Record Reviews
6 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | BILL BRUFORD / TIM GARLAND ~ EARTHWORKS UNDERGROUND ORCHESTRA
SUMMERFOLD 013 ~ UK ~ Jazz
As most of Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist’s recorded work in the last years comes in the form of his EarthworksFind albums by this artist quartet it is delightful to hear the Master drummer in a small Big Band setting (a nonet to be precise). Recorded live at the New York Iridium Club in 2004, the group comprises of Bruford and his fellow Earthworks saxophonist Tim GarlandFind albums by this artist with a wonderful gathering of excellent American jazzmen. The material includes new arrangements of music previously recorded by different Earthworks line-ups. There is a lot of energy and superb musicianship present, with extended solos and heated interplays. Obviously they had a gas playing together, which is an essential ingredient in the process of music making. The sound quality is very good, with proper balance between the horns and they rhythm section. Definitely recommended to the many Bruford fans and anyone who enjoys good jazz.
Individually numbered Limited Edition (of 3000) including a bonus CD
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA ~ THE CONTINENTS – CONCERTO FOR JAZZ QUINTET & CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 028947799528 (Barcode: 028947799528) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012
This is another piece of music by legendary pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist which amalgamates Jazz and Classical music, a tendency Corea seems to favor since a few years back. There are few surprises here, as Corea continues to write excellent melodic music which is so easy to like by a wide range of listeners, performed by a great quintet, which comprises of saxophonist / flautist Tim GarlandFind albums by this artist, trombonist Steve DavisFind albums by this artist, bassist Hans GlawischnigFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcus GilmoreFind albums by this artist and a chamber orchestra. The six-piece concerto takes up the entire first CD of this set. On the second CD the quintet performs four pieces, this time without the orchestra, three of which are standards and one is by Corea. The rest of the CD is taken by 11 solo piano improvisations, composed and performed by Corea. Since the second CD has nothing in common with the first one it should be seen as a kind of "bonus", which of course is welcomed by Corea fans, enjoying everything he records. For people who like the Jazz-Classical Fusion this is a treat, others might find this out of their sphere of interest. Whatever Corea does, he is simply too good to be ignored, so I can´t help but recommend this.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA / GARY BURTON ~ THE NEW CRYSTAL SILENCE
CONCORD 230630 (Barcode: 888072306301) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
The original 1972 ECMFind albums on this label "Crystal SilenceFind albums with this title" album by Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist was undoubtedly one of the pivotal Jazz recordings in every sense: the subtlety and the boldness of a duet setting with Corea´s intricate compositions and the unusual harmonics of the piano / vibraphone combination all contributed to the overall stunning result. Now, 35 years later, gray-haired and musically wiser, Corea and Burton decided to re-live the experience of creating music together and record an up-to-date version of their encounter. This time the project is much more ambitious, as the first of the two CDs presents the duo accompanied by a Symphony Orchestra (the Australian Sydney Symphony), playing a set of Corea´s compositions arranged for the orchestra by Tim GarlandFind albums by this artist. The second CD returns to the original intimate duo setting, which performs several more of Corea´s compositions and three standards. As expected, these performances are brilliant in every respect: on the technical level both musicians are virtuosi, and on the emotional level both are superbly lyrical and expressive. Corea´s compositions deserve all the status of classics of course and these new interpretations of familiar material shed a new light on its elegance and sophistication. This is an instant classic, a must for any serious Jazz connoisseur and a landmark recording. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | YURI GOLOUBEV ~ TWO CHEVRONS APART
BASHO 52 (Barcode: 832929005725) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019
This is an album by Russian (resident in Italy) bassist / composer Yuri GoloubevFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with the British Jazz musicians: saxophonist Tim GarlandFind albums by this artist, pianist John TurvilleFind albums by this artist and Israeli (resident in UK) drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, all composed and arranged by Goloubev. The album was recorded at the legendary Artesuono Studio and engineered by Stefano AmerioFind albums by this artist, which of course guarantees a superb sound quality.
The music is absolutely delightful, from start to finish, deeply lyrical and flowing gently, despite its sophistication and complexity. Goloubev is a dreamy, romantic composer, and all of his compositions feature a heartbreaking melodic simplicity, which then becomes adorned by the instrumental improvisations. He is also a tremendous virtuoso, and his bass pulsations are always right there at the epicenter of the music, but at the same time are not obstructing any of the melodic flow. I have already compared his playing to that of Scott LaFaro, and every time I hear some recording of his, which I have not heard earlier, this similarity becomes more substantiated.
The three Brits do a splendid job of course. Garland is ideal for this lyrical setting and his soprano sax pours honey. Turville, who is one of Britain’s most talented pianist, somehow still very much in the shadows, is delicate, but brilliantly expressive. Sirkis, my protégé from a very young age before his move to UK, is by now playing with top British bands, and makes me always proud.
Overall, this is an outstanding album, a classic in its own league, which probably is known to very few people, which is a great shame. If you can find a copy of it, which should not be too difficult, do not hesitate for one moment, as it is a revelation incarnate and an essential piece of sublime music!
| | Updated: 04/04/2026Posted: 04/04/2026 | CD 1 Digisleeve Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ THE CHANGE
NYJO 027 (Barcode: 609613812170) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012
This is an album by the British National Youth Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NYJOFind albums by this artist), a legendary Jazz Big Band / Orchestra established by saxophonist / composer / bandleader Bill AshtonFind albums by this artist in 1965. Over time entire generations of British Jazz musicians played as members of the orchestra, including many future stars. The orchestra performing on this album was directed by trumpeter Mark ArmstrongFind albums by this artist and includes guests, ex members: saxophonist Tim GarlandFind albums by this artist and Mark MondesirFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, which include arrangements of Jazz standards and original compositions by British Jazz musician, including three by Garland.
NYJO has a recorded legacy of over forty albums, all of which offer an outstanding level of arrangements and performances despite the young age of its members (under 25 years old), and this one is no exception. The arrangements are exquisite and quite complex, fresh and often bold, emphasizing the European approach to Big Band Jazz, in which the orchestral sound is more important that individual soloing.
Overall, this is a wonderful Big Band album, which all followers of the genre should enjoy. It offers an up to date sound and artistic approach, which make the music both gratifying and challenging. Warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 05/08/2022Posted: 05/08/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
|
