Record Reviews
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  | JOHNNY ALMOND / MUSIC MACHINE ~ PATENT PENDING
VOCALION 8417 (Barcode: 765387841720) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005
Multi-instrumentalist / composer Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist was one of the most versatile and in-demand players on the British scene in the late 1960s. A member of the Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist, he also led a septet of young up-and-coming musicians called Johnny Almond Music MachineFind albums by this artist, which recorded two albums of which this is the first. Soon after recording this album Almond joined the new version of John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, which recorded the revolutionary The Turning PointFind albums with this title album. In that group he met guitarist Jon MarkFind albums by this artist, with whom he formed one of the best British Jazz-Rock groups – Mark-AlmondFind albums by this artist. Bass player Roger SuttonFind albums by this artist (ex-Brian AugerFind albums by this artist’s TrinityFind albums by this artist), who plays on this album, was also a founding member of Mark-Almond and would later be e member of Riff RaffFind albums by this artist and NucleusFind albums by this artist. Another player, the drummer Alan WhiteFind albums by this artist, would later join the legendary YesFind albums by this artist. This album is a splendid example of early Jazz-Rock, with strong Rhythm And Blues influences. Almond plays tenor, alto and baritone saxophones, flute, alto flute, organ, vibes, mellotron and bass clarinet – surely deserving the “music machine” nickname. His virtuosity (my favorite being his flute playing) is obvious. He also composed all but one of the eight tunes included here. Overall this is an excellent album and a great trip down the memory lane. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEIL ARDLEY ~ HARMONY OF THE SPHERES
ESOTERIC 2096 (Barcode: 5013929719620) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2008
Composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist was one of the brightest stars on the firmament of the magnificent British Jazz, which flourished in the 1960s and 1970s. His compositions were often performed by his peers and his magnificent recordings as a leader were musical milestones, cherished and admired to this very day. Sadly, his recorded legacy is rather limited and parts of it remain unreleased on CD, which is a true crime. Therefore any reissue of his music is a true feast and celebration.
This album represent´s Ardley´s late period as active musician, shortly before he left the music scene almost for good, dedicating the later part of his life to writing books. It is also a clear symbol of Ardley´s transition as a composer, moving gradually from traditional Jazz forms to quite revolutionary contemporary Classical / Electronic / Ambient music, which although still contained strong Jazz elements (mainly improvised sections), was nevertheless a completely new compositional entity. As most of his ambitious compositions, the music is presented in a form of an extended suite, which makes a coherent whole and being divided into separate sections to emphasize the internal flow of the music.
Ardley recruited a group of eleven musicians to record the album and as usual turned to his life-long friend and collaborator, trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist to become the main protagonist. The list of the participants reads like a dream come true of the British Jazz scene and includes reed players Tony CoeFind albums by this artist and Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist and vocalists Pepi LemerFind albums by this artist and Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist. Lesser known but no less talented contributors include bassist Bill KristianFind albums by this artist and drummer Richard BurgessFind albums by this artist. Guitarist John MartynFind albums by this artist is the surprising guest, who closes the list of participating musicians, and although primarily associated with Folk, delivers some heartbreaking guitar solos on this album. People familiar with these names will of course recognize the fact that most of these musicians were associated at one time or another with Ian Carr as members of his NucleusFind albums by this artist ensemble.
In retrospect this album remains a major milestone of British music and a firm reminder of Ardley´s genius. Ardley, who died in 2004 (aged 66) will forever be a landmark figure and hopefully the younger generation will discover his magnificent music thank to reissues, like this one. An absolute must!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEIL ARDLEY ~ KALEIDOSCOPE OF RAINBOWS
DUSK FIRE 101 (Barcode: 5060051330889) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2005
Composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist left a remarkable mark on modern British Jazz in the 1960s and 1970s. As the musical director of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist), Ardley was responsible for creation of the innovative Big Band / Orchestra sound, one of the great ingredients of modern British Jazz. Influenced by Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, another pioneering figure of Jazz orchestration, Ardley took the matters further, adopting rock elements into his scores and creating unique Jazz-Rock Orchestral music. His skills as a composer of large-scale suite-like scores were best documented by a series of recordings of his works.
This album was a third in a series of such works and a final part of an orchestral trilogy, which started with "The Greek VariationsFind albums with this title" and continued with "A Symphony Of AmaranthsFind albums with this title". As usual in his case, the music is a multi-part orchestral suite, performed by a Jazz ensemble with plenty of space for extended improvisations by soloist. Having at his disposal the burgeoning British Jazz community of musicians, Ardley selected the excellent Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist as the core of this ensemble, expanding it with additional musicians he was used to work with. The list of players is most impressive and includes among others: Ian Carr on trumpet, Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist and Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist on clarinet, Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist and Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist on piano, Roger SuttonFind albums by this artist on bass and Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist on drums and vibraphone.
The music moves between atmospheric soundscapes and highly rhythmic Jazz-Rock pieces, with excellent solos in each of the suite’s seven parts. In retrospect the music lost none of its original charm and beauty, and sadly one must admit: “they don’t make music like that any more”. Ardley was to produce one more orchestral masterpiece, called "Harmony Of The SpheresFind albums with this title", by the end of the 1970s, before the changing musical and economic climate eradicated ambitious / artistic music almost completely. He became a very successful writer and best-selling author before he died in 2004.
I hope all of his splendid musical works will be properly reissued, including previously unreleased stuff left in his estate. As for this album, just grab a copy and take the A(rdley) train into musical lands of rare beauty – an experience you’ll never forget.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 |
  | GORDON BECK ~ EXPERIMENTS WITH POPS
ART OF LIFE 1001 (Barcode: 804640100126) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2001
Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist is one of the true forefathers of modern British and European Jazz; a pioneer and revolutionary in every sense and a giant musician, who managed to free himself from the boundaries imposed by the American Jazz tradition and take the music a step further to a new sphere. What is even more remarkable and amazing is the fact that in contrast to most British and European musicians, who took their emancipation from the rigors of the past towards Free Jazz and Improvised Music, Beck remained firmly within the seemingly “mainstream” form, playing melodically and in strict time, and yet so much “out there” that for people who are able to hear the difference it’s truly staggering. Beck first came to prominence when he joined the group led by British Jazz legend Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist in 1962 and remained with him for several years as his regular pianist, performing and recording some of the most remarkable albums in the British Jazz history. Since 1967 Beck started to record as a leader and his trio became the “house band” of the famous Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist’s London club. By the end of the 1960s he took part in the development of the British Jazz-Rock Fusion, playing with Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist in the European Rhythm MachineFind albums by this artist and later with NucleusFind albums by this artist. He became increasingly involved with other musicians from the European scene, especially with many French Jazz players (an association that thrives to these very days). His extensive discography accumulated over the years, both as leader and sideman, is a formidable body of work, which stands out as one of the most consistently excellent and creative. This album was Beck’s second (out of three) release on the tiny independent Major MinorFind albums on this label label, which in time became one of the most sought after British Jazz collector’s items. For the recording Beck expanded his trio (Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist – bass and Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist – drums) to a quartet, with the addition of no other that guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, known at the time as “Johnny”. Apart from the fact that this is one of the very few early McLaughlin recordings, and therefore of immense historical value, the entire quartet is probably one of the strongest and most extraordinary European ensembles, pioneering the European approach of collective playing. McLaughlin’s brilliant arpeggios, Oxley’s prophetic time keeping away from time, Clyne’s innovative bass explorations and Beck’s flights all over the keyboard collectively create an new amalgam of sounds, taking the music to a new dimension, previously unexplored. How ironic, considering that the material consists entirely from Pop songs popular at the time (hence the album’s title), but in the hands of these players the music becomes truly experimental, as promised by the album’s title. The album’s producer Ray HorricksFind albums by this artist writes in the original liner notes: “This could be the most creative Jazz quartet album ever recorded in Europe… previous quartet recordings in London, or on the Continent, and including the best, have consisted of a rhythm section accompanying a leading soloist; whereas this one features a genuine collective development along lines which no other group, except Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist’s in America, has yet proceeded”. How perceptive and prophetic… Kudos to Paul KohlerFind albums by this artist of Art Of LifeFind albums on this label Records for bringing this timeless masterpiece back to circulation. This music, 40 years after it was recorded, sounds better and more exciting than most of what one hears in contemporary Jazz. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | IAN CARR DOUBLE QUINTET ~ SOLAR SESSION
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 25 (Barcode: 5060774190227) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by British trumpeter / composer / bandleader / author Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, which presents a radio broadcast of a live session, recorded in October of 1970. The lineup is a tentet (or double quintet), which consists of Top British Jazz musicians of the time, some of which were members of Carr’s band NucleusFind albums by this artist at the time and other were invited to record the Nucleus third album “Solar PlexusFind albums with this title”: trumpeter Harold BeckettFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Brian SmithFind albums by this artist and Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist, bass clarinetist Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, guitarist Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist, percussionist Chris KaranFind albums by this artist and finally synthesizer (VCS3) player Keith WinterFind albums by this artist.
The album presents five tracks and the total playing time is only twenty-six minutes, which makes it rather an EP than a full CD. Perhaps with some patience more Ian Carr’s archival material might have been discovered to make this a more significant release, which of course does not undermine the value of the material included herein. The sound quality of this material is quite flat and a proper remaster might have added some glamour.
This session was recorded shortly before the recording of “Solar Plexus” commenced, and includes abridged versions of most of the material that was eventually included on that album, which in today’s terms would have been called a “sneak preview”. The lineup misses the great Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, who took part in the recording of the “Solar Plexus” album, playing on some tracks, alongside Beckett, who played on the other tracks.
The music, as wonderful as it is, appears somewhat hesitant and slightly “undercooked” in comparison to the future album’s versions, which makes this release slightly less essential than most of the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label releases so far, but for Carr / Nucleus completists is probably essential.
Overall this album is definitely worth investigating, although does not add anything highly significant to Ian Carr’s recorded legacy as such. As usual kudos to the label for digging this material up.
| | Updated: 22/06/2021Posted: 22/06/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISOTOPE ~ ISOTOPE
ESOTERIC 2272 (Barcode: 5013929737228) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2011
After playing with Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, Stomu Yamash`taFind albums by this artist and many leading Jazz ensembles, guitarist / composer Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, one of the most innovative and technically brilliant players on the British scene, eventually founded his own quartet, called IsotopeFind albums by this artist. In retrospect, Isotope was one of the finest early British Jazz-Rock ensembles, which played ambitious music and included some of the best players on the scene at the time. But as usual, playing fine music made it difficult to keep the group going for a long time, so after recording three excellent albums and sticking together for a few years, Isotope disappeared into oblivion. This was their 1st album and the quartet included keyboardist Brian MillerFind albums by this artist (who also wrote most of the music on this album), great bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist (NucleusFind albums by this artist) and drummer Nigel MorrisFind albums by this artist (who played with Boyle in Yamash`ta’s group). The music is brilliant from start to finish, slightly resembling Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, but of course completely original. This is an absolute must to all early British Jazz-Rock connoisseurs!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | KARL JENKINS ~ PENUMBRA II
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 41 (Barcode: 5060774190432) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2022
The great abundance of creativity and recording activity, which blessed the British Jazz scene during the Golden Decade (1965-1975), created, among many other cultural marvels, also the “silent hero” phenomenon, which in case of the great multi-instrumentalist / composer Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, is a classic embodiment of that concept. Although firmly present at the epicenter of the music-making turmoil at the time, from Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, via Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, NucleusFind albums by this artist, and most prominently Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, Jenkins’ name would hardly be the primary association for most people thinking about the music of that period, despite his enormous contributions – the fate of a “silent hero”. I have faithfully followed his continuous activity over the decades, which shifted primarily into the Classical Music idiom, which included grand pieces like “RequiemFind albums with this title” or intimate beauties like the latest “PianoFind albums with this title”, always with great satisfaction and pleasure.
This wonderful archival release brings us a three-part suite, composed by Jenkins and recorded live in 1971 with a dreamy ensemble, which includes the crème de la crème of the British Jazz-Rock musicians at the time: Jenkins on piano with trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, guitarist Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist, pianist Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist and percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, arguably the best ensemble ever put together at that time.
Although relatively short, running just under half an hour, the music is an absolute classic example of what was being created at the time, and as such somewhat similar, at least spiritually and aurally, to many other recordings of the period. The composition is based on a steady riff, which develops slowly and offers splendid opportunity to all the instrumentalists to create hair-raising solo parts. The sound quality is perfect, which makes the music to be audible in great detail.
Overall, this is a superb musical time capsule, brought to us courtesy of the people behind the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, who work tirelessly to unearth the great treasures of the British Jazz, making us, the followers and enthusiasts, ecstatically happy. It is also a much deserved “thank you” note to the contributions bestowed on us by this wonderful musician.
| | Updated: 30/11/2022Posted: 30/11/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NUCLEUS ~ ELASTIC ROCK / WE`LL TALK ABOUT IT LATER
BGO 0047 (Barcode: 5017261200471) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 - 1971
1st and 2nd albums recorded 1970 / 1971 by the outstandig UK Jazz-Rock Fusion outfit NucleusFind albums by this artist, led by the trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and featuring the best Jazz-Rock players in the country, many of which played later in bands such as Soft MachineFind albums by this artist a.m.o. Nucleus were of course pioneers of the genre and their contribution to the development of the genre is immense. This is an absolute must to all Jazz-Rock Fusion fans!
| | Updated: 28/07/2023Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NUCLEUS ~ HEMISPHERES
HUX 078 (Barcode: 682970000787) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2006
Led by trumpeter / composer Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, NucleusFind albums by this artist were not only the most important UK Jazz-Rock ensemble but in fact one of world’s pioneers of the genre. Carr created Nucleus to take the next step in his already well-established Jazz career. During the 1960s Carr was a co leader of the Don RendellFind albums by this artist / Ian Carr Quintet, one of the best UK modern Jazz ensembles. However by the end of the 1960s Carr felt a need to change his direction and move into the Rock influenced Jazz-Rock Fusion. Following the steps of US pioneers of the genre like Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist and Charles LloydFind albums by this artist and UK ensembles like the Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, Carr put together a group of the best players on the UK scene to create Nucleus. The band was an instant success and a revelation, soon to be recognized as the leading force of the newborn genre. The first incarnation of the group included (in addition to Ian Carr who played trumpet and flugelhorn) Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist on electric piano and oboe, Brian SmithFind albums by this artist on tenor and soprano saxophones, Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist on guitar, Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist on bass and John MarshallFind albums by this artist on drums. Between 1970 and 1971 this lineup recorded three fabulous albums: Elastic RockFind albums with this title, We`ll Talk About It LaterFind albums with this title and Solar PlexusFind albums with this title, which belong to the absolute classics of the genre. This album includes two live performances of this incarnation of Nucleus, recorded almost a year apart. The sound quality is truly amazing and the performances are stellar. Most of the material is taken from the a.m. three albums, but previously never released tunes are also included, which makes this album even more important. This is a prime example of European Jazz-Rock at its best, alive and kicking. Absolutely essential listening!
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  | NUCLEUS ~ IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO
BGO 599 (Barcode: 5017261205995) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2003
10th album by NucleusFind albums by this artist and the first live album the band recorded. Just four extended tracks, which showcase all the players and clearly proove how brilliant the group was, live as well as in the studio. Although there is no guitar player present, this is still a great example of what proper Fusion sounds, when performed by the best musicians of the genre.
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  | NUCLEUS ~ LABYRINTH / ROOTS
BGO 567 (Barcode: 5017261205674) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
5th & 6th albums, both from 1973 by UK`s most important Jazz/Rock ensemble. Featuring along the leader Ian Carr some of the best jazz & rock players of that period, each of their albums was a top-notch performance and includer brilliant extended compositions, mostly by Carr. They are in fact `concept` albums with common musical ideas.
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NUCLEUS ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
REPERTOIRE 1410 (Barcode: 4009910141021) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 - 1991 Released: 2021
This is a monumental 13CD archival Box Set by British Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble NucleusFind albums by this artist, founded and led by trumpeter / composer / author / bandleader Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, one of the key figures on the British Jazz scene for five decades from 1960s on. The Box Set collects 28 radio broadcasts recorded between July 1970 and November 1991, an incredible document of the British Jazz history, the development of the genre in general and Jazz-Rock Fusion in particular. Painstakingly collected, organized, remastered / restored, the music is a priceless tribute to one of the most creative bands active in Britain ever. The Box Set includes an informative booklet with an essay written by Roger FarbeyFind albums by this artist.
The Nucleus lineup included over time the absolute Who’s Who of the British Jazz scene, including many of the first generation of players, who revolutionized British Jazz in the late 1960s. Some of the most prominent figures, who played with the ensemble for many years were saxophonist / keyboardist Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist (who apart from Carr plays on almost all the tracks in this Box Set), saxophonist Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, guitarist Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist and many others. Many of the ensemble members contributed also their original compositions to the repertoire performed by the ensemble, especially in the early days, with Carr’s compositions dominating the repertoire in the later period.
Although Nucleus, contrary to Farbey’s statement, did not pioneer British Jazz-Rock Fusion as such, the ensemble was one of the key focal points of the genre for many years, even after the genre run out of steam by the mid-1970s. Carr was a prolific composer and Nucleus was for many years the best environment to develop and present his compositions in the most successful way.
As usual with such releases, based on material from the BBC vaults, it is imperative to emphasize the role of the BBC in the development of music in Britain, when it supplied the stable platform for musicians to perform, with the music being broadcast (sometimes worldwide) and eventually archived for posterity. This unmeasurable contribution to British Culture is truly phenomenal.
Considering the fact that the music in this Box Set was taken not only directly from the BBC archives but also from many secondary private sources, often with problematic sound quality, the sonic effect, especially of the early material, is not up to par with today’s standards, but in view of its historic quality is welcome here, although with a slight unease.
Overall, this Box Set is a remarkable effort to document the history of one of the greatest Jazz-Rock Fusion ensembles of all times, and considering the fact that it is mostly previously unreleased, it is a collector’s treasure chest. It is definitely somewhat expensive, but for avid collectors it is worth its weight in gold.
| | Updated: 06/03/2022Posted: 06/03/2022 | CD 13 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NUCLEUS ~ LIVE IN BREMEN
CUNEIFORM 173/174 (Barcode: 045775017327) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2003
Recorded live in 1971 for radio Bremen, this double album presents Nucleus second line-up, which features some of the best UK Jazz/Rock players at the time (4 of them played with various Soft Machine incarnations - Jenkins, Smith, Babbington and Marshall). With the brilliant guitar work by Ray Russell, this is somewhat similar to `Bitches Brew`, but of course recorded before Miles. A prime example of Fusion at its best!
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  | NUCLEUS ~ OUT OF THE LONG DARK / OLD HEARTLAND
BGO 420 (Barcode: 5017261204202) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1978 - 1988 Released: 1998
11th album by NucleusFind albums by this artist recorded in 1978 and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist`s solo project recorded in 1988. `Out Of The Long Dark` was recorded by a quintet (smallest) version of Nucleus and was to be the one before last album by the group. `Old Heartland` was a solo project by Carr leading a sextet and a String Orchestra and demonstrates Carr`s abilities as a gifted and versatile composer, in addition to his instrumental skills and his leadership of the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre. Breathtakingly beautiful music.
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  | NUCLEUS ~ THE PRETTY REDHEAD
HUX 038 (Barcode: 682970000381) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1971 - 1982 Released: 2003
NucleusFind albums by this artist, led by the trumpetter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, were one of the best Jazz-Rock Fusion ensembles of all times and recorded a series of brilliant albums between late 1960´s and 1980´s. This album brings to life two previously unreleases BBC session the group recorded in 1971 and 1982. The music steams with energy and superb instrumental performances. Since there are no new Nucleus albums, this is a blessed addition.
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  | NUCLEUS ~ UNDER THE SUN / SHAKEHIPS ETCETERA
BGO 568 (Barcode: 5017261205681) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
7th & 8th albums from 1974/1975 by this brilliant UK Jazz/Rock ensemble. Although the group`s member keep changing, they always include the cream of UK jazz & rock musicians. The compositions on these albums are slighly less complicated then the previous material, but nevertheless always challenging and deep.
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  | DON RENDELL / IAN CARR ~ CHANGE IS
BGO 613 (Barcode: 5017261206138) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2004
5th and last album by the seminal Don RendellFind albums by this artist / Ian CarrFind albums by this artist Quintet, probably the most important British Jazz ensemble in the 1960s, which played a key role in establishing the “British sound” in Jazz, breaking away from the constrains of American Jazz traditionalism. The quintet comprised of brilliant instrumentalists and composers and after playing together for about five years they achieved a telepathic understanding of each other’s mannerisms and preferences, allowing them to perform in unparalleled unison and harmony. Don Rendell on saxophones and flute, Ian Carr on trumpet and flugelhorn, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist on piano, Dave GreenFind albums by this artist on bass and Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist on drums were together a mean and lean, unstoppable music machine, creating some of the most daring and adventurous Jazz music ever heard.
However, as hinted by the album’s title, by the time this album was recorded the quintet reached the end of its life cycle. Both Garrick and Carr were extremely busy musically, composing and performing music outside the quintet’s frame, with Garrick leading his own ensemble and recording prolifically and Carr founding his own ensemble, the legendary NucleusFind albums by this artist, which was to become the definitive Jazz-Rock Fusion point of reference. Two of the compositions found on this album would soon be recorded as title tracks on albums by Garrick (Cold MountainFind albums with this title) and Nucleus (Elastic DreamFind albums with this title), clear evidence of the fact that the quintet was reaching the end of its days. Another indication of the imminent changes was the fact that the album includes, for the first time, guest musicians who augmented the quintet on several tracks. They were: Mick PyneFind albums by this artist on piano, Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist on bass, Guy WarrenFind albums by this artist on percussion and Stan RobinsonFind albums by this artist on saxophone, musicians who would soon play with the new ensembles formed after the quintet folded.
It is somewhat unfortunate that the following decade would be extremely flourishing for both Carr and Garrick, but Rendell was to slowly step back from the limelight and record only sporadically. But all that aside, the final recording by the Rendell / Carr quintet is a masterpiece of British Jazz in every respect, full of superb compositions and brilliant performances – an album that deserves a honorable position in every serious music collection. Essential!
| | Updated: 28/06/2021Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ FIFTH (EXPANDED EDITION)
SONY BMG 687290 (Barcode: 828768729021) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2007
5th album, which is also the first Soft MachineFind albums by this artist recording following Robert WyattFind albums by this artist’s departure from the group. Elton DeanFind albums by this artist enlisted the Australian drummer Phil HowardFind albums by this artist as Wyatt’s replacement. Howard played on Dean’s first album (Just UsFind albums with this title) recorded just a few month earlier and seemed a natural choice. However, after playing with the band for a few months in 1971 and then recording about half of the tracks on this album, the rest of the group felt that Howard’s free style didn’t feel completely right with their Jazz-Rock explorations and decided to look for a replacement. Fortunately they were able to enlist the absolutely best Jazz-Rock drummer on the UK scene at the time, John MarshallFind albums by this artist, who was a member of the fabulous Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist. Marshall brought to the band not only his amazing technique, but also more importantly his inventiveness and stability, which would serve as the perfect basis for the other members’ improvisations. The band completed the rest of the tracks on this album with Marshall at the drum chair. No horn-section was employed on this album, but the double bass player Roy BabingtonFind albums by this artist was used again to strengthen the rhythm section and allow more freedom and space for Hopper’s explorations. The album includes shorter pieces (in contrast to the LP’s sidelong tracks of ThirdFind albums with this title and FourthFind albums by this artist), creating a much more concise and focused musical opus, surely one of the best SM ever recorded. Listening to this album today will perhaps restore for some listeners the full glory it deserves, which was often overlooked by critics and fans alike, which usually prefer the Third album. This beautiful new remaster improves the original sound tremendously and the bonus track (alas only one) is a gem. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ SEVEN (REMASTERED)
SONY BMG 768729 (Barcode: 828768729229) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2007
7th album, which was the last recording Soft MachineFind albums by this artist did for CBSFind albums on this label. Following the release of SixFind albums with this title veteran SM member Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist announced his departure from the group. Hopper was not happy with the direction the group was taking, namely the less adventurous and jazz oriented Jazz-Rock, which dominated Six. Being a bold innovator and restless explorer, Hopper’s idea of well-organized and structurally sound music was unacceptable, and he decided to leave. For the third time in a row the band enlisted to their ranks a replacement from the band NucleusFind albums by this artist, this time the bass player Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist (who already participated on FourthFind albums with this title and FifthFind albums with this title). He switched from his acoustic bass to a six-string bass guitar and his integration into the band was completely smooth and natural, as he was already familiar with John MarshallFind albums by this artist and Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist. The music, written mostly by Jenkins and Mike RatledgeFind albums by this artist, is more Jazz-Rock than ever, with rather shorter, but extremely well structured and perfectly executed pieces. The keyboards duets and quirky rhythm patterns are the familiar Jazz-Rock devices used, similar to other groups which played similar music at the time. Contrary to the general opinion, which states that this album is not as strong as the previous SM releases, I personally completely disagree and consider this to be as essential as all the other CBS recordings with some of the best and most memorable SM tunes on it. After this album SM switched to the Harvest label, recording several Jazz-Rock albums featuring guitar players Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist and later John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist, all of which are still waiting for proper remaster. Essential!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ SIX (REMASTERED)
SONY BMG 687591 (Barcode: 828768759127) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2007
6th album by Soft MachineFind albums by this artist released originally as a double LP. Soon after recording FifthFind albums with this title, SM was facing more personnel changes with Elton DeanFind albums by this artist leaving the band to pursue his free jazz vocation. His replacement was another ex-NucleusFind albums by this artist founding member Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist. Jenkins was a classically trained musician with exceptional gift for composing beautiful melodies. In addition he was also a multi-instrumentalist and therefore was able not only to replace Dean on saxes, but he also played beautiful oboe and both acoustic and electric piano. The addition of Jenkins was a decisive factor for SM, adding to the band for the first time a touch of professionalism and virtuosity, this in addition to the great spontaneity and vitality the group always possessed. Jenkins turned out to be the group’s most prolific writer and more than half of the music on the new album was his contribution. The new lineup started touring immediately after Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist completed the recording sessions for his first album (1984Find albums with this title) and some of the shows were recorded with the intention of serving as part of the new album (first LP of the set). In late 1972 the group recorded the studio material for the album (second LP of the set), returning to the format of longer and more complex tunes. The music on this album is quite different from what SM played on ThirdFind albums with this title, FourthFind albums with this title and Fifth: it is much more melodic and atmospheric and of course not as much free jazz oriented. In fact this is one of the most essential examples of Jazz-Rock Fusion ever recorded, a direction SM was to follow from now on. This beautiful new remaster improves the original sound tremendously. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential 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 |
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