Record Reviews

AMALGAM ~ ANOTHER TIME FMR 116 (Barcode: 649849981615) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2003 5th album by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble AmalgamFind albums by this artist, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist. On this album the lineup is a quartet, including guitarist Steve HaytonFind albums by this artist, bassist Pete CowlingFind albums by this artist and drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist, which marks the beginning of the second phase of Amalgam, which is characterized by the dual saxophone – guitar frontline. The music is written entirely by Watts, who after the departure of drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist became the group´s main composer. This album was originally released on the tiny German independent VinylFind albums on this label label, and was unavailable for many years, which is now rectified by this CD issue. With the guitar and electric bass the sound of the band changes completely, with a distinct Fusion feel, but the dexterity and obvious genius are still the same as always. This is probably the most accessible Amalgam album ever recorded and young listeners, ignorant of the band´s Improvised Music roots should be able to enjoy it immensely. This is still a classic, although a different cup of tea altogether. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AMALGAM ~ SAMANNA FMR 125 (Barcode: 649849981608) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 2003 6th album by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble AmalgamFind albums by this artist, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist. On this album the lineup is a quintet, including guitarist Dave ColeFind albums by this artist, bassists Pete CowlingFind albums by this artist and Colin McKenzieFind albums by this artist and drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist, which marks an extension of the quartet that recorded the previous album at beginning of the second phase of Amalgam, characterized by the dual saxophone – guitar frontline. The music is written entirely by Watts. This album was originally released on the tiny German independent VinylFind albums on this label label, and was unavailable for many years, which is now rectified by this CD issue. With the guitar and double electric bass the sound of the band becomes even more close to Fusion, but the extended improvisations and the virtuosity of the performers are still the same as always. This is again quite an accessible Amalgam album ever and easily enjoyed both by Jazz and Fusion adventurous music fans. This is still a classic and brilliant stuff as always!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend