Record Reviews

GEORGE DUKE ~ FACES IN REFLECTION PROMISING MUSIC 44103 (Barcode: 602517546479) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008 American keyboardist / composer George DukeFind albums by this artist first came to prominence in the late 1960s, when he recorded with the French violinist Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist, who was invited to record in the US following his festival appearances. The association with Ponty opened quite a few doors for Duke, eventually leading to his stint with Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, as well as his recording contract with the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label. He recorded 8 albums for the label between 1971 and 1976, of which this was the 3rd. Duke was a strange choice for MPS, as it concentrated mainly on presenting the European Jazz scene (the only exception was a series of albums recorded by Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist), with strong Avant-Garde and later European Jazz-Rock Fusion, which was much more advanced that its American counterpart. Although Duke was closely associated with the US Jazz-Rock Fusion scene in the 1970s, playing with such prominent musicians like Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist, Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist and many others, his Fusion approach was strongly based on Blues, Funk and Soul, his “native” musical areas. Therefore his MPS recordings can be considered as some of the most commercial and accessible recordings ever released by this label. On this album Duke uses a trio (John HeardFind albums by this artist – bass and Leon Ndugu ChanclerFind albums by this artist – drums) and plays a wide array of synthesizers. He composed all but one of the tunes (the only composition, which isn’t his is by the Brazilian genius Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist, and points towards Duke’s fascination with Brazilian music, which would flourish later in his career). There is no doubt about Duke’s brilliant technique as a player and his use of synthesizers is revolutionary at that time, but the compositions are definitely on the lighter side of Jazz and his vocals (however sparsely used) completely unnecessary. As much as I like Duke’s playing and many of his recordings, this is not one of his absolute highlights, even if it is much better that most of his later recordings starting from the 1980s and up to now. Nevertheless it is still a solid and enjoyable album worthy of being remembered. Of course many of his fans will enjoy this quality reissue with beautifully remastered sound and superb packaging.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GEORGE DUKE ~ THE COMPLETE 1970S EPIC ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886979303225 (Barcode: 886979303225) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2012 American keyboardist / composer George DukeFind albums by this artist is definitely one of the most colorful, dynamic, brilliant and versatile musical personalities on the scene. With a career spanning five decades and activities covering such diverse sub-genres as mainstream Jazz, Jazz-Rock Fusion, Rock, Funk and Jazz-World Fusion, Duke made over the years an enormous impact on the development of contemporary music. Following a several years long association (early to mid 1970s) with the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label label, where Duke released his revolutionary early Fusion albums, he switched to the EpicFind albums on this label label (a subsidiary of ColumbiaFind albums on this label), where he recorded six albums between 1977 and 1979, all of which are included in this wonderful Box Set. The Epic recordings reveal Duke gradually moving away from the Jazz and even Fusion roots, replacing those by Funk and other popular music influences. Only the last album in this set ("A Brazilian Love AffairFind albums with this title") is different and presents Duke as a Jazz-World Fusion artist, with an obvious affinity for Brazilian music. On that album he is supported by several famous Brazilian musicians, including vocalist Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist, percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, vocalist Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, guitarist Toninho HortaFind albums by this artist and many others, in addition to his American regulars. On all the albums he plays with an excellent group of musicians, which includes his long-time friend bassist Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist, drummer Leon Ndugu ChanclerFind albums by this artist, bassist Byron MillerFind albums by this artist, percussionist Sheila EscovedoFind albums by this artist and numerous others, including many brass players as well, which shows a clear influence of Earth, Wind & FireFind albums by this artist on Duke´s music at the time. Duke composed all the music on these albums (with very few minor exceptions) and he also utilizes his vocals, which is the most criticized issue regarding this music. As much as these albums were successful on the US market, they were treated with disrespect and sheer detest by his European and Japanese fans, who accused him of commerciality. The problem was of course, that this music should have not been compared to or judged by the same criteria as his earlier output, which was completely different stylistically. In retrospect this music still sounds great and lost nothing of its power and ingenuity, providing it is treated separately from Duke´s other output. The tunes are great, as are the performances, and one can´t resist the funky rhythms unless one is completely deaf or brain-dead. There are very few musicians, who display the same level of integrity and ingenuity as George Duke in everything they do over the years. He is the man and nobody can deny it!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

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

SEAN KHAN ~ PALMARES FANTASY FAROUT 203 (Barcode: 5060211503573) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the third album by British saxophonist / composer Sean KhanFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in Brazil with the participation of the great Brazilian Master Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, who plays melodica, keyboards, flute and adds some vocals. British guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist and an international gathering of musicians participate in the recording, including vocalist Heidi VogelFind albums by this artist and a string section. The album presents nine tracks, six of which are original compositions by Khan, one is by Pascoal, another one is co-composed by Pascoal and Khan and one is by the Brazilian songwriter Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist. The music is an eclectic mixture of styles, moving between Jazz, Jazz-World Fusion and Smooth Jazz, all based on solid melodic compositions and focusing on the intensive soloing by Khan, who plays with dexterity and fluidity, obviously rooted in the mid-period John Coltrane legacy. Pascoal’s contributions are sadly more spiritual that direct, as he participates on just five of the tracks and solos sparingly. The music does carry a Brazilian tinge, especially on the tracks composed by Pascoal or Nascimento, but his influence is rather minor altogether. Nevertheless, it is always great to hear any album he plays on. Overall, this is a very melodic Jazz album, with intense saxophone parts and excellent musicianship, which carries the tunes amicably. Some exotic spirituality and World Music influences are clearly audible and for Jazz fans who like to exit the strict traditional approach, this album is full of nice surprises.

Updated: 18/09/2022Posted: 18/09/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AIRTO MOREIRA / FLORA PURIM / JOE FARRELL ~ THREE-WAY MIRROR REFERENCE RECORDINGS 24 (Barcode: 030911102425) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1985 Released: 1987 This is an album by Brazilian drummer / percussionist / composer / bandleader Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, his wife vocalist Flora PurimFind albums by this artist and American saxophonist / flautist Joe FarrellFind albums by this artist, recorded with a splendid team, which includes Japanese pianist Kei AkagiFind albums by this artist, American bassists Mark EganFind albums by this artist and Randy TicoFind albums by this artist and Brazilian guitarist Jose NetoFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven composed by the musicians playing on the album and one is an arrangement of a composition by Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist. This was the last recording by Farrell, who died prematurely in 1986 at the ridiculous age of forty-eight, and the album is dedicated to him. The album offers a spectacular sound quality. Moreira, Purim and Farrell were the core members of first incarnation of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist’s group Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist, which recorded the two seminal albums in 1972 / 1973, the eponymous “Return To ForeverFind albums with this title” and “Light As A FeatherFind albums with this title”. The music on this album is a strong reminder of these two albums, and although it is criminally little known, it certainly deserves to stand in the same quality class. The music offers a wonderful amalgam of Brazilian / Latin rhythms and melodies, with a strong Jazzy tinge, splendidly performed by the entire crew. The last track, dedicated to John Coltrane, is particularly interesting and features absolutely stunning performance by Farrell. Overall, fans of Jazz-World Fusion with Brazilian flavoring should love this album, as all other recordings by Moreira, Purim and Farrell, together and separately. The Brazilian pair are absolute geniuses as far as mixing the Brazilian elements with Jazz is concerned.

Updated: 10/07/2024Posted: 10/07/2024

CD 1 Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

MILTON NASCIMENTO ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES WARNER BROS. 825646519385 (Barcode: 825646519385) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1994 - 2002 Released: 2013 This Box Set collects five of the albums by the Brazilian singer / songwriter Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist released between 1994 and 2002. They are: "AngelusFind albums with this title" from 1994, "AmigoFind albums with this title" from 1995, "NascimentoFind albums with this title" from 1997, "Tambores De MinasFind albums with this title" from 1998 and "PietaFind albums with this title" from 2002. Nascimento is undoubtedly one of the greatest World Music artists of all times and his genius needs no introduction. As far as Brazilian music is concerned, he was (and still is of course), in retrospect, its most distinguished and elaborate ambassador. In contrast to other Brazilian musicians / composers, who represented certain Brazilian localized styles, like samba or bossa nova, Nascimento always presented the essence of Brazilian music and above all its spirit, full of melodic, lyrical melancholy. His exquisite melodies are often among the finest pieces of music created by man. From his early days Nascimento was connected with Jazz and his early albums are all superb pioneering examples of Jazz-World Fusion. These later albums, included here, are still very jazzy and feature many distinguished Jazz musicians from Brazil and other parts of the world. Overall there is not a single weak moment on these fine albums and Nascimento manages to keep his fountain of creativity flowing as if time stood still for him. Absolutely brilliant stuff! Side Note: The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases have been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ZÉ EDUARDO NAZARIO ~ POEMA DA GOTA SERENA E OUTROS POEMAS EDITIO PRINCEPS 22 (Barcode: 7898901556220) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1977 - 2004 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of the debut solo album by Brazilian drummer / composer Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist entitled "Poema Da Gota SerenaFind albums with this title", remastered and expanded by a plethora of bonus material and as a result presenting a fifty years career spanning retrospective release. Most of the music on this album was composed by Zé Eduardo Nazario, except for one piece composed by his brother / keyboardist Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist and three others that are improvised pieces. The debut solo album was recorded simultaneously with the recording of the third album by Grupo UmFind albums by this artist ("A Flor De Plastico IncineradaFind albums with this title"), of which he and his brother were members at the time. It consists of just two expanded pieces, each occupying one side of the original LP. Both are duets, first with saxophonist / flautist CacauFind albums by this artist and the second with Lelo Nazario on keyboards. The bonus material includes unreleased recordings by Grupo Um, the duet with his brother called Duo NazarioFind albums by this artist and the group Quinteto ZenFind albums by this artist, spanning the years 1977 to 2004. The overall level of the music is of course outstanding, as expected. The debut album is of course the most interesting material on this album both for historical / discographical reasons and the fact that it presents extremely bold ventures into Free Jazz and Improvised Music, which were completely pioneering at the time on the Brazilian scene. The Grupo Um material originates from a soundtrack the group was commissioned to create before they recorded their debut album. The Quinteto Zen material returns to the Jazz-World Fusion concept of interpretation of Brazilian music elements combined with Jazzy improvisations. The album´s liner notes list a few dozen albums which feature Zé Eduardo Nazario contributions, including those by Brazilian legends like Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist, Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist and many others, which obviously are evidence of his many talents. This album is therefore a much deserved tribute to his life´s achievements. People interested in Brazilian music in general and Brazilian Jazz-Rock-World Fusion in particular should find this album indispensible.

Updated: 12/08/2016Posted: 11/08/2016

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

PETE OXLEY / NICOLAS MEIER ~ TRAVELS TO THE WEST MGP 008 (Barcode: 5060237700123) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is the debut album by the fabulous guitar duo comprising of British guitarist / composer Pete OxleyFind albums by this artist and Swiss (resident in UK) guitarist / composer Nicolas MeierFind albums by this artist. The album, recorded live during the duo´s 2011 tour, presents ten compositions, three originals each by Oxley and Meier, two pieces by Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and one each by Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist and Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist. In spite of the technical problems involved with recording this delicate music live, the resulting album has a wonderful sound quality. Readers interested in more detailed analysis of the music by Oxley and Meier and cordially invited to read my reviews of their albums: "Chasing TalesFind albums with this title" and "The Colours Of TimeFind albums with this title". Suffice to say that the duo presents the ultimate experience in virtuosity, elegance, good taste and human teamwork of the highest caliber and this album is every bit as good as those that followed. Presenting a wide rage of stylistic influences, the duo already at this early stage of their work together displayed superb intelligence and sensitivity. Mixing Jazz with World Music influences they created their own individual sound, by using a plethora of different guitars, each with its unique sound idiosyncrasies. As a result they managed to amalgamate a highly effective approach to the listener, making their music simply irresistible. If you don´t have any of their albums, this one is a great place to start, and if you do have others, but not this one, grab it as soon as possible, since your record collection is not complete without it!

Updated: 30/09/2017Posted: 30/09/2017

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

FLORA PURIM ~ SINGS MILTON NASCIMENTO EFA 718750636126 (Barcode: 718750636126) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2000 Released: 2002 This is a wonderful album by Brazilian vocalist Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, dedicated to her friend the legendary Brazilian singer / songwriter Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist, one of the most important representatives both of the original Brazilian music and the Jazz-World Fusion idiom. As Purim puts it in the album´s liner notes, which tell the story of their musical encounters over the years: "This record is not a tribute to Milton, but a declaration of unconditional love". The album collects ten songs, eight of which are composed by Nascimento and two are associated with him. Purim is accompanied by a superb cast of musicians, many of which originate from Brazil, which includes keyboardist Luiz AvellarFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Widor SantiagoFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jose NetoFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary BrownFind albums by this artist, drummer (and husband) Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist and many others. The great (and much lamented) keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist guests on one track and a brass section is featured on another track. Purim sings in Portuguese (except for one song), which is greatly refreshing, as most of her albums feature her English lyrics, and her voice is absolutely unblemished by age; on the contrary she sounds invigorated and rejuvenated. The vocal and instrumental arrangements are absolutely delightful and the album is one great joy ride from start to finish. After being yanked out of the Brazilian music into the Jazz and Fusion worlds following her and her husband´s arrival in the US, Purim seems to be enjoying coming back to her roots on this album, which is felt immediately. Of course the music is also about Nascimento, who is unquestionably one of the greatest songwriters in all times. His ability to amalgamate Brazilian moods and folkloristic themes with Jazz, Rock and contemporary music in general is unparalleled. He remains a pillar of fire among his contemporaries, which many have followed suit. Purim delivers some of her most dramatic, heartfelt vocals on this album ever, including vocalese and other vocal tricks, which are beautifully captured by the recording and production of this album, turning it instantly into one of my favorite Purim albums. The overall quality and collected talents concentrated on this album are simply staggering. Side Note: Many thanks to my friend Odd GjelsnesFind albums by this artist who has allowed me to rummage his enormous CD warehouse for hidden treasures, of which this was just one of many. The thought that this album never landed in my lap earlier makes me very sad, as it makes me realize that there must be thousands of similar albums I have missed…

Updated: 09/08/2016Posted: 09/08/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

WAYNE SHORTER ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886979202429 (Barcode: 886979202429) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1971 - 1988 Released: 2011 There are very few Jazz musicians, who can claim being at the epicenter of the most innovative and creative music making for decades and also be called one of the greatest Jazz composers, but saxophonist / composer Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist certainly is one of them. His role as a member of the legendary second Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet and than as co-founder and co-leader of the no less legendary Weather ReportFind albums by this artist are already more significant than the achievements of most other musicians, but Shorter also has a most impressive solo career, which spans from the late 1950s to now, i.e. for over half a century. Shorter´s recordings as a leader, which were chronologically released on the Vee-JayFind albums on this label, Blue NoteFind albums on this label, ColumbiaFind albums on this label and VerveFind albums on this label labels present a magnificent body of work both as a performer and a composer. The Blue Note recordings, eleven albums released between 1964 and 1970 and recorded while he was a member of the Miles Davis quintet, are perhaps the most impressive and pivotal as far as Jazz development is concerned, but all the others are also great showcases of his talent. Shorter recorded four albums for Columbia; one in 1974 and the other three in the late 1980s, all of which are included in this Box Set. The first album, ("Native DancerFind albums with this title") recorded with the brilliant Brazilian musician / composer Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist is the most memorable and impressive of the Columbia recordings and a beautiful example of Jazz-World Fusion at its best. In addition to several great Brazilian musicians playing on the album, including Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, it also features Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist on piano. The other three albums are somewhat Fusion oriented and feature different lineups of first class musicians, especially keyboard players like Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Stu GoldbergFind albums by this artist, Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, Patrice RushenFind albums by this artist, Geri AllenFind albums by this artist and others and of course almost exclusively the superb compositions by Shorter. This Box Set also includes two bonus CDs, which collect all Weather Report tracks, which were composed by Wayne Shorter and recorded during the group´s entire lifespan. Although not adding anything new, these CDs present a great historic document of Shorter´s contribution as a composer to the group´s monumental accomplishments. This Box Set is a must to all Wayne Shorter fans, especially in view of the fact that the individual albums have been out of print for ages. The musical content is of course top notch in every respect, a part of the legacy of a great musician, which deserves to be heard and remembered!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

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

SARAH VAUGHAN ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886919058727 (Barcode: 886919058727) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1949 - 1987 Released: 2012 American singer Sarah VaughanFind albums by this artist was undoubtedly one of the brightest stars of the female vocal Jazz scene, a member of a very limited legendary league, which includes but a few others. Her absolutely unique style, an amazing vocal range from female baritone to mezzo-soprano and a highly personal interpretation of the material she performed remain largely unmatched to this very day. She is a major influence as far as Jazz vocals are considered and many vocalists name her as their major source of inspiration. She is often referred to as a Jazz diva, a title earned but very few other female Jazz personalities. During her career, which lasted for over five decades, Vaughan recorded an impressive body of work, released by several record labels. Strangely enough her association with ColumbiaFind albums on this label covers the early days (1949-1953) of her recording career, as well as her final recordings in the 1980s. Her entire recorded output is collected on four CDs, the first two dedicated to the early recording sessions and the other two to her late output: the live recording of the George GershwinFind albums by this artist and Ira GershwinFind albums by this artist songbook, which was recorded with the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Michel Tilson ThomasFind albums by this artist and her very last album, which included Brazilian music she was so fond of, which was produced by Sergio MendesFind albums by this artist and featured a sublime cast of musicians, including keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist (another Brazilian music enthusiast), guitarist / composer Dorival CaymmiFind albums by this artist and guest vocals by Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist on one track. This last album was recorded just three years before Vaughan died in 1990. The contrast between the sessions, recorded almost four decades apart, is a wonderful perspective, which enables the listen to truly appreciate the greatness of Vaughan´s abilities. The Box Set is a great document, which should be enjoyed by every Jazz connoisseur, and of course vocal Jazz enthusiast. Marvelous stuff!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

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