Record Reviews

MIKE OSBORNE ~ FORCE OF NATURE REEL RECORDINGS 006 (Barcode: 641444026128) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 - 1981 Released: 2008 British saxophone Giant Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist retired from active performing by the end of 1982 as a result of his mental illness, leaving the local Free Jazz scene with an enormous empty space. Although his playing is relatively well documented starting in the late 1960s, when he was an active participant in creating the British Jazz revolution / emancipation, and in the 1970s when he played with the most prestigious ensembles, but his last period before his untimely retirement remains almost completely undocumented. Therefore these recordings, dating from the early 1980s, shortly before he was to stop performing are priceless and of great historic importance. The two sessions presented here are both quartet recordings with Dave HoldsworthFind albums by this artist on trumpet and alternating bassists Marcio MattosFind albums by this artist / Paul BridgeFind albums by this artist and drummers Brian AbrahamsFind albums by this artist / Tony MarshFind albums by this artist. Osborne´s playing is fluid and passionate, presenting the absolute heights of improvisational artistry. Both quartets present the usual level of telepathic interplay present in Free Jazz situation, with all musicians performing brilliantly. Osborne died in 2007, leaving behind him a legacy, which proves beyond any doubt that he was a true Force of Nature. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

HOWARD RILEY / MARIO CASTRONARI / TONY MARSH ~ WISHING ON THE MOON FMR 014 ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 1995 British pianist / composer Howard RileyFind albums by this artist is primarily known for his numerous improvised solo piano recordings and duets with fellow improvisers, like Keith TippettFind albums by this artist. As one of the greatest pioneers of British / European Improvised Music, he achieved in time a legendary status among his peers and fans alike. In contrast to his solo / duo recording, Riley’s piano trio albums are often reflections of his more lyrical and gentle side, bringing up his Jazz roots. This delightful album is no exception. Supported by two superb musicians, bassist Mario CastronariFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony MarshFind albums by this artist, Riley delivers, what might appear as an almost “conventional” Jazz album. Of course there is nothing conventional about his exceptional improvisational ability or the performances by all three musicians, but the overall effect of the album is more acceptable to a listener, who might find it difficult to face Riley’s “usual” output. Of course some of the pieces on this album are freely improvised and others are melodic, but the album’s immediate “appeal” is magical. This is a great example of masterly performed music, which escapes classification and goes directly to one’s heart. Most warmly recommended, especially to listeners who are not familiar with this great musician and could use this album as an entry point to discover a new world of music.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ LONDON BRIDGE IS BROKEN DOWN BGO 0788 (Barcode: 5017261207883) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1987 Released: 2008 The second phase of Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist’s illustrious career, which was initiated around mid-1970s and continues to this day, can be characterized by his gradual shift from the big orchestral formats to much more intimate assemblages, centered around himself and his wife Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist and including members from a steady core of musicians cooperating with them. Kate’s remarkable voice and even more remarkable personality added several new dimensions to the unique “Westbrook voicing” of musical ideas, which would become their trademark in years to come. Her extraordinary sensitivity, openness and passion for European literature and poetry and her ability to sing in French and German (in addition to English of course), combined with Mike’s sublime talent for composition, enabled them to create a vast body of work, which extends far beyond “music making” per se and transferred gradually into one of the most profound European expressions of Culture. Although deeply rooted in Jazz, their music encompasses many additional musical areas, ranging from cabaret and chanson to contemporary Classical music. Always meticulously researched and perfectly scored, the Westbrook projects are all masterpieces of contemporary Art, way beyond straightforward music creation. One can perhaps trace these tendencies to the Jazz & Poetry amalgamations common in the early 1960s, or even much earlier examples from Classical music, which combined musical ideas with literary sources. Mike and Kate are a complete cultural phenomenon; alas a radically rare one in our times, in complete contrast to most of the “musical“ ventures polluting our ears. The music included on this album is perhaps the most complex and ambitious project the Westbrooks have ever undertaken. Commissioned by the French Festival International de Jazz d’Amiens for the 1987 edition of the festival, it was premiered there and later recorded in Paris. The music is an extended work for two orchestras – Jazz and Symphonic – incorporating texts selected and written by Kate. The music and text were written and assembled over a period of four years (1983-1987) and inspired by the places, which the Westbrooks visited during their intensive touring voyages. The overall idea was to present a picture of Europe at the time, with its immense political, social and cultural complexity, focusing on four European Capitals (London, Prague, Berlin and Vienna) and the French Picardie Region. Westbrook’s Jazz “orchestra” was in fact a nonet, with him on piano, Kate on vocals, Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist on saxophones and clarinet, Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist on saxophones, Graham RussellFind albums by this artist on trumpet and flugelhorn, Paul NiemanFind albums by this artist on trombone, Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist on guitar, Steve CookFind albums by this artist on bass and Tony MarshFind albums by this artist on drums. The Mike Westbrook Orchestra and Le Sinfonietta de PicardieFind albums by this artist were both conducted by Alexandre MyratFind albums by this artist. The album was originally released in 1988 on VirginFind albums on this label as a four LP set (three and a half to be exact), but disappeared almost immediately from the shelves. Kudos to BGOFind albums on this label for reissuing this masterpiece and exposing this music to new potential listeners, nothing deserves a wider recognition than this cultural treasure. Beyond essential!

Updated: 28/07/2023Posted:

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ ON DUKE`S BIRTHDAY HATOLOGY 635 (Barcode: 752156063520) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 Released: 2007 This is a long overdue reissue of the superb album by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and his orchestra, paying tribute to the genius of Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, the great American Jazz composer. In contrast to most tribute albums, Westbrook does not present his interpretations or new arrangements of Ellington´s music, but composes completely new music himself, which relates to the many complex aspects of "Ellintonia" such as harmony and melody, in spirit rather than literally to his music. As usual in Westbrook´s case, the music is outstanding, as are the performances by his orchestra members, which includes his wife and musical companion Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist on flutes and voice, trumpeter Phil MintonFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, guitarist Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, drummer Tony MarshFind albums by this artist, and others. Westbrook´s followers know exactly what to expect from him as he never fails to amaze and surprise, other might perhaps finally discover him, as he is one of those well kept secrets, which once discovered stay with you for life. Grab it!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend