Record Reviews

WOLFGANG DAUNER / CHARLIE MARIANO / DINO SALUZZI ~ ONE NIGHT IN `88 MOOD 33.623 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1988 Released: 1988 This is the debut album by the trio comprising of German Jazz pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and Argentinian bandoneon player Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist. The album presents four lengthy tracks, two composed by Saluzzi and one each by Mariano and Dauner. The album was recorded during just one studio session. The music is a wonderful tribute to the Tango, with original music by these excellent musicians, but close in spirit to the unique Tango mood, transferred into the Jazz environment. The interplay and obvious mutual respect and comradeship prevail and the music offers many slightly different approaches to the Tango idiom, full of brilliant improvisations, as appropriate for such Masters. Saluzzi is one of my all-time favorite bandoneonists and his playing is always full of true passion. Overall, this is almost completely unknown gem, as all the releases on the small independent MoodFind albums by this artist Records label, co-owned by Dauner, which is definitely worth searching for, as this music was created with the single purpose of making heartfelt, creative music, free of any commercial, market oriented motives. 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: 19/02/2025Posted: 19/02/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ A QUESTION OF BALANCE (EXPANDED EDITION) THRESHOLD 9837706 (Barcode: 602498377062) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006 6th album by the magnificent Moody BluesFind albums by this artist. After delivering 4 sublime and intensely complex concept albums the group decided to come up this time with a selection of songs, which could provide an easier basis for their live performances, as the elaborate songs on their previous albums were difficult to reproduce live on stage. This approach led to the creation of a much rockier album than anything else they recorded previously, but being what they were it was as good as anything else they ever did. The use of the Mellotron is less dominant this time and the guitar is more prominently featured. All together another timeless classic (yes I know I repeat myself, but what else can I say in this case…). The new edition adds never previously heard bonus tracks and a crystal clear remastered sound, including the SACD 5.1 mix. Essential!

Updated: 26/05/2019Posted:

CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED (DELUXE EDITION) DERAM 9832150 (Barcode: 602498321508) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1967 Released: 2006 If there ever was an album that epitomizes the meaning of Progressive Rock this is it! This magnificent new edition of the timeless classic receives the proper treatment at last – almost 40 years after its creation. This is the 2nd album by the Moody BluesFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1967. The group existed a few years before this album was recorded and even scored a huge hit with the song “Go Now” in 1964, which was the basis for their first album (Go Now!Find albums with this title in US and The Magnificent MoodiesFind albums with this title in UK), but at that time the group was playing an entirely different kind of music, namely Rhythm And Blues – typical of scores of other UK groups at the time. The release of this epic work came as a huge surprise, considering the revolutionary (at that time) approach to making music – a marriage of Rock and Classical music, ergo the basis of Progressive Rock. (BTW a similar story applies to another Prog giant – GenesisFind albums by this artist – with their debut album (From Genesis To RevelationFind albums with this title) foretelling very little as to their next album – TrespassFind albums with this title). As mentioned before, this album has everything that defines Prog: it features a Classical Orchestra (The London Festival OrchestraFind albums by this artist) and a Rock group, it is a concept album, the songs are several minutes long, etc., etc. The sheer audacity of placing a Rock group and a Symphony Orchestra in the same recording studio was unthinkable earlier on and considering how well it works is a piece of musical magic. Of course the songs are majestic, with “Nights In White Satin” safely placed at the pantheon of all-time classics. This new edition adds an entire CD of previously never heard material, both studio and live (BBC), which of course is a revelation, considering how long it was kept in the vault and how great it is. The new remasters are pristine and sound better than anything recorded these days and the SACD 5.1 mix is stunning. This is an absolute classic and a must in every record collection.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 2 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR (EXPANDED EDITION) THRESHOLD 9845506 (Barcode: 602498455067) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2007 7th album by Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and their 6th opus in four years, which means they were able to produce a new masterpiece every 9 months in addition to almost non-stop touring, surely a most grueling task, which was already creating many internal pressures and conflicts between the band members. However, on the outside everything seemed to be perfect and the Moody Blues managed to sustain the image of a perfect and unstoppable music-making machine. With five songwriters in the band there was never a shortage of new material and the flow of creative powers was simply outstanding. The band also looked constantly to improve and extend their (already magnificent) sound, using newly available versions of the Mellotron and Moog synthesizers. The overall sound becomes even denser, with vocal harmonies and overdubbed instrumental parts creating layers of sound with a dramatic effect matched by no other contemporary group. The material is, as usual, a mixture of beautiful ballads and rocky numbers, all perfectly executed, which withstand the test of time beautifully and remain a classic. The new edition adds never previously heard bonus tracks and a crystal clear remastered sound, including the SACD 5.1 mix. Essential!

CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD (DELUXE EDITION) DERAM 832147 (Barcode: 602498321478) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2006 3rd album in which the Moody BluesFind albums by this artist undertake the impossible task to follow up their previous album, which became an instant absolute classic. Very few rock groups managed to accomplish this, but they surely are one of those few. The group decided to relay on their own strength this time and did not involve an orchestra. Instead they initiated the use of the Mellotron, which proved to be an ample replacement in the hands of Mike PinderFind albums by this artist. The melodies are as beautiful and eloquent as ever, with the group members using a wide array of instruments to enrich the sonic textures. There is of course a distinct psychedelic influence present, not surprising as the album was recorded at the peak of the psychedelic period, but the Moodies turn those influences into something uniquely their own. This new edition adds an entire CD of previously never heard material, both studio and live (BBC), which of course is a revelation, considering how long it was kept in the vault and how great it is. The new remasters are pristine and sound better than anything recorded these days. This is an absolute classic and a must in every record collection.

CD 2 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ LIVE AT THE BBC 1967-1970 DERAM 602498472026 (Barcode: 602498472026) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1967 - 1970 Released: 2007 This is a collection of BBC Radio recordings by the seminal British Prog group The Moody BluesFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten radio sessions, two TV sessions and a concert, which cover the material included on the three albums by the group on the DeramFind albums on this label Records label: "Days Of Future PassedFind albums with this title", "In Search Of The Lost ChordFind albums with this title" and "On The Threshold Of A DreamFind albums with this title" and two albums on their own ThresholdFind albums on this label Records label: "To Our Children`s Children`s ChildrenFind albums with this title" and "A Question Of BalanceFind albums with this title", altogether forty one tracks on two CDs. All the songs bar one were written by the group´s members. Following a relatively brief flirt with Pop and the release of their debut album "The Magnificent MoodiesFind albums with this title", the group switched to writing their own material and soon became one of the pioneers of British Progressive Rock and Psychedelia, creating a series of seven magnificent groundbreaking albums between 1967 and 1972. Their music was always deeply melodic and at the same time cleverly sophisticated, using the developing recording techniques to create multilayered epic works, often using Classical Music influences and orchestration combine with advanced use of early synthesizers and electronics. In retrospect the achievements of The Moody Blues have but a few equals as far as contemporary Popular music is concerned and the music they created at the time seems to be unmatched by almost anything done since as far as expanding the musical horizons is concerned. The live snippets of their music captured on this album thanks to the BBC open-mindedness and liberal approach to documenting the music being created regardless of its popular appeal, is a time capsule of quality and ingeniousness, which we can only admire today and perhaps set as an example, although with little hope of it being followed anytime soon. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 26/05/2019Posted: 26/05/2019

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ ON THE THRESHOLD OF A DREAM (EXPANDED EDITION) DERAM 832153 (Barcode: 602498321539) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006 4th album and the first album the Moody BluesFind albums by this artist really had time to prepare for, as the recording of their previous album (In Search Of The Lost ChordFind albums with this title) was squeezed between grueling touring schedules. Not willing to use an orchestra, they fully utilized (and in many respects invented) the (then) new instrument – the Mellotron – played by Mike PinderFind albums by this artist. Pinder used the Mellotron for the first time on their previous album, but here he really got the grip of the full potential of the instrument, creating new sound vistas previously unimaginable. The original idea of the album was to present two different “sides” of the group, split between the two sides of the LP: on side A they placed a set of more “rocky “ songs and on side B the more complex, lyrical ones, which turned out to be their best to date. It seems the Moodies were unstoppable at creating one masterpiece after another at the time and the combination of great composers and excellent musicians worked as a magic formula. This magnificent new edition adds a set of fascinating bonus tracks, all previously unheard and a new pristine remastered sound, with the SACD 5.1 mix based on the original 1972 Quadraphonic release. Another timeless classic and a must.

CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ SEVENTH SOJOURN (EXPANDED EDITION) THRESHOLD 9845507 (Barcode: 602498455074) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2007 8th album by Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and their 7th opus (as suggested by the title). By the time this album was recorded the band had behind it five years of grueling schedule of non-stop touring and recording, which basically created a complete burnout of everybody’s energies. Nevertheless they still managed to produce yet another masterpiece this time, but it will take 6 years to make the next Moody Blues album (OctaveFind albums with this title – the last album as a quintet) and their glory days were definitely over. Of course the public was unaware at the time of the situation and the group’s (temporary) disintegration came as total surprise. The album includes all the essential Moody Blues ingredients to make it a classic: a great mixture of fabulous songs, some romantic ballads and other up-tempo rockers and rich instrumentation with layers upon layers of sound. Justin HaywardFind albums by this artist, Mike PinderFind albums by this artist, Ray ThomasFind albums by this artist, John LodgeFind albums by this artist and Graeme EdgeFind albums by this artist will stay forever in our minds as creators of cutting-edge music and the seven classic albums constitute one of the mightiest musical achievements of the era. The new edition adds never previously heard bonus tracks (among them the only track recorded in 1973 as part of the failed effort to start the next album) and a crystal clear remastered sound, including the SACD 5.1 mix. Essential!

CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ THE MAGNIFICENT MOODIES REPERTOIRE 5077 (Barcode: 4009910507728) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1964 - 1966 Released: 2006 1st album by British group Moody BluesFind albums by this artist, which documents their activities before they turned into a legendary outfit, which pioneered Psychedelic and Progressive Rock at its most beautiful and sophisticated diversity, shortly after this music was recorded. Although they played at the time classic British Pop and Rhythm And Blues, as did countless of their contemporaries, in retrospect it is fascinating to listen to the seeds of their amazing collective talents. In every respect this music is far better than most of the other stuff produced at the time, full of amazing melodies, great vocal harmonies and superb instrumental work. If you are too young to remember this music from the time when it was being played on the radio, this is a great opportunity to get to know it, over 40 years later, as it lost nothing of its original magnificence.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ THE POLYDOR YEARS 1986-1992 POLYDOR 602537894147 (Barcode: 602537894147) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1986 - 1992 Released: 2014 This is a reissue / archival Box Set presenting the music recorded by the seminal British Pop / Rock band The Moody BluesFind albums by this artist between 1986 and 1992. The group enjoyed an enormous, both artistic and commercial, success between 1967 and 1972, with a stream of seven brilliant and innovative albums. A period of concentrating on solo projects between 1974 and 1977 ended, when the band reunited and released an album in 1978 followed by founding member vocalist / keyboardist Mike PinderFind albums by this artist leaving the band for good. The remaining four founding members: vocalist / guitarist Justin HaywardFind albums by this artist, vocalist / bassist John LodgeFind albums by this artist, vocalist / drummer Graeme EdgeFind albums by this artist and vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Ray ThomasFind albums by this artist were joined by ex-YesFind albums by this artist Swiss keyboardist Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist. They released two further albums for DeccaFind albums on this label, until the label was bought by PolydorFind albums on this label, where the story of this Box Set begins. This Box set includes the remastered and expanded versions of the four albums The Moody Blues released on Polydor: “The Other Side Of LifeFind albums with this title” (1986), “Sur La MerFind albums with this title” (1988), “Keys Of The KingdomFind albums with this title” (1991) and finally the live album “A Night At Red RocksFind albums with this title” (1993) recorded in 1992 with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, expanded to two CDs. Also included is a live CD “The Other Side Of Life Tour”, as well as a DVD of “A Night At Red Rocks” and another DVD with the documentary “The Other Side Of Red Rocks” and finally a vinyl single – altogether six CDs, two DVDs and a vinyl single, a hardcover book with essays and photographs - quite a package indeed. Although the music produced by The Moody Blues during this period is often dismissed by fans and critics alike, this is completely unjustified. They retained four of their founding members with their brilliant vocal harmonies and incredible songwriting talents and although the keyboards work by Moraz bears many of the dreaded 1980s synthesizer sound characteristics, it can be accepted as part of the time’s ambience. Overall, this Box Set is an incredible time capsule and a loving tribute to one of the greatest Classic Rock bands of all time. It offers a remarkable opportunity to re-discover (or simply discover) this chapter in the band’s activity and witness a process of musician that are able to age well and remain productive. I had an unexpected fun to listen to this music, a joyous ride indeed!

Updated: 27/09/2021Posted: 27/09/2021

CD 9 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ TO OUR CHILDREN`S CHILDREN`S CHILDREN (DELUXE EDITION) THRESHOLD 9832156 (Barcode: 602498321560) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006 5th album and perhaps their grandest “magnum opus” of all. With layers upon layers of overdubbed instruments and vocals the resulting sound is truly monumental. Superb songwriting, as usual, produced some of the most interesting compositions the group ever recorded. Although a great artistic success, this album was perhaps a bit “before its time” for many Moody BluesFind albums by this artist fans at the time of its release. The album was released on the Moodies own record label, called ThresholdFind albums on this label, which was created to enable them more artistic and economic freedom. This new edition adds an entire CD of previously never heard material, both studio and live (BBC), which of course is a revelation, considering how long it was kept in the vault and how great it is. The new remasters are pristine and sound better than anything recorded these days and the SACD 5.1 mix (based on the original 1972 Quadraphonic release) is stunning. This is an absolute classic and a must in every record collection.

Updated: 26/05/2019Posted:

CD 2 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

JOHN SURMAN / HOWARD MOODY ~ RAIN ON THE WINDOW ECM 1986 (Barcode: 602517155404) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2008 This is another wonderful and intimate project by the British saxophone Colossus John SurmanFind albums by this artist, this time in cooperation with organist Howard MoodyFind albums by this artist, whom Surman met while recording and performing his "Proverbs And SongsFind albums with this title" project. A decade after their initial meeting, Surman and Moody recorded this wonderful music at an Oslo church, playing mostly Surman´s original compositions, a few co-composed pieces and some arrangements of traditional music. The whole affair has a tranquil, serene feeling about it, which is rarely achieved today and the music is truly beautiful from start to finish. Cross-genre and impossible to pinpoint stylistically it´s simply great music. Sensitive people will love this! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice On first play I sense another Surman favourite developing!

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend