Record Reviews
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  | GEORGE ADAMS ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE
CAM JAZZ 1018 (Barcode: 8052405140616) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1979 - 1983 Released: 2012
This superb Box Set collects all the albums recorded by the legendary American flautist / saxophonist / composer George AdamsFind albums by this artist on the twin Italian independent labels: Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label. The set includes five albums, three of which were recorded with the quartet he co-led with pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist and which also included bassist Cameron BrownFind albums by this artist and drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist, and the other two were recorded with a quintet co-led with drummer Dannie Richmond and which also included trombonist Jimmy KnepperFind albums by this artist, pianist Hugh LawsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Mike RichmondFind albums by this artist.
Adams is best known as a member of the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist ensembles or bands led by Gil EvansFind albums by this artist and Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist and later as a co-leader of the quartet with pianist Don Pullen. His musical interests covered a very wide range of sub-genres, from Rhythm And Blues to Free Jazz and he felt quite comfortable playing in any of them, often on the same album. His passionate performances and his occasional vocal escapades made him one of the most colorful and loved Jazz performers in the 1980s. His premature death at the age of 52 robbed the American Jazz scene of one of its most original personalities. In the late 1980s Adams was a member of the short-lived quartet called PhalanxFind albums by this artist, which also included guitarist James Blood UlmerFind albums by this artist, one of the most adventurous ensembles of that period.
Remastered, mini-sleeved, and with a great bargain price – this Box Set an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector.
Side Note
The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label.
The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented.
However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker 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 to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty.
These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BURTON / METHENY / SWALLOW / SANCHEZ ~ QUARTET LIVE
CONCORD 888072313033 (Barcode: 888072313033) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2009
In the 1960s the celebrated American vibraphonist / composer Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist led a quartet, which also included guitarist Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist (and later Bob MosesFind albums by this artist). That quartet recorded a series of brilliant albums, which in retrospect clearly show how pioneering and revolutionary that music was at the time, giving birth to Jazz-Rock Fusion years ahead of anybody else in the US. The young and up-coming guitarist Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist joined that same quartet just a few years later (mid-1970s), adding his unique input to the quartet´s sublime legacy.
This live recording at the legendary Yoshi´s Jazz club in Oakland captures a reunion of the original (1970s) quartet with the exception of the Mexican drummer Antonio SanchezFind albums by this artist, who is of course a member of the much younger generation of Jazz players, but his remarkable qualities suited the occasion perfectly. They perform a series of mostly original compositions by the three veteran group members, which have all been performed at the time by the original quartet. A few compositions originating from outside the quartet, but performed at the time, as also included, those being by Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Carla BleyFind albums by this artist, Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist and Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist.
This quartet treats these compositions quite differently in comparison to the original performances, bringing the arrangements up to date both sonically and stylistically, which awards them a second life. The overall level of performance is of course stellar, which is not surprising considering the aggregation of talent present. It is really great to hear Metheny play Jazz again, which he scarcely does with his own group. Both Burton and Swallow seem to be completely untouched by time and sound in top form. It is truly uplifting to see Jazz veterans being able to create music, which is fresh and valid today, as it was decades ago. Great stuff!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GARY BURTON ~ LIKE MINDS
CONCORD 013431480327 (Barcode: 013431480327) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1997 Released: 1998
This is an album by iconic American vibraphonist / composer / bandleader Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with a dreamy lineup, which includes pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist, British bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, nine of which are original compositions (four by Metheny, three by Corea and two by Burton) and one is a standard.
Apart for the fact that this is the first album on which Corea and Metheny play together, everything else about it is completely ordinary: the music is all within melodic mainstream Jazz, no challenge whatsoever, all perfectly executed of course by these brilliant musicians, but a classic example of music going nowhere really.
Of course many Jazz listeners can enjoy this album immensely, but in retrospect it left no lasting impression. Burton, Corea and Metheny play exactly like they always do on their own albums and the quintet does not reach an ensemble sound. The rhythm section is as perfect as possible, but again they just play completely ordinarily. As much as I love and respect the individual musicians playing here, this album just ain’t cutting it. And yes – it won the Grammy in 1999…
Overall, this is a typical American Jazz album of the late 1990s, which offers smooth, likeable music, which shows exactly what is wrong with American Jazz – it is just frozen in time for decades. Great for cocktail parties…
| | Updated: 03/03/2022Posted: 03/03/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN COLTRANE ~ THE COMPLETE 1961 VILLAGE VANGUARD RECORDINGS
IMPULSE! 232 (Barcode: 011105023221) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1961 Released: 1997
When this music was recorded in November of 1961 I was only 10 years old and yet it changed my life forever. Living in (Socialist) Poland, my access to contemporary (at the time) jazz originating in the US was pretty limited and the only beacon of light was the daily Willis ConoverFind albums by this artist’s radio jazz program on Voice Of America, beamed from across the Iron Curtain. Millions of Eastern European listeners would risk freedom (listening to VOA was a criminal act then) to gain freedom, myself included. These broadcasts changed the life of countless people and particularly in Poland would eventually be a dominant factor in the process of forming a burgeoning and extremely fruitful local jazz scene. Many hours of my early childhood were spent with myself standing on a conductor’s podium (e sledge), in front of an imaginary orchestra playing inside the enormous radio (a pre WW II antique). Since classical music was less censored and sponsored by the Establishment, it was there for us to enjoy most of it of very high quality. I remember listening for hours at end to the annual Chopin competition, which was Poland’s most prestigious music event, getting to know his music inside out before I even knew anything about him. My Mother encouraged my “conducting” aspirations warmly, supplementing them with occasional background information. But the discovery of jazz and its strange convoluting patterns and unfamiliar rhythms was a revelation. I just couldn’t get enough of it and every new artist or piece of music was an instant bliss. By the time I was about to hear John ColtraneFind albums by this artist for the first time I was already familiar with the music of Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, Count BasieFind albums by this artist, Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist and Dizzie GillespieFind albums by this artist (thanks to Mr. Conover). Conover, in contrast to many of his peers (who were stuck in be-bop or some earlier jazz sub-genre for the rest of their lives), was remarkably open-minded and understood the genius of Coltrane and his visionary contribution to the development of the Jazz Art form. He therefore featured every new Coltrane album as soon as it was released. So here I was, 10 years old, some time in early 1962, listening to the Village Vanguard sessions – an experience equivalent to a 10,000 Volts electricity shock. My life would definitely be never the same again. I hope these personal reminiscences don’t put you off too much, but I just couldn’t resist the temptation. Taking the time-travel express to now here are my comments about this music from a “45 years later” point of view. In 1961 Coltrane left AtlanticFind albums on this label (his second label, PrestigeFind albums on this label being the first) and signed a contract with Impulse!Find albums on this label, the new and ambitious jazz label run by producer Bob ThieleFind albums by this artist, where he would stay for the rest of his life. Coltrane was already following a path (mostly subconsciously) which would lead him to the edge of the known jazz explorations and beyond. His monumental Atlantic albums like Giant Steps and My Favorite Things were just a glimpse of things to come. Coltrane felt that Thiele would allow him to speed up the process of reaching the quest of musical enlightenment by allowing him total artistic freedom and supporting him all the way and he was of course right. The extensive volume of music recorded for Impulse! in the span of almost 7 years right up to his death would become the most important musical legacy of the 20th Century, so innovative and groundbreaking that it is still a mystery to many contemporary listeners and musicologists today. Coltrane’s first recording for Impulse! (in the spring of 1961) would be the Africa / Brass sessions, an ambitious project involving a large ensemble of the most gifted players on the scene (Freddie HubbardFind albums by this artist, Booker LittleFind albums by this artist, Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist and many others) – see The Complete Africa / Brass SessionsFind albums with this title album, another essential Coltrane release. These sessions introduce several new elements in Coltrane’s music, like Far-Eastern motifs, African rhythms and other ethnic influences. In November of 1961 Thiele decided to record Coltrane live, using the 4 nights booking at the NY club The Village Vanguard (where many jazz albums were recorded live) for this purpose. The booking was for a John Coltrane Quintet and it was only natural that the Quintet would include Eric Dolphy, whom Coltrane knew, respected and played with earlier. The legendary Quartet (with McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist, Jimmy GarrisonFind albums by this artist and Elvin JonesFind albums by this artist) was not entirely crystallized at the time, so Coltrane and Thiele decided to expand the line-up (on some takes) to include an oud player (Ahmed Abdul-MalikFind albums by this artist) and alternative bassist (Reggie WorkmanFind albums by this artist) and drummer (Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist). Since this music was recorded for a future release Thiele (as any produce would do) recorded several takes of each tune, some with an alternating line-up. This 4CDs Box Set includes all the music that was recorded during these four days (mind you not all the music that was played, as some of it was not recorded hence the “complete” being not entirely true) in the exact order it was recorded. This music was to be released later on two albums (Live At The Village Vanguard and The Other Village Vanguard Tapes) as well as parts of other albums (Impressions) and collections. Collected here together for the first time, this is a monumental piece of jazz history and an unforgettable musical experience. Coltrane’s circular breathing technique and his “wall of sound” approach are clearly evident here for the first time in their full glory. The comparison of the different versions of the same tunes are both fundamental and clairvoyant examples of the “one time experience” that every jazz performance essentially is. The power, the vision, the super-human strength of will of the Master and Prophet (please excuse the almost religious references) that Coltrane was, are here for us, his disciples, to discover, study, revere and bequest to future generations. This Box Set is something one has in one’s record collection for life. It is not only timeless, but also constantly evolving in parallel to one’s private (musical) evolution. Listening to it time after time (especially after a long period of abstention) will be revealing and constantly surprising. It is a superb example of great Art, which keeps alive for eternity, adopting itself to the changing cultural surroundings, and therefore being truly eternal. I can’t imagine anybody, who calls himself a music lover, not owning this music, as naive as this might sound, since I believe there is something in it for everybody. Beyond essential!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 4 Box Set Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA ~ TRIO MUSIC
ECM 1232/33 (Barcode: 601215945423) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1981 Released: 1990
The members of this great Jazz trio, comprising of pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, bassist Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist, met briefly in the late 1960s, when they recorded Corea´s 2nd album as a leader called "Now He Sings, Now He SobsFind albums with this title", which was one of the great recordings of that period. On this album they continue their musical journey together, now certainly more mature and with a lot of experience behind them. This album, originally released as a double LP, presents the trio in two quite different settings. The music, which was originally present on LP 1, is a set of trio and duo improvisation, whereas the music on LP 2 is a series of compositions by the great Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, uniquely transformed by the trio. With musicians of this caliber one should expect nothing less that perfection, and this is exactly what this album is all about: perfection. The trio simply floats in perfect harmony, from one tune to the next, as if this incredible music was the easiest thing to do, which of course it surely isn´t. Just grab it and immerse yourself in these sounds, blissfully forgetting everything else. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA ~ TRIO MUSIC LIVE IN EUROPE
ECM 1310 (Barcode: 602517758315) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1984 Released: 2008
US pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist has been in the epicenter of modern Jazz for the last five decades, always on top and up-to-date, a living legend. Corea´s recorded legacy accumulated over time amounts to a staggering body of work, presenting him as a prolific and diverse Artist, who can be inventive and intelligent regardless of the musical circumstance he finds himself in, be it Free Jazz, Fusion, contemporary Classical or just straight ahead (well never really "straight ahead") Jazz. This live recording spotlights Corea´s talents as an interpreter of Jazz standards, as well as performing his own compositions and compositions by his fellow musicians. The trio (called "Trio Music") includes two other legendary musicians: bassist Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist, and is one of Chic´s "regular" groups that he records and tours with. The performance is absolutely stunning, from start to finish and Corea´s virtuosity, great sense of humor and intelligence are simply breathtaking. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | PIOTR MATUSIK ~ TRIBUTE TO CHICK COREA
REGIO 602547470744 (Barcode: 602547470744) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz pianist / composer Piotr MatusikFind albums by this artist, and as the title suggests it is dedicated to the music of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, featuring six Corea classic compositions. The album was recorded in a quartet setting, which includes also saxophonist Jakub ChojnackiFind albums by this artist, bassist Dariusz ZiolekFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam BuczekFind albums by this artist.
Obviously it´s not difficult to understand why a young and aspiring pianist would choose Chick Corea as his role model; after all Corea is one of the greatest and most revered Jazz musicians in all times and a brilliant, often visionary pianist / composer. However, recording an album consisting entirely of Chick Corea´s compositions as a young pianist´s debut album is a hazardous and honestly a questionable decision. It takes years of experience to understand and than tackle the complexity and depth of Corea´s compositions, way beyond the sheer ability to play them.
The easiest way to look at it would be to compare each of the compositions featured on this album with the original initial versions of the same compositions as recorded by Corea himself. The album starts with "Now He Sings, Now He SobsFind albums with this title" from the album by the same name recorded by Corea in March 1968, shortly before he started playing with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. It was recorded by a trio with Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist on bass and Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist on drums and marked the beginning of Corea´s most Avant Garde, adventurous and experimental period. At the time of its release the album was completely revolutionary, original and groundbreaking. Now the version of the same composition heard on this album sounds like lounge Smooth Jazz, easy on the ear and of course completely trivializing the original music, which hardly goes well with the "tribute" intention. A similar analysis of all the rest of the album reveals sadly more or less a similar pattern.
Let´s get something straight here: these four musicians can play well, even exceptionally well. They are schooled and trained and they know their notes and chords and harmonies. And yet it all comes to nothing as far as creative, ambitious music making is concerned. This album is a terrible mistake, a waste of energy and a lack of direction. Playing someone else´s music in a watered down version is definitely not a way to go by a young and aspiring musician.
Of course the future is still very much ahead of these musicians, and anything can happen. It is my duty to point them in a right direction, even if this is a seemingly cruel and painful way to do it. Better luck next time.
| | Updated: 17/12/2018Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANDRZEJ OLEJNICZAK ~ NEW SAX CONCERTOS
POLSKIE RADIO 1855-1856 (Barcode: 5907812248550) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is a wonderful album by Polish (living in Spain) Jazz saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist, who performs three "borderline" pieces bridging Jazz and Classical music, which feature the saxophone as the leading instrument. The album was recorded live with Olejniczak performing the music with the Polish Radio OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist. Drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist is featured as co-soloist on one track.
The first piece, entitled "Focus Suite", was written by American composer Eddie SauterFind albums by this artist specifically for saxophonist Stan GetzFind albums by this artist, who recorded the suite in 1961 on the album entitled "FocusFind albums with this title", which to this day remains as one of the most revered Jazz recordings of all times. The original recording features Getz supported by a Jazz piano trio (pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist, bassist John NevesFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist) and a small string ensemble, with the music beautifully arranged by Sauter.
The second piece, entitled "Sax Concerto For Soprano Saxophone And Symphony Orchestra, was written by American composer Mark KussFind albums by this artist in 2006.
The third piece, entitled "Jazz Concerto For Saxophone And Orchestra", was written by Polish violinist / composer / conductor Krzesimir Debski in 2008. Debski and Olejniczak were both members of the legendary Polish Jazz ensemble String ConnectionFind albums by this artist, which was active in the 1980s. The concerto was written for Olejniczak and incorporates many of the themes that appeared on the albums String Connection recorded at the time and the solo saxophone parts are based on transcriptions of the violin solos played by Debski at the time. In many respects this concerto symbolizes the closing of a time loop bringing the two great musicians together again.
The music is excellently performed by Olejniczak, who has a beautiful tone and superb technique. Although most of the music here is composed, there are plenty of opportunities for Olejniczak to express his own improvised passages, making this entire performance a once in a lifetime event. The orchestra is also top notch, supporting the soloist with elegance and obvious sympathy.
Fans of Jazz-Classical fusion will find this music right up their alley, but listeners of both Classical Music and Jazz should find this music worth their attention, especially in view of its aesthetic merits. Warmly recommended!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAL URBANIAK ~ JAZZ LEGENDS 1
UBX 1013 (Barcode: 5905912551907) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rap Fusion
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2014
This is a reissue of the album by Polish Jazz violin virtuoso / composer / bandleader Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, originally released in the US in 1981 as "Music For Violin & Jazz QuartetFind albums with this title" and credited to the one time ensemble called NY5Find albums by this artist, which included Urbaniak and four distinguished American Jazz musicians: guitarist Ted DunbarFind albums by this artist, pianist Kenny BarronFind albums by this artist, bassist Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the short-lived JAMFind albums on this label (Jazz America Marketing) label, founded by Richard SpringFind albums by this artist, and was the label´s first release with catalogue number 001. The album was produced by the legendary Jazz producer Michael CuscunaFind albums by this artist.
The album was recorded on December 17 & 18, 1980 following a week´s residency by the quintet at the renowned NY Village Vanguard club, where the music was polished live and readied to be recoded. The album presents eight tracks, three of which are original compositions by Urbaniak and five are standards
For Urbaniak, who arrived in NY from Poland in 1973, this album was an important milestone in his life-long quest to be recognized as a bona fide Jazz musician by his American idols and playing and recording with such luminaries was definitely a seal of approval. Although he recorded a stream of revolutionary albums earlier on, both in Poland and in the US, he was playing a unique Jazz-World Fusion / Funk, which was brilliant but not exactly recognized as "pure" American mainstream Jazz as such. Therefore this album was practically his first mainstream Jazz recording, symbolizing Urbaniak becoming a part of the "pack", or at least his hope to achieve that status, which in retrospect proved to be an impossible dream.
Listening to this album from a forty years perspective proves a few interesting aspects. Urbaniak was at his peak an absolutely amazing violin player, way better that any other violinist on the US scene at the time. His technique, impeccable aesthetics, superb groove and Swiss clock precision timing, combined with a natural feel for Jazz, improvisation and harmony set him apart from other Jazz musicians on the NY scene. He was also an absolutely brilliant composer, which is why his original compositions on this album are way more interesting than the rest of the material.
As for the contributions by the quartet; well they are exactly what one would expect from highly experienced and professional players – they do their job. They keep time, they solo adequately and they play the same way they have been playing always, regardless what gig was on, in short they play American Jazz.
Despite the effort, Urbaniak, even on this album, stays faithful to his basic instincts. The Polish melancholy, the childhood melodies and the European aesthetics are all still there for all see (and hear). Thank God for that!
Not surprisingly the original album sold poorly and was ignored by American media, soon to be deleted from the market. It is great to see it reissued by Urbaniak on his own UBXFind albums on this label label, as it surely deserves to be remembered and enjoyed!
| | Updated: 14/06/2020Posted: 14/06/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ JAZZ ON VOGUE
SONY 887254437727 (Barcode: 887254437727) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1947 - 1957 Released: 2013
This incredible Box Set collects 35 early Jazz albums released on the legendary French Jazz labels: Disques VogueFind albums on this label founded in 1947 and its subsidiary SwingFind albums on this label, which was originally established in Paris in 1937 by Charles DelaunayFind albums by this artist and passed to Vogue in 1948. The music was recorded during the first post WWII decade (1947-1957) and features both American Jazz artists, who visited France or lived in France at the time as well as European Jazz artists. Paris was at the time the European Jazz center, which corresponded splendidly with its status as the European intellectual center, which produced dramatic and groundbreaking developments in European Philosophy, Plastic Arts, Cinema, Literature and of course music. Most of these albums were originally released on 10-inch LPs, which had a time limit under half an hour, and therefore they are arranged here to span over 20 CDs, each well over an hour long. The music was beautifully remastered and sounds remarkably fresh and vibrant.
The list of the performers reads like a who´s who of American Jazz at the time: Dizzy GillespieFind albums by this artist, Roy EldridgeFind albums by this artist, Sidney BechetFind albums by this artist, Mary Lou WilliamsFind albums by this artist, Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist, Lionel HamptonFind albums by this artist, Clifford BrownFind albums by this artist, Jimmy RaneyFind albums by this artist, Oscar PettifordFind albums by this artist, Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist, Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist, Lalo SchifrinFind albums by this artist and many others. The Europeans (French and Belgian in this case) are represented by Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist, Martial SolalFind albums by this artist, Bobby JasparFind albums by this artist, Henri RenaudFind albums by this artist, Rene ThomasFind albums by this artist, Andre HodeirFind albums by this artist, Barney WilenFind albums by this artist and many others.
Stylistically the music spans quite a wide range of Jazz sub-genres, from New Orleans via Swing, Bee Bop, Cool and Early European Modern Jazz. Of course all of it is absolutely classic stuff as far as Jazz history is concerned and is essentially timeless. The most astonishing discovery, in retrospect, is the fact that the European musicians at that early stage already hold their ground opposite the Americans, showing early signs of a much more open-minded approach and a will to step beyond the American dominated Jazz conventions of the time.
Many of these albums were never before released on CD; some of them are ultra-rare collectors´ items since decades. For example the three early Martial Solal releases (collected on CD number 6) are absolutely stunning examples of modern European piano trio recordings, which is decades ahead of its time, as are several other albums in this set.
This is an essential collection for any serious Jazz connoisseur, which covers a huge void in many record collections. This box is worth its price (which is very reasonable) in gold and should serve as an example of how reissue projects should be produced. An absolute must!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 20 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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