Record Reviews
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  | BOBBY MCFERRIN ~ 5 ORIGINAL ALBUMS
BLUE NOTE 600753769812 (Barcode: 600753769812) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1986 - 2002 Released: 2018
This Box Set collects reissues of five albums by the legendary American Jazz vocalist / composer Bobby McFerrinFind albums by this artist, originally released on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label between 1986 and 2002. They are: “Spontaneous InventionsFind albums with this title” (1986), “Simple PleasuresFind albums with this title” (1988), “Medicine MusicFind albums with this title” (1990), “Bang!ZoomFind albums with this title” (1995) and “Beyond WordsFind albums with this title” (2002).
The first three albums are almost entirely solo vocals recordings, on which McFerrin showcases his extraordinary technique and unlimited artistic imagination. There is a minimal instrumental accompaniment on selected tracks, but most of the music is created by McFerrin’s vocal cords and his “body percussion”. The resulting music is entirely groundbreaking and absolutely magical.
The two later albums are more “conventional” (if such word is applicable at all when talking about McFerrin), presenting the vocalist supported by some of the best Jazz musicians out there, including keyboardist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, drummer Omar HakimFind albums by this artist, bassist Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist and many others.
Except for a few interpretations of music by other authors, all the music is composed and arranged by McFerrin, presenting his amazing skills as songwriter / composer / arranger.
McFerrin is undoubtedly the greatest male Jazz vocalist of all time and one of the most creative, versatile and open-minded musical personalities ever on the American scene. His extensive and superbly diverse recorded legacy presents the full picture of his achievements so far, and one can never expect what else he will come up with next.
He is also one of the nicest human beings I have ever had the opportunity to meet in person, which is of course not less important than his musical genius. Definitely a “Don’t worry, be happy” person, but also an exceptionally gifted human being.
This music is of course beyond recommendation…
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as 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. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
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: 21/10/2021Posted: 21/10/2021 | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | WEATHER REPORT ~ LIVE IN COLOGNE 1983
ART OF GROOVE 80052 (Barcode: 885513800527) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1983 Released: 2011
This is a live recording by the legendary Fusion ensemble Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, captured by the German WDR at the beginning of final period of their activity and presents the last steady lineup of the group: keyboardist Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, bassist Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, drummer Omar HakimFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jose RossyFind albums by this artist. The music is spread across two CDs and is excellently recorded, being probably one of the best live Weather Report recordings as far sound quality is concerned.
This revitalized lineup, formed following the departure of Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist, created an influx of new creative energies into the group that was slowly going out of steam. This music was recorded before the album "ProcessionFind albums with this title" was recorded in the studio by this lineup, and includes several early version of the album´s tunes, but also rearranged versions of Weather Report favorites. The band is in excellent shape and seems to be very excited and relaxed, which if felt in the music. In addition the album also features a wonderful Zawinul / Shorter duet as well as a short Rossy / Hakim duet, which of course can only be heard on live recordings such as this one.
There is very little live Weather Report material available from this period and therefore this album is a true gem for the many fans of the group, filling many gaps. It is worth to remember that Weather Report never played bad music, contrary to what some people would like you to believe, which this album proves splendidly. Personally I remember hearing them at that time and those memories, compared to memories from gig in earlier periods always stood up to the challenge.
Overall this is a great tribute to the memory of one of the most important Fusion bands of all times, which deserves an honorable place in any decent record collection, especially of course in collections owned by the band´s numerous fans. In short this is a must have if you love or ever loved this band!
| | Updated: 18/06/2016Posted: 18/06/2016 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | WEATHER REPORT ~ PROCESSION
COLUMBIA 489775 (Barcode: 5099748977526) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1983 Released: 1991
This is the 12th album by the legendary band Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, which single handedly redefined the meaning of Fusion and led genre for two decades. It is also the first album by the last Weather Report lineup, which included the two leaders: keyboardist / composer Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / composer Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist with bassist Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, drummer Omar HakimFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jose RossyFind albums by this artist. The music, mostly composed (as usual) by Zawinul, is a wonderful mixture of Jazz, Fusion, Funk and World Music influences. Although received coldly at the time, in retrospect it´s as good as anything else the group recorded, different of course from what they did previously, but that was the point after all. A must!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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