Record Reviews

GUSTAV BROM ~ POLYMELOMODUS GAD 032 (Barcode: 5901549197402) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2015 This is a reissue of the cult album by the Czech arranger / bandleader Gustav BromFind albums by this artist and his Orchestra, released originally in Czechoslovakia in 1977 by the state owned SupraphonFind albums on this label label. During the post-WWII Socialist Era, the Gustav Brom OrchestraFind albums by this artist was the only Big Band from behind the Iron Curtain, which was known in the West and was considered to be one of the top Big Bands in the world. One of the characteristics of the Brom leadership was the fact that the orchestra performed mainly original compositions by the orchestra members. This album includes six pieces, five of which are original compositions by the orchestra members and one is an arrangement of a Steely DanFind albums by this artist song. This is the first time this album is available on CD and it includes one alternate take as a bonus track. The music is a remarkable amalgam of the Big Band sound with Jazz-Rock and Funk genres, which were popular at the time. Very few traditional Big Bands attempted to tackle the influx of new musical directions and therefore this album is so unique in its openness and forward thinking. The original music played by the orchestra is absolutely stunning, combining high-quality melodic themes with brilliant Big Band arrangements and superb execution by the orchestra members, which were all top Czechoslovak Jazz musicians active at the time. It´s remarkable how fresh and contemporary this album sounds today, losing absolutely nothing of its original charm and quality. Some of the Jazz-Rock arrangements present here are supreme classics of the Brass-Rock idiom. Considering the fact that Big Bands are a dying breed today, it´s so great to be able to listen to this marvel again and perhaps learn from it. This is another superb project by the excellent GADFind albums on this label Records label, which consistently earns a reputation of one of the most important reissue specialist labels in the world, under the leadership of the label owner Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist. Absolutely wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 23/02/2016Posted: 23/02/2016

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ THE ROYAL DAN MASCOT 7189 (Barcode: 8712725718925) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 This is the 4th project in the series of Fusion tributes, conceived, produced and arranged by Jeff RichmanFind albums by this artist. Dedicated this time to the fabulous music of Steely DanFind albums by this artist – the band that gave us all some of the best crafted and most sophisticated tunes ever. The format is again a fixed band (Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist – drums, Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist – bass, Peter WolfFind albums by this artist – keyboards and Ernie WattsFind albums by this artist – sax) with a long gallery of Fusion guitarists (Robben FordFind albums by this artist, Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, Mike SternFind albums by this artist, Frank GambaleFind albums by this artist and others). The electrifying performances seem to go on forever and as the music is obviously excellent, the entire project is just one great heap of fun. For Fusion heads and guitar lovers this is obviously a must have, but most music loving folks should have a feast with this stuff.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ VIVA CARLOS!: A SUPERNATURAL MARATHON CELEBRATION MASCOT 7210 (Barcode: 8712725721024) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 5th Fusion tribute album produced by Jeff RichmanFind albums by this artist (see the earlier John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and Steely DanFind albums by this artist Fusion tributes). Sticking to the same formula, the producer sets up a “house band” (this time including Peter WolfFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Abe LaborielFind albums by this artist – bass, Dave WecklFind albums by this artist – drums and Luis ConteFind albums by this artist – percussion) and matches it with some of the best Fusion guitar players (this time Robben FordFind albums by this artist, Frank GambaleFind albums by this artist, Albert LeeFind albums by this artist, Pat MartinoFind albums by this artist, Mike SternFind albums by this artist and others). As the title suggests, the subject matter this time is the music of Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist. Since this formula worked out splendidly on the previous four albums, there is no reason to suspect that things would go wrong this time, and indeed they don’t. The only problem might have been the choice of material from the vast SantanaFind albums by this artist repertoire, but fortunately only the best tunes were selected, all of them from his early and most fruitful years. The various guitar players, rather then to imitate Santana’s guitar sound and special technique, play in their own individual way, taking the music places often quite different from the origin. The entire album works out beautifully as a whole and Fusion fans (and guitar freaks) should have a field day with this stuff.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend