Record Reviews
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  | SOFT MACHINE ~ BUNDLES
ESOTERIC 2196 (Barcode: 5013929729629) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2010
By 1974 the legendary Soft Machine switched record labels from CBSFind albums on this label / ColumbiaFind albums on this label (after releasing five magnificent albums on that label) to EMIFind albums on this labelīs progressive HarvestFind albums on this label label, on which they would release the bandīs last four albums before their epic story would finally come to an end. But the label switch was in fact only an exterior manifestation of the deep changes that the group was experiencing at the time. In retrospect, the four Harvest albums mark a completely new phase in the bandīs musical direction, leaving behind the Free Jazz / Improvised Music extremes in favor of more structured and composed music, with strong melodic elements and almost mainstream Jazz-Rock sound. The most significant factor, which brought about the change, was Elton DeanFind albums by this artistīs replacement by oboe, saxophone and piano player Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, who also became the most prolific composer of the bandīs new material. The second factor was the decision to include a permanent guitarist into the bandīs ranks, which was to change the sound significantly from Jazz to Jazz-Rock. This was the first of the Harvest albums, with the Soft Machine lineup comprising of Jenkins, keyboardist Mike RatledgeFind albums by this artist, guitarist Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist helps out on one tune. The music is quite different from anything the band recorded previously, based upon shorter and beautifully composed melody lines. There is still plenty of improvisation by the players, but itīs much more settled and well organized. Holdsworth delivers some of his best playing to date but the overall level of musicianship is astounding. In retrospect this is still one of the best British Jazz-Rock albums and a magnificent piece of music history. An absolute must!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ SOFTS
ESOTERIC 2202 (Barcode: 5013929730243) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2010
By 1974 the legendary Soft Machine switched record labels from CBSFind albums on this label / ColumbiaFind albums on this label (after releasing five magnificent albums on that label) to EMIFind albums on this labelīs progressive HarvestFind albums on this label label, on which they would release the bandīs last four albums before their epic story would finally come to an end. But the label switch was in fact only an exterior manifestation of the deep changes that the group was experiencing at the time. In retrospect, the four Harvest albums mark a completely new phase in the bandīs musical direction, leaving behind the Free Jazz / Improvised Music extremes in favor of more structured and composed music, with strong melodic elements and almost mainstream Jazz-Rock sound. The most significant factor, which brought about the change, was Elton DeanFind albums by this artistīs replacement by oboe, saxophone and piano player Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, who also became the most prolific composer of the bandīs new material. The second factor was the decision to include a permanent guitarist into the bandīs ranks, which was to change the sound significantly from Jazz to Jazz-Rock. This was the second of the Harvest albums, with the Soft Machine lineup comprising of Jenkins, saxophonist Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist (who replaced Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist), bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. The last founding member of Soft Machine, keyboardist Mike RatledgeFind albums by this artist left in the midst of recording of this album and his contribution here are minor. The music is a continuation of the direction set by its predecessor, based upon shorter and beautifully composed melody lines. There is still plenty of improvisation by the players, but itīs much more settled and well organized. In retrospect this is still a very solid album by a great band and an absolute must to all Soft Machine fans.
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ LAND OF COCKAYNE
ESOTERIC 2208 (Barcode: 5013929730847) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2010
This is the 4th Soft MachineFind albums by this artist album released on the HarvestFind albums on this label label and the last ever record released by the band, bringing an end on a magnificent career, which spanned two and a half decades and resulted in some of the most important music ever recorded. But the truth behind the album is quite different from what appears on the albumīs cover the fact is that Soft Machine did not exist for some time when this album was released and this is a solo project of the last leader of the band, composer / keyboardist Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist. The decision to release the album under the bandīs name is somewhat dubious. Nevertheless the connection to Soft Machine is pretty obvious, as this album features several of its ex-members and co-members: guitarist Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist. Jenkins added several other outstanding musicians to Soft Machine core: bassist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Alan ParkerFind albums by this artist and pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist. The music floats somewhere between Jazz and ambient music, with strong ties to contemporary Classical, emphasized by the string arrangements, and some World Music influences. It is a preview of the future work of Jenkins, who in the years to come established himself as one of British most distinguished contemporary composers. So is this a Soft Machine album? Who cares, the important fact remains that this is still great music, which holds water 30 years after it was recorded. Obviously hard-core Soft Machine fans might find it not to their taste, but it is here to stay as part of the bandīs legacy. Deal with it.
| | Updated: 10/03/2023Posted: | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOFT MACHINE ~ ALIVE & WELL: RECORDED IN PARIS (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2234 (Barcode: 5013929733428) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2010
By 1974 the legendary Soft MachineFind albums by this artist switched record labels from CBSFind albums on this label / ColumbiaFind albums on this label (after releasing five magnificent albums on that label) to EMIFind albums on this labelīs progressive HarvestFind albums on this label label, on which they would release the bandīs last four albums before their epic story would finally come to an end (for the time being).
But the label switch was in fact only an exterior manifestation of the deep changes that the group was experiencing at the time. In retrospect, the four Harvest albums mark a completely new phase in the bandīs musical direction, leaving behind the Free Jazz / Improvised Music extremes in favor of more structured and composed music, with strong melodic elements and almost mainstream Jazz-Rock sound. The most significant factor, which brought about the change, was Elton DeanFind albums by this artistīs replacement by oboe, saxophone and piano player Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, who also became the most prolific composer of the bandīs new material. The second factor was the decision to include a permanent guitarist into the bandīs ranks, which was to change the sound significantly from Jazz to Jazz-Rock.
This, the group´s 1st formal live album, was the third of the Harvest albums, with the Soft Machine lineup comprising of Jenkins, violinist Rick SandersFind albums by this artist, guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist (who replaced Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist), bassist Steve CookFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. It was recorded live at the Parisian "Theatre Le Palace, Monmartre". The music includes material from the two previous Harvest albums, as well as previously unrecorded tunes. There is plenty of improvisation by the players, but itīs much more settled and well organized.
Overall, in retrospect this is still a very solid album by a great band and an absolute must to all Soft Machine fans. This expanded edition includes a whole second CD of previously unreleased material recorded at the same concert dates.
| | Updated: 06/07/2024Posted: | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SWEET SMOKE ~ JUST A POKE / DARKNESS TO LIGHT
HARVEST 522641 (Barcode: 724352264124) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1973 Released: 2000
1st & 2nd albums (recorded 1970 & 1973) on 1 CD by the excellent US Prog band Sweet SmokeFind albums by this artist, which lived and performed in Europe (mostly Germany) during the early 1970s and recorded there. They are a great example of early Jazz-Rock with many Psychedelic elements and long (15+ minutes) tracks, mostly instrumetal. They enjoyed a loyal following by many of their fans and the albums acheived in time a legendary status, which makes this reissue a most welcome addition as a document of the era.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SWEET SMOKE ~ LIVE
HARVEST 522683 (Barcode: 724352268320) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2001
3rd album by Sweet SmokeFind albums by this artist and their last recorded output. It showcases how great this band was live as well as their excellent material and playing abilities. Long instrumental passages with plenty of space for improvisation and a distinctive jazzy feel make this a most pleasurable album to listen to. The material is all new and does not include songs from the studio albums. Excellent stuff!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TRIUMVIRAT ~ ILLUSIONS ON A DOUBLE DIMPLE (EXPANDED EDITION)
HARVEST 535162 (Barcode: 724353516222) ~ GERMANY ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2002
2nd album by the German band TriumviratFind albums by this artist, considered by many as one of the best instrumental Prog albums ever. With rich orchestral arrangements the music gets a greater scope and reminds similar Prog efforts in that vein. The musicians perform brilliantly and the entire album sound fresh and interesting all way through. A true classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TRIUMVIRAT ~ SPARTACUS (EXPANDED EDITION)
HARVEST 535163 (Barcode: 724353516321) ~ GERMANY ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2002
3rd album by TriumviratFind albums by this artist. A concept album about the Roman gladiator who dared to stand up to his masters, this beautiful piece of music firmly established the group as one of the leaders of instrumental keyboard fronted Prog and brought them first span of attention in the US. They were received less enthusiastically at home, which led to a few years of permanent residency in the US.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TRIUMVIRAT ~ RUSSIAN ROULETTE (EXPANDED EDITION)
HARVEST 535166 ~ GERMANY ~ Progressive Rock
7th and last album from 1980. Engaging several rock musicians (from the US band Toto) Fritz produced another rock oriented album, but with more instrumental passages recalling the Prog direction the band followed at their early days. Again criticized by Prog fans, but in retrospect a solid piece of music shinig with talent and professionalism.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TRIUMVIRAT ~ A LA CARTE (EXPANDED EDITION)
HARVEST 535171 (Barcode: 724353517120) ~ GERMANY ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2002
6th album by TriumviratFind albums by this artist. There was only one member of the original band left by the time this album was recorded - the leader Jurgen FritzFind albums by this artist, and he decided to change the direction and produce a rock (even pop) album, with lavish orchestral arrangements and more accessable tunes. Although harshly criticised by the Prog fans, in retrospect this is still an interesting piece of musical history.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST ~ BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST
HARVEST 538405 (Barcode: 724353840525) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Released: 2002
1st album from 1970 by this great UK Prog group, which was one of the first to combine rock with rich orchestral textures, similar to early Moody Blues albums. Sadly the group never reached the popularity level of its conteporaries, but in retrospect this is damn good music, with wonderful melodies and great instrumental passages full of mellotron and subtle guitar solos.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST ~ ONCE AGAIN
HARVEST 538406 (Barcode: 724353840624) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2002
2nd album by this group. The involvement with orchestral arrangements is developed even further on this album, with the group keeping a permanent chamber orchestra for touring and recording. Another collection of well crafted songs, brilliant playing and masterful arrangements.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST ~ AND OTHER SHORT STORIES
HARVEST 538407 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album from 1971 by this excellent UK Prog band, which sadly never acheived the `cult` status other outfits managed to secure. Solid song-writing, great playing and superb vocals were the group`s forte througout their long and fruitful career and they surely deserve to be re-discovered.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST ~ BABY JAMES HARVEST (EXPANDED EDITION)
HARVEST 538408 (Barcode: 724353840822) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2002
4th album by Barcley James HarvestFind albums by this artist. This one marks probably the peak of their early period, with excellent compositions and rich (almost Baroque) orchestrations. It`s really amazing that this superb group never received the attention and recognition they deserved at the time those first 4 albums were released and only now Prog fans are re-discovering their splendid heritage.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BARRETT, SYD ~ THE MADCAP LAUGHS / BARRETT
HARVEST 582346 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
1st and 2nd albums from 1969 & 1970 by one of the greatest enigmas of the Prog world. Pink Floyd `leader` and inventor, visionary and genoius are only a few of the endless qualities associated with Barrett. The debut album is a solid work with great tunes and interesting mixture of Psychedelia and Avant-Garde, the second album is slightly weaker, but the genious still eveident. Barrett`s deteriorating mental health obviously clashed with the creative process.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEVIN AYERS ~ BANANAMOUR (EXPANDED EDITION)
HARVEST 582780 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2003
4th album by Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist, who becomes more interested in "concept" works and this album is an example of such approach. The lyrics being even more important then before and the compositions more complex, but the result is an excellent piece of music and a great document of the era.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ CONCERTO FOR GROUP AND ORCHESTRA
HARVEST 92941 (Barcode: 724349294196) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
This 1969 live recording of Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist with the Royal Phiharmonic Orchestra marks one of the first serious attempts to combine rock and classical music. Although received badly at the time, the ambitious attempt by Jon LordFind albums by this artist (who wrote the score) in a landmark to be later immitated and tried again by many other groups with various degrees of success. In retrospect this is still quite moving and a great piece of rock history. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 53 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRYPHON ~ TREASON
TALKING ELEPHANT 149 (Barcode: 5028479014927) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2009
5th and last album by the wonderful British Prog group Gryphon, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. Following the release of "RaindanceFind albums with this title" the band went through a period of personnel changes only to emerge again two years later with this, their final swan song, after switching labels to EMIFind albums on this labelīs Progressive HarvestFind albums on this label label. A sextet with three founding members (Harvey, Gulland and Oberle) they were joined by guitarist Bob FosterFind albums by this artist, bassist Jonathan DavieFind albums by this artist and drummer Alex BairdFind albums by this artist. Although the album is more song-oriented, it retains the bandīs spirit and in retrospect remains definitely worthy of the bandīs reputation and integrity, unjustly referred to (by some critics) as superior to the previous releases. Definitely worth investigation, especially as is quite difficult to find on CD. Warmly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIDDLETON-AHWAI / MORRISSEY-MULLEN BAND ~ ANOTHER SLEEPER / CAPE WRATH
VOCALLION 8493 (Barcode: 765387849320) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2012
This is a wonderful reissue of two albums recorded in 1979 and originally released on the legendary HarvestFind albums on this label label, EMIFind albums on this labelīs progressive imprint, which present the Funk side of the British Jazz-Rock scene at the time. Keyboardist Max MiddletonFind albums by this artist and guitarist Robert AhwaiFind albums by this artist, who are present on both these albums, were among the movers and shakers of the British Jazz-Funk in late 1970s and 1980s, proving that American-born Funk penetrated deep the seemingly cold British character and mixed with Jazz roots created some mighty fine music.
"Another SleeperFind albums with this title" is the only album by a group co-led by Middleton and Ahwai and it features eight original compositions, six by Middleton and two by Ahwai. The group also includes bassist Kuma HaradaFind albums by this artist, drummer Richard BaileyFind albums by this artist, percussionist Darryl Lee QueFind albums by this artist, a brass section and background vocalists. The music is mostly Jazzy and the Funk element is expressed by what the rhythm section players do in the background. Middleton, a superb keyboardist and improviser, plays some great licks here, which often sound like Chick CoreaFind albums by this artistīs work with Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist. In retrospect this albums sounds definitely as something deserving more attention that it ever achieved at the time of its release.
"Cape WrathFind albums with this title" is the second album by the group co-led by saxophonist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist and guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, which was Britainīs most revered Jazz-Rock-Funk ensemble at the time. On this album the other members of the band are four musicians playing on "Another Sleeper": Middleton, Ahwai, Harada and Bailey and percussionist Tony CarrFind albums by this artist. They play eight pieces, five of which are original compositions, two each by Middleton and Mullen and one by Morrissey, two are Jazz standards and one is an arrangement of a Pop song. The level of the musicianship here is truly excellent and the album is great fun to listen to after all these years.
Beautifully remastered by Michael J. DuttonFind albums by this artist this reissue offers great glimpses of the past glory of the British Jazz-Rock-Funk, a rather less frequently re-visited chapter in the British Jazz history, but one that has quite a few surprises to offer, when an effort is made. Definitely worth investigating for listeners who enjoy the "lighter" side of Jazz, which at its best can be as good as the "serious" side of the music.
| | Updated: 16/02/2024Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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