Record Reviews

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DOWN ANOTHER ROAD / SONGS FOR MY FATHER / MOSAICS BGO 767 (Barcode: 5017261207678) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2007 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album collects the three albums Collier recorded for the FontanaFind albums on this label / PhilipsFind albums on this label labels in 1969 / 1970, following his debut recording on DeramFind albums on this label from 1967. He composed all the music presented here (except one tune) and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Bob SydorFind albums by this artist, Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist (oboe), Nick EvansFind albums by this artist, Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist (trombone), Philip LeeFind albums by this artist (guitar), John TaylorFind albums by this artist, Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist (piano) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier is often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

MANFRED MANN ~ DOWN THE ROAD APIECE: THEIR EMI RECORDINGS 1963-1966 EMI 094639721528 (Barcode: 094639721528) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1963 - 1966 Released: 2007 This wonderful Box Set compiles all the recordings Manfred MannFind albums by this artist made for the EMIFind albums on this label label, documenting the first chapter of their illustrious career. The music covers everything from the first demo session they did as a group till the very last recordings done before the first lineup folded with the departure of their lead singer Paul JonesFind albums by this artist. The group would then continue with a new lead singer (Mike d`AboFind albums by this artist) and a new label (FontanaFind albums on this label), but that is another story. What is fascinating about this Box Set is the fact that is shows not only the historical development of one of the most important UK groups, but in fact the entire history of the early to mid 1960s UK music scene. It clearly shows the main influences that went into the incredible music of the Golden Era – Jazz, Blues, Rhythm And Blues and Rock And Roll. Most of the tracks include the stable lineup of the group, which includes the founding members Manfred MannFind albums by this artist (piano and organ), Mike HuggFind albums by this artist (drums and vibraphone), Mike VickersFind albums by this artist (guitar, saxophone and flute), Tom McGuinnessFind albums by this artist (bass) and Paul Jones (harmonica and vocals). Mann, Hugg and Vickers came from a solid jazz background, which is very evident throughout all their music and would eventually lead to the switch to Jazz-Rock Fusion in the late 1960s (Manfred Mann Chapter ThreeFind albums by this artist). The other members, especially Jones, had a solid Blues background. The result was a unique blend of Blues-Rock, which rather then featuring guitar as the lead instrument (as did most of the groups at the time) had the sax / flute / piano up-front. Jones was of course one of the most potent singers of the era, a serious competitor even to Mick JaggerFind albums by this artist. This was also the reason why the group recorded so many instrumental tracks, which were as important in their repertoire as the songs. Although the group managed to score quite a few major hits on the charts, it seems that they never made music, which was particularly ‘likeable” on purpose and their success was manly due to their talents rather than pursuit of popularity. There is so much great music on these CDs that I hardly feel a need to convince anybody to get them. This is a first class document of the music scene at the most interesting formative period and listening to it is not only a most pleasurable experience but also a fascinating course in music history. A must!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

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TUBBY HAYES ~ GRITS, BEANS AND GREENS: THE LOST FONTANA STUDIO SESSION 1969 FONTANA 602577569647 (Barcode: 602577569647) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2019 This is an archival “lost” studio album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Spike WellsFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, three of which are original compositions by Hayes and two are standards. This is the single CD version of this album, which also exists as a 2CD album with eighteen tracks documenting the entire two-days recording sessions of this material. The album is accompanied by an extensive booklet with text by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, Hayes’ biographer. Recorded just four years before his premature death, Hayes is in absolute top form both as a composer and a player, and the quartet is an ideal vehicle to showcase his talents. Although deeply rooted in the American Jazz tradition, this music sparkles with modernism and is an integral part of the process of creating the British Jazz sound, which at the time of the recording was a boiling magma of young talent, but managed also to pull in many of the veterans as well. The sessions, which produced this album, were originally destined to produce the follow up album to the 1967 iconic release “Mexican GreenFind albums with this title”, but for many different reasons sank into oblivion, only to be re-discovered fifty years later. In retrospect, they are the last quartet studio recordings, with the great musician’s fate sealed by his habits and ill health. The same quartet was recorded live on several occasions and the splendid “The Complete Hopbine `69Find albums with this title” released by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label offers a great document of their masterful performances together. Overall, this is a splendid example of Hayes’ Genius at its best, accompanied by three superb representatives of the British Jazz scene, which is an essential piece of Hayes legacy, as well as a proof of the importance of archival Jazz material, which is great to have and to return to. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 02/06/2023Posted: 02/06/2023

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ THE EVERGREENS FONTANA NORTH (Barcode: 620673318822) ~ CANADA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great team of musicians: keyboardist and arranger Doug RileyFind albums by this artist (a long time collaborator who died before the album was completed and to whom the album is dedicated), guitarist Bernie LaBargeFind albums by this artist, bassist George KollerFind albums by this artist, drummer Paul DeLongFind albums by this artist and others including a brass section. The album presents thirteen songs, all originals by Clayton-Thomas (a tongue-in-cheek in reference to the album´s title). The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the sixth of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album emphasizes Clayton-Thomas songwriting abilities, which are still remarkable, as much as his stamina and performing abilities despite his advanced age. The songs are beautifully arranged partly in the Brass Rock style and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb soloing from start to finish. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride.

Updated: 28/09/2020Posted: 28/09/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM FONTANA NORTH 122003 (Barcode: 620673331524) ~ CANADA ~ Xmas Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great team of musicians: guitarists Gil ParrisFind albums by this artist, Jamie FoxFind albums by this artist and Gregg SullivanFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary FooteFind albums by this artist, drummer Brian DelaneyFind albums by this artist and others including a full brass section. The album presents fourteen Christmas songs in jazzy arrangements, none of which were written by Clayton-Thomas, but several are lesser known and rarely performed within that sub-genre. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the third of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album emphasizes Clayton-Thomas stamina and performing abilities despite his advanced age. The songs are beautifully arranged partly in the Brass Rock style and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb instrumental performances from start to finish. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride.

Updated: 04/06/2021Posted: 04/06/2021

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HERD ~ PARADISE LOST: THE COMPLETE UK FONTANA RECORDINGS GRAPEFRUIT 018 (Barcode: 5013929181823) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1967 - 1969 Released: 2011 This album compiles all the recordings made by the British Pop / Rock group the HerdFind albums by this artist, fronted by guitarist / vocalist Peter FramptonFind albums by this artist, who was still a teenager at the time. The group managed to record only one album and several singles, all of which were released on the FontanaFind albums on this label label and are all included here. Although the Herd were largely considered a Pop group, they were quite an ambitious team, which is evident from the music within, some of it even very surprising, Jazz influenced, Psychedelic and definitely proto-Prog at some moments. In retrospect this music really sounds great and shows how special this period truly was, with magic touching every note. Worth investigating!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MANFRED MANN ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES PARLOPHONE 825646285297 (Barcode: 825646285297) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1963 - 1966 Released: 2014 This Box Set collects the four UK albums recorded by the first version of the British Pop group Manfred MannFind albums by this artist, released originally on the HMVFind albums on this label label, and the first solo album by their vocalist Paul JonesFind albums by this artist, and includes material recorded between 1963 and 1966, a period spanning just over three years. The original members of the group were: keyboardist / vibraphonist Manfred Mann, drummer Mike HuggFind albums by this artist, guitarist / saxophonist / flautist Mike VickersFind albums by this artist (all of them coming from a Jazz background), bassist Dave RichmondFind albums by this artist, soon to be replaced by Tom McGuinnessFind albums by this artist and vocalist / harmonica player Paul Jones. By autumn 1965 Vickers left, McGuinness moved to guitar and the band was joined by Jack BruceFind albums by this artist on bass, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist on trumpet and Lyn DobsonFind albums by this artist on saxophone, all three being prominent members of the new generation of British Jazz players. Listening to these four albums (the Jones´ album is of secondary importance) clearly illustrates not only their many qualities but also their rapid progress from early American influenced Rhythm And Blues and Rock And Roll to their own individual style, which embraced sophisticated chord changes, complex rhythms, a tendency towards Jazz improvisation and a love of instrumental compositions, combined with exquisite sense of melody. In order to fully appreciate the group´s incredible journey it is recommended to get a copy of the incredible Manfred Mann anthology "Down The Road Apiece: Their EMI Recordings 1963-1966Find albums with this title", which includes absolutely everything they recorded during those early years. Of course also the second part of their output, released on the FontanaFind albums on this label label, which finds the band fronted by their second vocalist Mike d`AboFind albums by this artist, is equally fascinating and worth investigating. As I have been saying for decades, it is painfully obvious, especially now in retrospect that Manfred Mann were one of several British groups infinitely better musically than The BeatlesFind albums by this artist; a statement I have been bitterly criticized for, but which I am ready to repeat any time. This music simply proves my point to anybody who is willing to listen with an open mind. Wholeheartedly recommended! Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend