Record Reviews
2 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | BRIAN MILLER ~ WHATEVER NEXT?
INVERSION 001 (Barcode: 5070000076706) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by British Jazz keyboardist / composer Brian MillerFind albums by this artist, recorded with top British instrumentalists: saxophonist Phil ToddFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist / percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist, bassists Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist / Trevor BarryFind albums by this artist and drummers Paul RobinsonFind albums by this artist / Les CirkelFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by Miller.
It took Miller over fifty years to recorded this debut album, although he is a true veteran of the British Jazz scene, having been a member of such ensembles as IsotopeFind albums by this artist, Turning PointFind albums by this artist and Morrissey-Mullen BandFind albums by this artist, as well as accompanying top Pop artists. Well, better late than never is definitely appropriate in this case, as the album is a lovely example of British Jazz at its best, based on absolutely marvelous tunes and executed perfectly by this superb team.
Miller plays some lively organ and piano parts, Parricelli adds tasty guitar licks, Ricotti adds vibes and percussion seasoning, Todd solos passionately and both bass / drums pair support the music admirably – in short joy from start to finish, on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, but full of good taste and musicality.
Overall, although completely obscure among the British Jazz fans, this is a lovely album, which deserves to be heard and taken out of its anonymity. I am sure Brian has some copies left so please contact him and get one as long as they last. And please, Brian, make another one ASAP!
| | Updated: 16/02/2024Posted: 16/02/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN SULZMANN / JOHN TAYLOR ~ DOUBLE EXPOSURE
INVERSION 002 (Barcode: 5070000076713) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1990 Released: 2016
This is an archival album by the fabulous British Jazz duo of saxophonist / flautist / composer Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist and keyboardist / composer John TaylorFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1990 and released 26 years later on a small British label InversionFind albums on this label Records, owned by Brian MillerFind albums by this artist, another British Jazz legend. The album presents thirteen tracks, all composed or co-composed by Sultzmann and Taylor.
The music is absolutely delightful, serene and lyrical, with strong influences by European Classical music, but also full of Jazz hints and the respective musical preferences by both participants. Much of the music was spontaneously improvised “on the spot”, but for an outsider the result sounds completely coherent and beautifully developed, as if devised and planned long ahead.
The fact that this completely forgotten session finally sees the light of day is a revelation, since it shows many less familiar facets of both these marvelous musicians and the superb fellowship they were able to enjoy, producing some of the most touching British Jazz, as if by accident.
Overall, this is a major discovery for the dedicated British Jazz fans, and a joy to see this little gem available, since hiding it from the public would have been a sad and regrettable event. It goes without saying that this album deserves an honorable spot in every serious British Jazz collection!
| | Updated: 21/12/2023Posted: 21/12/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
|
