Record Reviews

GARY BOYLE ~ ELECTRIC GLIDE ESOTERIC 2308 (Barcode: 5013929430846) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1978 Released: 2012 This is the 2nd solo album by the excellent British guitarist / composer Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, recorded after his excellent group IsotopeFind albums by this artist disbanded. A brilliant guitarist, Boyle enjoyed success as a sideman both in the Prog and Jazz circles in UK, and the work with Isotope firmly established his reputation as a formidable Jazz-Rock Fusion player. This album, recorded with an excellent team of superb players: guitarists: Robert AwhaiFind albums by this artist, Gary MooreFind albums by this artist and Kenny ShawFind albums by this artist, bassist Phil ChenFind albums by this artist, drummers Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist and Richard BaileyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Pete JacobsenFind albums by this artist and percussionist Simon MortonFind albums by this artist, is a classic example of the British Fusion, full of intricate melodies and virtuosic performances. There is not a dull moment here, from start to finish, and Fusion fans, who for some strange reason might have overlooked this treasure are about to discover a goldmine of pleasures. A must to any intelligent Fusion fan!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CHRIS FARLOWE ~ AS TIME GOES BY MIG 00792 (Barcode: 885513007926) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of the wonderful album by British Blues-Rock vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist, which presents his interpretations of classic Jazz vocal standards. As such it is the most atypical album by Farlowe and the one closest to Jazz he ever recorded. Farlowe is accompanied by a great sextet lead by saxophonist Pat CrumlyFind albums by this artist, which also includes trombonist Mark NightingaleFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, pianist John PearceFind albums by this artist who also wrote all the arrangements, bassist Simon WoolfFind albums by this artist and drummer Simon MortonFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded at the Temple Studios and engineered by the studio owner, the legendary Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. This reissue is remastered and includes one bonus track from the same session which was left out on the original release. This album emphasizes the great Jazz sensitivity and the improvisational urge Farlowe displayed thru ought his long career, but which remained mostly hidden and overshadowed by his Blues-Rock front. His theatrics and vocal trickery fits the old and well known standards superbly, presenting them with a certain twist and different sensitivities, which are delightful and often surprising. For many Farlowe followers this album is quite an "ear opener" into his abilities which are expressed herein for the first time. As Farlowe says in the album´s liner notes this was the music he heard in his early days, before he discovered Rhythm And Blues, which obviously influenced him and was partly responsible for his future musical personality. No wonder he decided to pay tribute to his Jazz roots, doing so with all his heart, as this album evidently shows. Obviously this album is a must to the many Farlowe fans and followers, but it is also definitely deserves to be discovered by the British Jazz followers who are probably completely unaware of its existence. This is such a pleasure to listen to this music and I hope many people will seek it out to join the party!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 25/06/2016

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend