Record Reviews
18 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | BRIAN AUGER ~ LANGUAGE OF THE HEART
GHOSTOWN (Barcode: 885767215412) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012
This is an album by British (resident in California) keyboardist / composer / bandleader Brian AugerFind albums by this artist produced and recorded with the American duo TeaFind albums by this artist (guitarist Franck BalloffetFind albums by this artist and percussionist / keyboardist Phil BunchFind albums by this artist). Several other musicians also participate on the album. The album presents seven original compositions, all co-credited to Auger and Tea.
Auger, as anybody reading my reviews already knows, has been my absolutely favorite Hammond organ player since I first heard him in London exactly fifty years ago and still is today. Nobody, and I mean nobody, managed to come even close to his exquisite feel and the ability to achieve a perfect cross-genre (before cross-genre was invented) mixture of Pop / Jazz / Soul / Groove, which he perfected while playing with his TrinityFind albums by this artist and Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist and later with the Oblivion ExpressFind albums by this artist.
Listening to this album is like taking the time machine trip five decades back and listening to Auger swirl around the Hammond, with precisely the same feel and sound I remember hearing in London clubs and later on the early albums. The compositions are all also perfectly in the same mold, which simply could not make me (and many of Auger´s faithful followers) more happy.
All the musicians taking part in the recording do a great job and except for the vocals, which I could do without (but which are definitely of secondary importance), the music comes together perfectly. Although I usually say that nobody does music like that anymore, obviously Auger is the notable exception to the rule.
Overall this is just an absolutely perfect Brian Auger album, which finds him doing what he does best – playing his Hammond like nobody else can do. In contrast to other "revival" efforts by many musicians who go back to the 1960s, which are mostly sad and pitiful, Auger manages simply to be himself here, carefree and obviously happy, which clearly projects through the music, which again is as timeless as it always was.
Thank you Brian for the gift of music over the years!
| | Updated: 26/07/2019Posted: 26/07/2019 | CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ 3
COLUMBIA 30090 ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
3rd album from 1970. Although less favored by the critics, this album is as good as the self-titled previous one, with David Clayton-Thomas` soaring vocals and those incredible instrumental arrangements. As usual it contains some original material (especially the brilliant `Lucretia Mac Evil`) and some great arrangements of songs by other conteporary writers (especially `Sympathy For The Devil`). This music never dies!
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ 4
COLUMBIA 66422 ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
4th album from 1971. Again not a great favorite with the critics, but still a very strong album by the band, marking a transition to all originally written material. This was to be the last album by the (more or less) original line-up, which of course is a great pity, as they were undoubtedly one of the pioneers of Jazz-Rock Fusion and incredibly talented musicians. In retrospect this album is still a damn good listen.
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS
COLUMBIA 499822 ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
2nd album from 1968 by this US group, recorded after Al Kooper left. Although much criticised for its commercial approach, in fact this is a superb album in every respect. All performances are perfect, tunes are beautiful and arrangements brilliant. There are very few albums that can match this one in its musical contents up to this day. Another true classic.
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ CHILD IS FATHER TO THE MAN
COLUMBIA 499823 (Barcode: 5099749982321) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2000
1st album from 1968 by this magnificent US group led by Al Kooper. A mixture of blues, psychedelia, rock and jazz, all beautifuly arranged and played, and of course some heartbreaking tunes - all together probably one of the most perfect albums of all times. The term `classic` is somewhat not strong enough for this. This album is the building foundation for an entire generation of music to follow.
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ LIVE & IMPROVISED
COLUMBIA 472212 ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Blood, Sweat & Tears never recorded a live album while at their prime, so the release of these 1975 recordings from the group`s reunion concerts is really a most welcome addition to their heritage. By that time the only `original` members were David Clayton-Thomas (vocals) and Bobby Colomby (drums), but this lineup is very strong, featuring excellent jazz oriented musicians in the brass section and 3 outstanding guitar players: Steve Kahn, George Wadenius & Mike Stern. The arrangements are more fusion oriented then the early group`s output and these are absolutely delightful moments captured for eternity - what a thrill!
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ MIRROR IMAGE
WOUNDED BIRD 2929 (Barcode: 664140292925) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2005
7th album by BS&T, which marks more personnel changes and for the first time also presence of guests like the wonderful Arnold Lawrence on sax and Brazilian percussionist Dom Um Romao among others. The band manages to produce a surprisingly strong set of songs (regardless of the unfair criticism it was continuously under), especially the lengthy suite on the B-side of the LP. Great arrangements, rock solid performances and some outstanding solos make this an album worth rediscovery, especially after so many years it was nowhere to be found. Definitely a must for all BS&T fans.
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ MORE THAN EVER
WOUNDED BIRD 4233 (Barcode: 664140423329) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2003
9th album by BS&T, which was the last studio album they recorded for Columbia (the label released some live recordings years later). The title is quite ominous, as this is their best effort of the later years, every bit as strong as the early albums and blessed with the same characteristics – incredible vocals, clever arrangements, superb playing and great tunes. Unfortunately for the band their fate was sealed by that time and soon after they were no more. Although David Clayton-Thomas carries the BS&T name to this very day and some albums were recorded in the last 30 years, the original 9 Columbia albums are their true legacy to be remembered and cherished for eternity. They brought me many happy moments in the years that passed and I hope some of you will experience the same with this music.
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ NEW BLOOD
WOUNDED BIRD 1780 (Barcode: 664140178021) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2005
5th album by US Jazz-Rock icons Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, which marks the departure of lead singer David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist (replaced by Jerry FisherFind albums by this artist) and a period of frequent personnel changes in the group. In spite of the negative (to say the least) critics and dwindling sales, BS&T were till a superb group, which was completely unparalleled in their ability to mix rock rhythms with intricate jazzy arrangements and deliver time after time some uplifting and spirited performances. Fisher handles the vocals very well and although his vocal abilities lack the magic of David’s timbre, he handles the songs with taste and feeling. Swedish guitarist Georg WadeniusFind albums by this artist adds a rockier dimension and the brass players kick ass as usual. Call me a sucker, but I just love this stuff. Since ColumbiaFind albums on this label lacked the brains (and balls) to reissue this stuff, I am grateful to Wounded BirdFind albums on this label for bringing this superb music back to life and circulation. It has not dated a bit and still gives me the thrills, and I hope others can rejoice as well.
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ NEW CITY
WOUNDED BIRD 3484 (Barcode: 664140348424) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2005
8th album by BS&T, which marks the triumphant return of David Clayton-Thomas as the lead singer, following his failure to launch a successful solo career. David’s extraordinary and powerful voice was always the ideal counterpart to the band’s sound and his return brings the band instantly to the level of former grandeur. His ability to sing ballads and bluesy rockers with the same level of confidence uplifts the band’s overall performance significantly and as a result this album sounds every bit as strong as the earlier ones David took part in. To me the album sounds as great today as it did when I first heard it over 30 years ago and it is a godsend to have it available again. If you like the first four BS&T albums, you must have this one as well.
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ NO SWEAT
WOUNDED BIRD 2180 (Barcode: 664140218024) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2005
6th album by Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, who continued to produce splendid recordings in spite of negative reception by the critics and poor album sales. Jerry FisherFind albums by this artist becomes even better integrated with the players and continues the role of the lead singer, with the instrumentalists delivering some great solos. The entire feel of the album is slightly more jazzy than usual, but the formula and balance of Jazz-Rock remain well preserved. It is a great pity that this great music had to wait so long to be available again, but matters is that now we can enjoy it again. Surely every BS&T fan will want to lay his hands on this one.
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ~ WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS?
OMNIVORE 518 (Barcode: 810075112894) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2023
This is an absolutely sensational live archive album by the iconic American Brass Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded in June / July 1970 during their Eastern European tour behind the Iron Curtain, organized and sponsored by the State Department, which included shows in Zagreb, Yugoslavia / Bucharest, Romania and Warsaw, Poland. The shows were filmed and recorded for a documentary, and remained lost for over fifty years, finally to be re-discovered and now released This CD is the soundtrack of the documentary. The album presents ten tracks, most of which were recorded during the final concert in Warsaw. The material originates mostly from the second, eponymous BS&T album from 1968 and the debut album “Child Is Father To The ManFind albums with this title” from 1967.
The lineup includes vocalist David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist and Chuck WinfieldFind albums by this artist, trombonist Jerry HymanFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Fred LipsiusFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / trombonist Dick HalliganFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve KatzFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim FielderFind albums by this artist and drummer Bobby ColombyFind albums by this artist.
The sound quality and the music are absolutely stellar and every second of this album is absolutely sensational. The strength of the material, the arrangements and the virtuosic performances are some of the best musical moments ever caught on tape. Despite the fact that this music was recorded fifty-three years ago, it easily swipes away almost anything recorded since, and remains completely unique. This version of BS&T was a one-time collection of completely compatible musicians, which together were able to produce an incredibly intelligent, sophisticated and everlasting music.
Overall, as far as archival albums are concerned, this is probably the best one in a decade, if not two. They don’t make music like this today or even anything remotely close to it, and listening to this album proves how deeply in trouble we are today with today’s music and Culture in general. I can’t imagine any serious music lover not having this Masterpiece in their collection, can you?
| | Updated: 11/05/2023Posted: 11/05/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FOUNTAIN OF TEARS ~ FOUNTAIN OF TEARS
MENTAL 01 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Debut album by this very promising young US Prog group. With female lead vocals and lyrical compositions they resemble Renaissance, but the lead guitar tends to sound a bit heavy metal at times. All 5 songs are repeated twice - once as a vocal and once as an instrumental piece.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEAMHAMMER ~ JUNIOR`S WAILING
REPERTOIRE 4797 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
A collection of tracks from this great Prog group`s short career (1969-1971) with many never previously available tracks and live performances. A treat to all the fans.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEAMHAMMER ~ MOUNTAINS
REPERTOIRE 4066 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album form 1971. Considered to be their finest release. Includes 2 tracks recorder live at London Lyceum. This album includes the most developed material ever played by the group and the musicianship is outstanding.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEAMHAMMER ~ REFLECTION
REPERTOIRE 4871 (Barcode: 4009910487129) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2000
1st album by the great UK Prog group SteamhammerFind albums by this artist. Strongly based in the blues tradition, but with many innovations and great instrumental skills from the guitarist and the reeds player. Astounding debut album.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | TEAK PROJECT ~ TEAK PROJECT
FIRST HAND 02 (Barcode: 5060051618239) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2008
A debut recording by the UK acoustic Jazz-World Fusion trio The Teak ProjectFind albums by this artist, consisting of Jonathan MayerFind albums by this artist – sitar (son of legendary violinist / composer John MayerFind albums by this artist, one of the pioneers of Jazz-World Fusion), Justin QuinnFind albums by this artist – guitar and Neil CraigFind albums by this artist – tabla. As the instrumentation suggests, their music is related to Indian music, but not predominantly so. The compositions, contributed by all three members, are well structured and mostly lyrical, using well the delicate balance between the instruments. They explore various ethnic motifs and contemporary musical ideas and the music is obviously performed with joy of exploration. This is not “easy” music, as it requires serious attention, but it is richly rewarding, full of beautiful moments and suitable for repeated listening. Since the sitar is seldom used today as a leading instrument, it’s a pleasure to be able to enjoy the sound of the sitar, especially when it is so well recorded as on this album. These young, but open-minded musicians have a lot to offer us and hopefully they will continue to record more of their splendid music soon. Warmly recommended.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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