley’s visionary leadership the band developed the foundations for the modern European Jazz big band sound. Although incorporating the classic American big band tradition of Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and the more modern approach of Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, Ardley managed to steer his band into uncharted territory, using his unique approach to instrumentation and bold arrangements.
At the time this album was recorded live at London’s Camden Jazz Festival in May of 1970, Ardley was already moving rapidly towards the exploding Jazz-Rock Fusion genre, creating one of the first, and magnificent at that, examples of Jazz-Rock Fusion big band. Compared to American bands at the time, like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist or ChicagoFind albums by this artist, Ardley’s approach is definitely much more refined and orchestral and uses a wider arsenal of the Jazz vocabulary, being therefore much more sophisticated. Having at his disposal some of the best British Jazz musicians (and then also Jazz-Rock Fusion musicians) he was able to turn the NJO into a “mean” and powerful Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble, which truly fuses Jazz and Rock to the max.
This of course brings us the players and more specifically to the fact that this version of NJO incorporates in its midst the entire lineup of one of the greatest British Jazz-Rock groups, ColosseumFind albums by this artist. Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist (guitar), Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist (keyboards), Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist (drums) all play here, and even a couple of tracks the band recorded on their albums are present, in a big band arrangement of course. With the members of Colosseum as a core of the band and with other notable players like Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Dave GellyFind albums by this artist and Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and even an ultra-rare appearance of Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist on trombone, this is truly a superb group, able to face any challenge Ardley’s arrangements may present them with.
BTW the presence of the Colosseum members is not incidental, as both Reeves and Hiseman were NJO’s founding members and Heckstall-Smith appeared on the NJO’s second album entitled “Le Dejeuner Sur L`HerbeFind albums with this title”. Seven of the tracks present on that album are also included here, which turns this recording into an updated live version of that timeless classic. The original recording tape of this concert had quite a few technical problems, but was painstakingly and beautifully restored to life with an exceptional sound quality considering the circumstances under which it was recorded. One should be truly grateful to the producer of this immensely important historical material for making it available to us, the fans of NJO, Colosseum and British Jazz in general. This is indispensable legacy of the period and a must to any follower of British Jazz music.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ LE DEJEUNER SUR L`HERBE
DUSK FIRE 110 (Barcode: 5065001032981) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2014
This is the second and also the last formal album by the seminal British Jazz Orchestra called New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist or NJOFind albums by this artist for short. Directed by the legendary composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist the NJO was probably the most important singular British Jazz ensemble, which shaped the way British and European Jazz developed in the late 1960s.
Despite the fact that the number of people, who are familiar with this epic recording, will hardly fill up an average British pub, it is still one of the best and more importantly revolutionary Jazz albums of all times, certainly as far as British Jazz is concerned. The fact that the album, which was released on LP in 1969 and almost immediately after disappeared from the shelves, had to wait for 45 years for its debut CD reissue confirms its anonymity and obscurity. And yet for the handful of British Jazz enthusiasts it always was the magnum opus of the British Jazz resurgence, when the music emerged for the first time as a truly new Art form, related to but fully independent from the American Jazz tradition.
Why "new"? The origin of the name is not entirely clear but NJO was new indeed; it included a new generation of British Jazz musicians, which arrived on the scene mostly in the 1960s and had very little in common with the older "swing" generation, which completely dominated the British scene up to that period, and which was entirely immersed in the American tradition, strengthened by the presence of American bands in Britain during the WWII period. Several Jazz Big Bands and orchestras were active on the British scene since the 1920s and well into the 1960s, some quite excellent and even extraordinary, but those limited the artistic scope to imitating the trends originating across the big pond. The list of British composers / bandleaders includes Ted HeathFind albums by this artist, Syd LawrenceFind albums by this artist, John DankworthFind albums by this artist and numerous others.
By the time this album was recorded the NJO was about five years old. In 1965 it recorded its debut album called "Western Reunion London 1965Find albums with this title", which beautifully sums up the first phase of its activity, when the orchestra performed mostly new arrangements of American standards, but the overall sound of the band was already quite unique and stunning. This album was recorded by the second incarnation of the NJO, which included Jack BruceFind albums by this artist on bass (who was already a member of CreamFind albums by this artist at the time), with the regular bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist taking the position of the album´s producer. The rest of the band included: trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Harry LowtherFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, trombonists John MumfordFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist and Tony RussellFind albums by this artist, tuba player George SmithFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, Dave GellyFind albums by this artist, Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist and Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist.
The album presents eight compositions, five of which are originals composed by NJO members or other British Jazz musicians / composers of the new generation; those are Neil Ardley, Howard RileyFind albums by this artist, Mike TaylorFind albums by this artist, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist and Michael Gibbs. Two modern American Jazz standards, one by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and another one by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist are also present, but their arrangements are stunningly removed from the original versions known to most Jazz listeners. The remaining composition is by the French composer of Polish / Jewish origin Alexandre TansmanFind albums by this artist, whose composition receives another highly unusual treatment.
The album emerges triumphantly as a masterpiece of composition, arrangement, performance and intelligent music making, all those on top of its being a first of its kind and a beacon for generations to come. Many other superb Big Band / Orchestral British Jazz recordings will follow (Michael Gibbs, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and others), but as great as they were, none of them achieved the same primordial perfection, which marked the birth of British Jazz as documented herein.
If anybody wanders about the album´s title (and the title of the opening track) and its humorous sleeve design, Google it up, oh ye ignoramuses, or preferably visit the Musée d´Orsay in Paris and look for the original ;)
With the recent parting of Jack Bruce, whom I was honored and lucky to know in person, the reissue of this album is a small solace in his memory and in memory of a generation almost gone…
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA / NEIL ARDLEY GROUP ~ BBC SESSIONS 1968-1970
RHYTHM AND BLUES 101 (Barcode: 5060331753834) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 1968 - 1970 Released: 2024
This is an archival album, which presents recordings by two Orchestral Jazz ensembles, both led by the brilliant pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen tracks, six by the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist), recorded in 1968 and eight by the Neil Ardley GroupFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1970. Five of the NJO tracks appear in a studio version on their 2nd studio album “Le Dejeuner Sur L`herbeFind albums with this title”. The first seven of the Neil Ardley Group tracks, which were composed by pianist / composer Mike TaylorFind albums by this artist and are a song cycle / Jazz & Poetry suite, were sadly never recorded in the studio and released on an album. Taylor tragically died just a few months before this music was recorded.
The lineup of these two ensembles reads like a Who’s Who of the British Jazz at the end of the 1960s, some still very young at the time, but already experienced musicians, who were going to shape the British Jazz scene in the decades to come. The NJO lineup includes Ardley as the leader / conductor, trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Dave GellyFind albums by this artist, Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist, Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist and Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, trombonists Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, Robin GardnerFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, tuba player George SmithFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. The Neil Ardley Group lineup includes Ardley on piano, vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, Carr, Gelly, Thompson, Ricotti, bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and drummer Mike TravisFind albums by this artist. I rest my case…
The music, as expected, is absolutely sensational and reflects the vibrancy and ingenuity of the British Jazz scene at this pivotal period, when the modern British Jazz idiom was molded for decades to come. The specific idiosyncrasies and “Britishness” of the new epoch is simply encapsulated in every note played here. It is also a superb display of the individual talents of these magnificent musicians, those who are still with us and sadly those who departed, like Thompson and Hiseman, who met as members of the NJO and created one of the British Jazz “power couples” or Ardley and Carr, whose giant talents are deeply missed.
Overall, this is an absolute must have album for every British Jazz collector, especially in view of the fact that some of the music captured herein is not available anywhere else. For the cognoscenti, the album offers endless hints and interconnections, like a sensational version of the song “Jumping Off The Sun”, which became an anthem for the legendary ColosseumFind albums by this artist, which was founded by Hiseman and Heckstall-Smith, and included Reeves and Thompson, and so on…
| | Updated: 22/09/2024Posted: 21/09/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | TONY OXLEY ~ FEBRUARY PAPERS
DISCUS 099 (Barcode: 5051078983028) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2020
This is a reissue, first time on CD, of an iconic album by British Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions by Oxley, recorded by three lineups: a quartet with violinists Philipp WachsmannFind albums by this artist and David BourneFind albums by this artist and bassist Barry GuyFind albums by this artist (two tracks), a trio with Wachsmann and guitarist Ian BrightonFind albums by this artist (two tracks) and finally solo percussion and electronics (three tracks).
Oxley held a pivotal position in British Jazz since the mid 1960s, when he became the house drummer at Ronnie Scott´s club in London, which gave him an opportunity to play with the visiting prominent American Jazz stars and top British Jazz musicians. He was highly respected and always considered as truly extraordinary player, with his own perception of the role of drums within the Jazz idiom, but more importantly the concept of Jazz itself and its transformation into Improvised Music, which was developing at the time. Hearing Oxley performing live was for me always an extraordinary experience, regardless of the circumstances. Even within a most "straightforward" mainstream environment, his drumming was always on a different conceptual plane, although he managed to "keep time" perfectly and without a hitch.
Since the late 1960s Oxley started to be featured on a long series of revolutionary British Jazz albums recorded at the time, many of which remain as absolutely essential examples of modern British Jazz and serve as unsurpassed achievements of that boisterous creative period, like those recorded with Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, Howard RileyFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and others.
His recording career as a leader started in 1969 with the release of two albums for CBSFind albums on this label: "The Baptised TravellerFind albums with this title" (1969) and "4 Compositions For SextetFind albums with this title" (1970), which in retrospect are considered as absolute gems of British Jazz discography. Those were followed by the album "IchnosFind albums with this title" (1971) released on RCAFind albums on this label. Following the disappointment with the major labels, which showed no interest in promoting these albums, Oxley joined guitarist Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Evan ParkerFind albums by this artist as co-founder of the IncusFind albums on this label label, which was one of the first independent artist owned labels in Britain. He recorded two albums for the label: the eponymous "Tony OxleyFind albums with this title" (1975) and finally this, his fifth album as a leader "February PapersFind albums with this title" (1977).
The music on this album has nothing to do with Jazz in the conventional meaning of the idiom, but it is a perfectly logical continuation of the musical development that is documented on the four a.m. albums. Oxley breaks the conventional barriers and pushes the envelope towards Avant-Garde, which calls for new forms of expression not related to melody, harmony or even the usual sound expected from the instruments. Such extensive use of electronics was almost completely unheard of at the time of course and although early Improvised Music was already present on the scene, it was rarely as uncompromising and far-fetched as what Oxley decided to capture herein. Although bold spirited, the music offers a delicate, almost intimate sound and allows the listener to absorb every nuance of these performances.
The solo percussion / electronics pieces are of course the most surprising ones here. Improvised music is usually about group improvisation, but Oxley is one of the first improvisers to undertake the daring effort to freely improvise on his own, proving that such form of expression is both possible and valid.
Listening to this album today, with over four decades of perspective, enables me to extend my appreciation of this momentous historic effort from a new angle. Improvised Music is of course alive and kicking today and I am constantly exposed to a huge number of such recordings. I have to say that most of those contemporary efforts sound pretty pale in comparison to what Oxley managed to capture for posterity then. Despite the limited possibilities, surely compared to what is available today as far as electronic devices are concerned, his imagination and creativity remains unchallenged.
Kudos to Martin ArcherFind albums by this artist, the man behind DiscusFind albums on this label Records, for bringing this piece of musical history back to circulation – much appreciated! For Avant-Garde / Improvised Music enthusiasts, this is a Holy Grail!
| | Updated: 02/01/2021Posted: 03/10/2020 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NICK PURNELL ~ ONETWOTHREE
AH UM 006 ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 1990 Released: 1991
This is the only album by British Jazz composer / arranger Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist, recorded with a dreamy large Orchestra, which included such luminaries as trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, trombonist Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Django BatesFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and American drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist among others. The album presents ten tracks, all original compositions by Purnell and arranged by him.
The music is absolutely dreamy large ensemble Jazz, based on superbly composed themes and perfectly arranged to utilize the superb lineup, that performs the music. Wheler, Taylor and Arguelles performs dazzling soli through the whole album, and many other musicians also get an opportunity to show their chops.
Although there are many musicians taking part in this recording, the music is rather subtle and delicate, which is rather typical of the British Jazz approach to orchestral music, which emphasizes the ensemble spirit and strong harmony, without utilizing the full power and might available, in favor of style and elegance, somewhat similar to the orchestral work by Michael Gibbs and his ensembles.
Overall, this is a lovely piece of orchestral British Jazz, sadly completely forgotten but absolutely worthy of being remembered. The album is probably not that easy to find, but if it crosses your field of vision, do not hesitate for even one moment, before you grab it!
Side Note
British composer / arranger Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist founded the short-lived Ah UmFind albums on this label label in 1989, which existed until 1993 and released a total of sixteen albums with some of the top British Jazz musicians of that period and a few American guests, which remain as of the finest recordings of that period. For some inexplicable reason all these albums are almost completely obsolete today, despite their excellent musical value, which is a shame, as they all deserve an honorable place in any decent British Jazz collection.
| | Updated: 11/02/2025Posted: 11/02/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | WLADYSLAW SENDECKI / ATOM STRING QUARTET ~ LE JARDIN OUBLIE / MY POLISH HEART
NEU KLANG 4198 (Barcode: 4012116419832) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is an album by the Polish (resident in Germany) pianist / composer Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist, who is accompanied by the highly esteemed Polish Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist (violinists Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist and Dawid LubowiczFind albums by this artist, violist Michal ZaborskiFind albums by this artist and cellist Krzysztof LenczowskiFind albums by this artist). The album presents ten compositions, five of which are original composition by Sendecki, two were composed by his brother Stefan SendeckiFind albums by this artist, one was composed by Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, another one by Polish Classical composer Karol SzymanowskiFind albums by this artist and finally one was composed by the German composer Wolf KerschekFind albums by this artist. Three of the compositions were arranged by the great British composer / arranger Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist.
The music focuses on relatively little known facet of Sendecki´s activity and is mostly dedicated to contemporary Classical music, with relatively limited Jazz references. The piano / string quartet setting suits this musical direction ideally of course and the chamber atmosphere prevails throughout. The piano concerto "My Polish Heart" was composed especially by Kerschek for Sendecki and was performed by him with the NDR Big Band, of which he is the resident pianist. The intimate version of this wonderful piece present here includes only part of the entire composition, but reflects the spirit of the work perfectly. All the pieces on the album are full of the characteristic Polish melancholy and lyricism, which can be found in all Polish music regardless of the genre: Classical, Jazz, Rock or Folklore.
The most Jazz oriented piece on the album is of course the "Komeda Hommage", which is a medley of two Komeda´s compositions, brilliantly combining the Jazz and Classical idioms thanks to the unique arrangement by Sendecki and the Atoms and taking a form of a beautiful suite.
This album requires very serious listening with attention to details and patience, as it offers a wealth of musical thrills in every aspect. The compositions, arrangements and performances are all loaded with deeply emotional content and are full of virtuosic performances, which are very difficult to be absorbed all at once. Each listening experience promises new discoveries of course.
Overall this is a wonderful album full of great music, which offers a Jazz-Classical Fusion of the highest caliber. Lovers of Polish music, regardless of style and fashion, should be delighted by what this album has to offer.
| | Updated: 11/11/2018Posted: 11/11/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN SURMAN ~ JOHN SURMAN
VOCALION 8402 (Barcode: 765387840228) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2005
Saxophonist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist is a true icon of the British / European Jazz scene for over four decades. The immense body of work Surman produced over the years, starting with his numerous UK recordings in the late 1960s and 1970s and then through his association with the German ECMFind albums on this label label, reflect the absolute pinnacle of European Jazz. John’s incredible improvisational ability and masterly technique on several reed instruments made him a most welcome contributor to scores of pivotal albums recorded in the formative years of British modern Jazz, with such illustrious names as Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist (ExtrapolationFind albums with this title) and many others. His work is always characterized by pioneering achievements, embracing new technology and new musical forms and constantly changing, like a true musical chameleon. This album is his debut as a leader and might come as quite a surprise to listeners, who are familiar with his more contemporary works. The album presents two quite distinctive sides of his musical personality at the time, appropriately divided between what used to be Side A and Side B of the original LP. Surman plays the baritone saxophone exclusively on this album, demonstrating his command of the instrument. On Side A he leads a sextet with Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist (his close associate at the time) – alto sax and Harry MillerFind albums by this artist – bass, exploring some Caribbean / calypso rhythms and playing music not composed by himself (Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist is the composer of one of the four tracks). On Side B the ensemble is expanded to an eleven-piece band, including Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist – trumpets, Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist and Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist – trombones, Dave HollandFind albums by this artist – bass, Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist – drums and others. The music is a wonderful three-piece suite composed by Surman, a prime example of the British modern Jazz, with superb solos and free-form passages, culminating in a powerful big band orgy of sound. Definitely something any Surman fan will be happy to add to his collection and a beautiful piece of the puzzle representing Surman’s musical legacy.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ WISDOM IN THE WINGS (FREE AN` ONE / THE SEVEN AGES OF MAN)
RESTEAMED 114 (Barcode: 5060138617148) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2020
This is a reissue of two seminal albums by the iconic British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist: “Free An` OneFind albums with this title” and “The Seven Ages Of ManFind albums with this title”, coupled together as a 2CD set. The first album is a quartet recording with Tracey, saxophonist Peter KingFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Bryan SpringFind albums by this artist and presents five original compositions by the leader. The second album was recorded by a sixteen-piece Big Band, which included some of the top British Jazz musicians at the time, such as trumpeter Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, trombonists Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Peter King, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, the rhythm section from the quartet and others and presents eight original compositions by the leader, also arranged by him. Both albums were recorded in late 1969 (September 10 and October 8 respectively) and released the following year on the EMI / ColumbiaFind albums on this label label.
The quartet album is a brilliant example of Tracey’s openness towards the “new winds” that were stirring up the British Jazz scene, with strong Avant-Gardist / Free Jazz influences ventilating the scene. In complete contrast to many of his veteran contemporaries, Tracey had no problem whatsoever with these trends and flirted with them openly, as long as he was either enjoying or in control, as many of his recordings, like those with Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist or Keith TippettFind albums by this artist, clearly show. This quartet was not playing Free as such, but fiery improvisations and less strict rhythmic patterns are clearly audible, and the general carefree atmosphere testifies.
The Big Band album is a complete different pair of galoshes, with Tracey showing off his genius as composer / arranger / Big Band leader, which always way one of his undeniable fortes (not that he had any weaknesses as a musician that I am aware of). The compositions are simply brilliant, the arrangements unique and the Big Band, exploding with talent, is riding the wind, soaring like there is no tomorrow. Considering the fact that this album was recorded in one day, it is truly amazing that the Big Band performs all these complex arrangements with awe-inspiring ease and elegance.
Overall, these are two absolute British Jazz treasures, and their absence from the record market was a travesty. We should be grateful to Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist (Stan’s son) for bringing them back to life on the family’s ReSteamedFind albums on this label label, hopefully seeing more of these gems getting the same treatment soon. Absolutely essential!
| | Updated: 18/08/2021Posted: 14/08/2021 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ LIVE IN BERLIN
MOOD 33.620 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1981 Released: 1988
This is a reissue / remaster of the 4th album (2nd live recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The second lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also two British trumpeters Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note). The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: two each by Dauner, Mariano, Kriegel and Carr and one by Mangelsdorff.
The music is absolutely stunning and completely unusual for the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre. Due to the strong horn section it is conceptually closer to Brass Rock, but on the other hand it has a much more potent Jazz presence. All the members of the ensemble are superb instrumentalists with many years of experience and the level of the performances is phenomenal. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is even more potent than on the two earlier albums and the brass arrangements are more complex. The overall sound of this album is similar to the sound of the British Jazz ensembles, like NucleusFind albums by this artist or Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist ensembles. This live recording proves how the strong the ensemble was live and how masterfully they handled the complex arrangements and multi-part compositions.
Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find them both familiar and innovative, as the mutual influence of the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous future recordings.
Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection.
Side Note
MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums.
The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.
| | Updated: 29/12/2024Posted: 22/12/2024 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ THE BREAK EVEN POINT
MOOD 33.619 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 Released: 1988
This is a reissue / remaster of the 3rd album (2nd studio recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The second lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also two British trumpeters Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note). The album presents eight tracks, all of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: one each by Mangelsdorff, Carr, Kriegel, Thompson, Weber, Dauner, Mariano and Wheeler.
The music is absolutely stunning and completely unusual for the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre. Due to the strong horn section it is conceptually closer to Brass Rock, but on the other hand it has a much more potent Jazz presence. All the members of the ensemble are superb instrumentalists with many years of experience and the level of the performances is phenomenal. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is even more potent than on the two earlier albums and the brass arrangements are more complex. The overall sound of this album is similar to the sound of the British Jazz ensembles, like NucleusFind albums by this artist or Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist ensembles.
Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find them both familiar and innovative, as the mutual influence of the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous future recordings.
Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection.
Side Note
MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums.
The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.
| | Updated: 22/12/2024Posted: 17/12/2024 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ UNITED LIVE OPUS SECHS
MOOD 33.621 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1984 Released: 1988
This is a reissue / remaster of the 6th album (3rd live recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The third lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also British trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, German trumpeter Johannes FaberFind albums by this artist (who replaced Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist), American (resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note). The album presents six tracks, all of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: one each by Dauner, Kriegel (co-composed with his keyboardist Thomas BettermannFind albums by this artist), Carr, Mangelsdorff, Thompson and Weber. If anybody wanders what happened to the 5th album by the ensemble, it was a collection of tracks from the first four albums, appropriately called “Zwischenbilantz”, and is not included in this series of reviews.
The music is absolutely stunning and completely unusual for the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre. Due to the strong horn section it is conceptually closer to Brass Rock, but on the other hand it has a much more potent Jazz presence. All the members of the ensemble are superb instrumentalists with many years of experience and the level of the performances is phenomenal. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is even more potent than on the two earlier albums and the brass arrangements are more complex. The overall sound of this album is similar to the sound of the British Jazz ensembles, like NucleusFind albums by this artist or Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist ensembles. This live recording proves how the strong the ensemble was live and how masterfully they handled the complex arrangements and multi-part compositions.
Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find them both familiar and innovative, as the mutual influence of the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous future recordings.
Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection.
Side Note
MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums.
The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.
| | Updated: 29/12/2024Posted: 29/12/2024 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ 101 YEARS GLENN MILLER
ATS 0593 (Barcode: 9005216005932) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
This is an album by the veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist. The orchestra´s lineup features four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and a rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums). Vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist, who often takes part in the orchestra´s project, sings on four tracks. The resident guest on this album is the wonderful British arranger / conductor Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, whose work within the Big Band idiom is second to none. The album was recorded live and presents fourteen brilliant arrangements of classic Jazz standards associated with the repertoire of the legendary American Jazz trombonist / composer / arranger / bandleader Glenn MillerFind albums by this artist. As the album´s title suggests, it is a tribute to Miller´s legacy and celebrates his 101 Birthday.
As usual, the orchestra´s performances are absolutely spotless and spiced with the superb arrangements the familiar standards get a sparkling facelift, bringing the music up to date. The individual orchestra members contribute a series of brilliant soli and Gaggl offers her usual heartfelt and passionate vocals.
The superb arrangements by Gibbs stand up to the challenge of presenting a new facet of Miller´s sound, which is one of the most commonly familiar illustrations of Jazz music, recognized by listeners who often do not listen to Jazz on a regular basis. As a result this new approach emphasizes the differences between the American Swing of the 1940s and the modern European Big Band sound of today. For more experienced Jazz enthusiasts and scholars of the genre this is a classic school example of the influence of arrangements on the final result in music, and Gibbs if surely one of the best out there to show everybody how it´s done.
This album is also a great example of a loving and well planned and executed tribute, which offers a new perspective on all familiar music, managing to eschew clichés and trivializing the core substance of the music, which sadly happens often, especially in connection to Glenn Miller´s legacy. Despite its laid-back exterior, Miller´s approach to Jazz was full of delicate sensitivities and sophistication, all of which are perfectly preserved here.
Overall this is a brilliant Big Band album, which offers classy music which is accessible to a wide range of listeners, way beyond the strict Jazz snobs. A pure pleasure from start to finish, this music moves your tapping heels weather you like it or not. Absolutely delightful!
| | Updated: 02/08/2019Posted: 02/08/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ CRAZY DAYS: PLAYS THE MUSIC OF ED PUDDICK
ATS 0972 (Barcode: 9005216009725) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is an album by the Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist / composer Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist and including many excellent Austrian Jazz musicians like trombonist Robert BachnerFind albums by this artist, pianist Helmar HillFind albums by this artist and others. The UAJO albums present usually either a concept or special guest, and in this case both, as the music is dedicated to the Jazz compositions / arrangements by British Jazz composer / arranger / bandleader Ed PuddickFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions by Puddick, the last five of which are parts of a five-part suite, ominously titled “The Brexit Suite”.
The music is a wonderful example of contemporary European Big Band Jazz, full of brilliant compositions dazzlingly executed by the UAJO conducted by Puddick, who managed to travel to Austria from the UK amidst the crazy time dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Brexit crisis. Puddick, who studied with such great Big Band Masters as British Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and Austrian Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, continues the European tradition, which calls for complex multilayered and cross-genre compositions and ensemble performances, and the UAJO is just the perfect partner in crime to deliver Puddick’s compositions in their full glory.
Overall, this is a great piece of music, which combines the best possible characteristics of modern European Jazz compositions with the Big Band sound, creating an irresistible amalgam of European Big Band Jazz. The UAJO is definitely one of my favorite European Jazz Big Bands and their versatility and marvelous playing and dedication to the music are apparent here, as on all their recordings, all of which are worth exploring. This s definitely one of their most impressive achievements, which deserves to be heard by every true Jazz lover around the globe!
| | Updated: 20/09/2021Posted: 20/09/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ DEFERENCE TO ANTON BRUCKNER
ATS 0771 (Barcode: 9005216007714) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2012
This is an album by veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which presents a tribute to the music by the great Austrian composer Anton BrucknerFind albums by this artist, one of the most complex and often enigmatic Classical composers in history. The album was recorded in a studio in contrast to most other recordings by the orchestra, which are usually live recordings. Led by saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist, the orchestra includes four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and a four piece rhythm section. Vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist appears as a guest. The album presents nine compositions inspired by the works of Bruckner, seven of which are composed by orchestra members and one each by Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist.
Although obviously a Jazz-Classical Fusion project, the music on this album is much more intricate and complex than most other projects of this kind. Usually Jazz-Classical Fusion deals with interpretation of works by Classical composers – see the Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist albums with music by the Strauss Family or Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist (just to stay in Austria both with the Jazz and Classical ingredients of the fusion elements). On this album however, the Bruckner "elements" are more suggested than quoted directly, which of course is much more difficulty to conceive to start with and finally execute. But the UAJO manages to achieve the goal brilliantly and with its usual panache and flair.
Like with the music by Bruckner, which is certainly far from being easily understood, the music on this album might prove to be slightly more difficult than other UAJO recordings as far as the average listener is concerned. It definitely requires a very attentive listening and perhaps even several listening sessions to be appreciated in its full glory. But it is certainly worth the effort and presents European Big Band Jazz at its best and most elaborate reflection. As usual the album offers many superb soli and extraordinary orchestral work of the highest caliber.
Overall this is another recording by the UAJO, which deserves an honorable place on the shelf of every serious record collection. Connoisseurs of Big Band Jazz will be delighted of course as will be serious Jazz-Classical Fusion enthusiasts. Very highly and wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: 04/05/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ SWING & ALL THAT JAZZ
ATS 0765 (Barcode: 9005216007653) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012
This is an album by the veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist. The orchestra´s lineup features four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and a rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums). Vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist, who often takes part in the orchestra´s project, sings on several tracks. The resident guest on this album is the wonderful British arranger / conductor Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, whose work within the Big Band idiom is second to none. This is the second time Gibbs cooperated with the UAJO, following the excellent Glenn MillerFind albums by this artist tribute recorded a few years earlier. The album was recorded live and presents fourteen brilliant arrangements of classic Swing and Bebop standards.
As usual, the orchestra´s performances are absolutely spotless and spiced with the superb arrangements the familiar standards get a sparkling facelift, bringing the music up to date. The individual orchestra members contribute a series of brilliant soli and Gaggl offers her usual heartfelt and passionate vocals.
The album offers two interesting aspects for the more experienced Jazz buff; the comparison between these tunes as performed by American Big Bands and those by their European counterparts on one hand, and the comparison between the original recordings of the Bebop tunes, which are usually performed by small combos and the Big Band versions presenter here. Fascinating stuff!
Of course the music is also a sparkling document of the sublime talents of Gibbs, who can turn any ordinary tune into an extraordinary piece of music just as a result of his arrangement.
Overall this is a brilliant Big Band album, which offers classy music which is accessible to a wide range of listeners, way beyond the strict Jazz snobs. A pure pleasure from start to finish, this music moves your tapping heels weather you like it or not. Absolutely delightful!
| | Updated: 01/08/2019Posted: 01/08/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ AND DID THOSE FEET…
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 52 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1971 - 1980 Released: 2023
This archival 2CD album accompanies the book by Duncan HeiningFind albums by this artist of the same title, published by the inexorable Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label / publishing house, which continues, to the delight of all British Jazz lovers, to bring to light previously unreleased or long forgotten gems from the depths of private archives. The book, subtitled “Six British Jazz Composers”, presents biographies of six pivotal British Jazz figures and the album brings music illustrating their vast achievements. All the music was previously unreleased and all originates from BBC broadcasts.
CD1 presents recordings by Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist from 1972, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist from 1971 and Barry GuyFind albums by this artist from 1971.
CD2 presents recordings by John MayerFind albums by this artist from 1972, Keith TippettFind albums by this artist from 1971 and Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist from 1980.
The collective lineup of the musicians performing herein is a magnificent compendium of the who’s who of the British Jazz scene at its most dramatic development period. All the music, except that by Westbrook, originates from the early 1970s, and Westbrook’s activity at that time was also absolutely essential, which means that the editors of this album did not have access to any of his early 1970s material, which would have fitted perfectly.
The lineups include an intimate trio, two septets and three large ensembles, and stylistically it moves between delicate lyrical compositions, via orchestral works, Jazz-World Fusion experiments and Free Jazz / Avant-Garde explorations, all this happening at the same time slot, which portrays the British Jazz scene perfectly. I vividly remember the abundance of talent and feverish activity at the time, which meant that selecting an event to go to was often an impossible choice.
This album also emphasizes the importance and incredible support by the BBC to the development of music (Jazz but also Rock) at the time. None of this music herein would be available to us today if not for those regular broadcasts and the sublime recording quality of those guys in white coats…
Overall, this is a tremendous piece of British Jazz history, absolutely essential to all the fans, and of course a perfect companion to the book, which is also wholeheartedly recommended! British Jazz forever!
| | Updated: 19/12/2023Posted: 19/12/2023 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ TURTLE RECORDS: PIONEERING BRITISH JAZZ 1970-1971
RPM 528 (Barcode: 5013929552807) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2015
This is a phenomenal Box Set including the reissues of all three albums released by the legendary British TurtleFind albums on this label label, owned by producer Peter EdenFind albums by this artist, who besides owning the label was also responsible for producing a long list of revolutionary British Jazz albums, which are all classics today and which document the extraordinary explosion of creativity and talent that transformed British Jazz into a new idiom, emancipated from the American Jazz tradition, proudly stepping into a new dimension, which spread rapidly to the European Continent giving birth to European Jazz. Eden´s productions included albums by such pioneering Jazz musicians like Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and others, as well as no less pioneering Rock / Prog musicians. Most of his productions were originally released on the DawnFind albums on this label and DeramFind albums on this label labels.
The three albums included in this Box Set are: "OutbackFind albums with this title" by Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, "FlightFind albums with this title" by Howard RileyFind albums by this artist and "Pause, And Think AgainFind albums with this title" by John Taylor.Find albums by this artist To read the reviews of these albums please click on their titles. The set also includes a fabulous book "The Turtle Records Story" by Colin HarperFind albums by this artist, which is an excellently written and researched account of Eden´s activity at the time, and which includes may interviews with musicians involved and photographs taken at the time, in short a superb piece of British Jazz history. This is a splendid example of what writing about music is all about.
I can hardly imagine a more important document of the pivotal period of the British Jazz than this Box Set. The music is still shockingly expressive, losing nothing of its power and farsightedness over time, the production is exemplary and the listening experience exhilarating. Anybody interested in Jazz who does not own the original LPs should of course get this Box Set ASAP, since not knowing this music is simply criminal. Unless of course someone prefers to listen to the insanely boring American mainstream…
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 20/05/2016 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | WDR BIG BAND ~ JAZZ AL` ARAB
BIGBAND 1001 (Barcode: 4250459910016) ~ GERMANY ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2012
This is an album by the German WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist from Cologne, dedicated to Maghreb (the western part of North Africa, including Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia) Jazz motifs. The Big Band is conducted by British composer / conductor / arranger Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist. The guest soloists are Maghrebian musicians: Karim ZiadFind albums by this artist, Aziz SahmaouiFind albums by this artist, Mehdi AskeurFind albums by this artist and Rhani KrijaFind albums by this artist, all of whom contribute vocal and percussion parts. The album presents nine tracks, a mixture of traditional and original compositions by Sahmaoui, Ziad and others, arranged by Gibbs.
The WDR Big Band is one of several German Big Bands, such as the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist (from Hamburg) or the HR Big BandFind albums by this artist (from Frankfurt), which function side by side with the regional state broadcasting corporations active in Germany, being decentralized by law and remaining as one of the last bastions of independent publicly sponsored cultural organizations, adding a tremendous input into European Jazz in particular and European Culture in general. The musicians employed by these Big Bands have ideal working conditions and are free from economic struggles, which take a heavy toll on most freelance musicians. Also many projects, like the one documented on this album, would have never happened in a purely unsponsored commercial environment and the existence of these bands is simply a cultural miracle.
The music is a brilliant amalgam of the Orchestral / Big Band Jazz and Jazz-World Fusion idioms, which combines the best of the two worlds. The Maghreb music is a wonderful treasure chest of music, especially the Berber and Gnawa traditions, and it produced some world-famous figures, like my Friend Majid BekkasFind albums by this artist, and had some influence on the European Jazz scene over time, but a meeting with the Big Band environment is relatively rare, and this is a splendid opportunity to enjoy it to the max.
It should be noted that Maghreb music, like all Middle Eastern musical traditions, includes intrinsically the element of improvisation, which of course makes it more open to Jazz than most European musical traditions. Especially so in the vocal music, which is almost entirely improvised and at times can last as long as half an hour, improvising just on one basic tune.
Overall, this is a truly delightful piece of music, which can be enjoyed by a wide audience of Jazz listeners. Of course Big Band lovers, especially those of the European Big Band variety, will be completely smitten by the virtuosity of the performances and the depth of the music found on this album. Gibbs’ arrangements are especially charming, and deserve to be listened to with attention and admiration.
| | Updated: 10/10/2024Posted: 10/10/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MANFRED PAUL WEINBERGER NONET ~ IN PRESENCE OF KENNY WHEELER
ATS 0970 (Barcode: 9005216009701) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
This is an album by Austrian trumpeter / composer Manfred Paul WeinbergerFind albums by this artist and his nonet, which comprises of members of the Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, including saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist and pianist Helmar HillFind albums by this artist among others. As the title suggests, the album is a tribute to the Canadian born British trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, who cooperated with the UAJO and recorded the splendid “Plays The Music Of Kenny WheelerFind albums with this title” album with the orchestra in 1995. The album presents nine original compositions, eight by Weinberger and one by Hill. The liner notes by another UAJO collaborator, British composer / arranger Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, sum the essence of this project astutely.
The nonet sounds much like a condensed version of the UAJO and offers all of its advantages: brilliant ensemble performances, excellent soloing and above all great compositions, which, as Gibbs says, would surely please Wheeler as well.
The modern European Jazz approach, which uses the wonderful palette of a bigger ensemble to the max is the chief asset of this music, which enables it to sound fresh and innovative. For experienced listeners there are plenty of hidden typical quotations and hints to Wheeler’s way of doing things as well as Jazz tradition of course, but also European Classical treasures, one openly stated (Edvard GriegFind albums by this artist) and others subtly hidden in the shadows.
Weinberger’s compositions offer a wide scope of approaches, both melodically and harmonically, with various degrees of proximity to the Jazz tradition, which of course also characterized Wheeler’s splendid output over the years. There is of course no shame in admitting the great Master’s influence, which Weinberger emphasizes in his short essay included in the album’s booklet.
Overall, this is an excellent European Jazz album, which although recorded by "only” a nonet, firmly resides in the Jazz Big Band idiom and which does that wonderful genre a credit. Full of great music and brilliant performances, this album is a true pleasure to listen to, and more importantly also to find many original approaches, which large Jazz ensembles have to offer. Warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 12/05/2023Posted: 23/09/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | NORMA WINSTONE ~ EDGE OF TIME
DUSK FIRE 108 (Barcode: 5065001032998) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2013
By the time vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist recorded this, her first solo album, she was already an integral part of the emerging new British Jazz scene, which completely revolutionized the meaning and the borders of the Jazz Art Form and made it a part of the European Cultural heritage. Since the late 1960s young British Jazz musicians decided to leave behind the clearly defined and pretty limited American Jazz forms and stretch them beyond recognition, creating a new musical universe. Winstone was right at the epicenter of this new creative eruption and her contributions made a significant mark on a large portion of the British Jazz recordings at the time, when she was a member of groups led by Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist or Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and sang on albums recorded by John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, John TaylorFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist and others.
Winstone has a unique approach to vocals, which puts the human voice on an equal level with the instruments and allows her to perform using vocalese and other wordless techniques, which becomes as important as singing lyrics, which in most cases she writes herself. This approach earned her a respected position of the "resident" vocalist of the British scene at the time, which was reflected by the numerous albums she appeared on.
The album includes seven original pieces, four of which were composed by pianist John Taylor, two by John Surman and the remaining one by John WarrenFind albums by this artist. The lineup reads like a who´s who of the British Jazz scene at the time and includes saxophonists Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Kenny Wheeler, trombonists Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist, Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, pianist John Taylor, guitarist Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony LevinFind albums by this artist. The arrangements and settings move between intimate duets to a large scale massive Big Band sound and present the full scale of the Winstone´s vocal abilities and her amazing diversity.
It´s pretty remarkable that in the forty plus years that passed since this album was released it lost absolutely nothing of its vitality, freshness and musical boldness. It still kicks butt and makes your body swing involuntarily, exactly as it did when I heard it for the first time. The fact that this music is available again is a joyful occasion indeed and in the sad days of dying Culture a graceful reminder of what used to be considered as music is most refreshing.
This is a definite classic recording of the British / European Jazz history and a milestone in the history of Jazz vocals and should be an essential part of any serious music collection.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NORMA WINSTONE ~ IT`S LATER THAN YOU THINK
PROVOCATEUR 1037 (Barcode: 5038491103721) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2006
British singer Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist has been my favorite Jazz singer for almost 40 years now, ever since I heard her performing in the late 1960s in the midst of the burgeoning British Jazz scene at the time. I always followed her extraordinary career closely and of course collected all her recordings, which in retrospect constitute a massive body of marvelous music. At the peak of the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s – 1970s she sang with the best: Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, John SurmanFind albums by this artist and many others, contributing not only her extraordinary vocal performances but also her talent as a lyricist. With the decline of the local scene she continued on the European scene, both as a soloist and with the trio AzimuthFind albums by this artist (with her husband, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist). She is an enormously versatile performer, feeling at ease in any environment, from classic Jazz standards to Avant-Garde explorations. I always found her to be the most sensitive, highly musical and open-minded interpreter of both the music and the lyrics, which turn everything she touches into High Art. Happily for the music lovers, her talent and abilities seem to be untouched by time and she’s able to deliver her best up to this very day, which is well documented on this album as well. Accompanied by the splendid NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist (Northern German Radio Big Band resident in Hamburg), one of the best Jazz Big Bands in the world today, Norma delivers a wonderful set of songs, all brilliantly arranged by Colin TownsFind albums by this artist, who also conducted the band. The choice of material is fascinating and quite challenging as well, as Norma performs songs written by such dissimilar composers as Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist, Randy NewmanFind albums by this artist and Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist. Her highly personal delivery and the beautiful arrangements metamorphose these songs into completely new musical vistas, to the delight of any sensitive listener. The Big Band is used intelligently and skillfully, to serve as a perfect companion to her vocal delivery, without being overwhelming, in spite of its inherent might. The musicians are all virtuosi and highly experienced soloists, which is clearly evident from the instrumental solos, and include such renowned Jazz musicians as saxophonist Christof LauerFind albums by this artist and pianist (and my dear friend of Polish origin) Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist. The recording and sound quality are stunning and resemble the sonic excellence of other European labels like ECMFind albums on this label Records. For me this is a great example of a perfect album – the music, the musicians and a voice of a Diva – what else can one ask for? Essential food for the soul.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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