Record Reviews

JON HISEMAN ~ ABOUT TIME TOO! VERABRA 2014 (Barcode: 4011687201426) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1985 Released: 1991 This must be one of the most unique albums ever released, as it consists entirely of drum solos by the legendary British drummer / composer / bandleader Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, one of the pillars of modern British Jazz, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Progressive Rock. There is but a handful of British musicians who have managed to create such a gigantic musical legacy over time and Jon´s contribution to music is simply invaluable. The solos on this album were all recorded during live concerts played by the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, an multinational collective of European Jazz musicians, of which Jon was a founding member, and concerts by the superb Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist´s ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist ensemble (Barbara being of course Jon´s wife and life companion). The original LP edition of this album consisted of four tracks, two of which were full drum solos (lasting sixteen and eleven minutes respectively) and two part-solos included for their uniqueness. This CD version of the album was extended with one more full solo (also timing almost sixteen minutes). An album of drum solos might seem excessive (to say the least) at first, but anybody who appreciates the Art of music and the virtuosity involved in playing it will surely be able to appreciate the contents of this album. It is not only about Hiseman´s technical skills, but first and foremost about his musicality and his ability to "play" the drums rather than bang of them simply marking the tempi. Each of these solos is completely unique and tells a different story, with different moods, emotion and explorations involved. People who are experienced concert goers know that drum solos are usually just an opportunity to get the public excited with a seemingly dazzling display of drumming virtuosity, but in most cases have almost nothing to do with the actual music being played before and after the solo; in case of Hiseman´s solos there is as much music in them as when the full band is playing. These solos tell many stories about using the drum as an instrument on many different levels. They show how a melody can be played using drums, what polyrhythmic drumming means, how important controlling the dynamics is and finally how Rock, Jazz and Fusion merge together in the hands and legs of one fantastic drummer. In case you get completely bored and depressed by the bullshit you are exposed to on the Media on the day to day level, simply reach out and put this album in the player – I promise the world will instantly and inevitably turn into a better place. Thank you Jon for simply being there all those years!

Updated: 06/02/2016Posted: 06/02/2016

CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BARBARA THOMPSON ~ LIVE AT THE BBC REPERTOIRE 1376 (Barcode: 4009910137628) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1990 Released: 2020 This is a monumental 14CD Box Set by British saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, the mightiest female heroine of the British Jazz scene in the last six decades. The Box Set collects 27 radio broadcasts recorded between February 1969 and June 1990, an incredible document not only of Thompson’s incredible career, but basically of the entire two decades of the most intense British Jazz history. Painstakingly collected, organized and remastered / restored, the music is an orgy of some of the most intense music played on the British Isles at the time. The music is performed by the absolute Who’s Who of the British Jazz scene at the time, starting with Barbara’s husband Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, who stood by her side since they married in 1967 for many years until his tragically premature death in 2018. But reading the credits of the participating musicians is like reading an encyclopedia of British Jazz. Thomson appears here as a member of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (NJOFind albums by this artist) and groups led by other musicians, but principally as leader of her own ensembles, including JubiabaFind albums by this artist and ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist. Many compositions appearing here were her own and many of them are previously unreleased. Of course it is rather futile to describe such vast amount of music, all of which is obviously brilliant, so rather than doing so I can only recommend to every British Jazz fan to get a copy of this Box Set as long as it is available. It includes hours upon hours of superb musicianship and infinite creativity, that must not be forgotten. This is also a splendid opportunity to thank the BBC for supporting British Jazz (and British music in general) for so many years, recording the music and broadcasting it consistently and on the way collecting a bottomless vault of musical treasures, which see the light of day often only decades later. A huge portion of British Jazz recordings exist solely due to all this activity. Overall, this is an absolute treasure chest of music, which deserves to be heard by future generations. It is also a beautiful example of dedication and painstaking work by many people, who contributed to create this release, and of course all deserve our thanks for making it happen.

Updated: 19/12/2021Posted: 18/12/2021

CD 14 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BARBARA THOMPSON`S PARAPHERNALIA ~ LIVE IN CONCERT (80TH BIRTHDAY EDITION) REPERTOIRE 1473 (Barcode: 4009910147320) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1980 Released: 2024 This is a reissue / remaster of a live album by British Jazz saxophonist / flautist / bandleader Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist and her band ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist, which included keyboardist Colin DudmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Dill KatzFind albums by this artist and drummer (and Barbara’s husband) Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Thompson, one is by Dudman and one is by British keyboardist / composer Peter LemerFind albums by this artist. The album was originally released as a double LP and this is the first time it is released on CD. To commemorate Barbara’s 80th Birthday, this edition was expanded to include a bonus CD, called “The Flute Collection”, which presents a collection of ten tracks, which feature Barbara’s flute performances, recorded with various ensembles in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. The album was beautifully and lovingly put together, including the extensive booklet, by Ana GraceyFind albums by this artist, Barbara’s and Jon’s daughter, and includes numerous photographs, press clippings and other memorabilia, to commemorate Barbara’s passing in 2022, which was deeply mourned by her family and friends. Paraphernalia was Barbara’s vehicle to present her wide range of compositions, which amalgamated many diverse influences, from Classical Music, World Music and of course Jazz in all its splendor of sub-genres. She was a remarkable instrumentalist, with a superb feel and outstanding improvisational abilities. She was an integral part of the British Jazz scene since the 1960s and her numerous recordings as a leader and sidewoman are a beacon of excellency and talent. She is also a great heroine as far as her personal fight with the Parkinson’s disease, which sadly overshadowed her life during the last period of her life. Overall, this is a great opportunity to re-visit this live album, which reflects the spirit of one of the best British bands active at the time, and enjoy the superb performances by Barbara, Colin, Dill and John, which of course I had the immense pleasure to listen to in person many a time. I am sure many Paraphernalia fans will enjoy listening to this album again and now with the bonus album as a cherry on top, this is truly irresistible. Thanks to Ana and everybody else involved in this project for making this music available again!

Updated: 29/07/2024Posted: 29/07/2024

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend