Record Reviews

GORDON BECK / GYROSCOPE ~ PROGRESS JAZZ IN BRITAIN 12 (Barcode: 5060774190777) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2024 This is an archival album by the British pianist / composer / bandleader Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, which collects the available recordings of the short-lived GyroscopeFind albums by this artist ensemble from 1973 and 1974. The work on this project goes back a few years, to the early days of the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, and after being delayed for various reasons, was finally released in 2024. The convoluted story of the “making of…” is described in the wonderfully informative extended booklet, included with the 3CD album. The album presents eighteen lengthy tracks, sourced from rehearsals, live gigs and radio broadcasts. Four of these tracks were previously released on cassette only on Beck’s JaguarFind albums on this label Records label as “One, Two, Three… Go!Find albums with this title”, and the rest are all previously unreleased. Gyroscope consisted of Beck on piano / electric piano, saxophonist / flautist Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony LevinFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist / flautist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist replaced Smith in late 1973. The music, as expected, is absolutely brilliant, which is not surprising to anybody familiar with Beck’s work as leader and sideman. His extensive recorded legacy, which spans over thirty albums, is full of sublime music, which has always been one of my personal British Jazz favorites. His 1980s / 1990s releases on French OwlFind albums on this label and JMSFind albums on this label labels are among my favorites, but everything he recorded was blessed by his incredible talent and good taste. These early 1970s recordings are especially interesting for two reasons: Firstly, the extensive use of the electric piano: Beck was enamored with the instrument and managed to create way more than one would expect was possible from the limited (in comparison to the acoustic piano) instrumented, being a true innovator, which is plainly audible on this album. Secondly, the stylistic freedom, which was somewhat typical at the time especially in British Jazz, which allowed an unrestrained mixture of Jazz subgenres to united “under one roof” so to speak. As a result, we can hear on this album Latin, Funk, Modern Jazz, Modal, post-Bebop and even some Free Jazz touches, which swiftly move from one to the other, in complete fluency and harmony. Overall, this is a true gem of an album, worth the long wait, which is richly rewarded by the sublime musical content. For me it is one of the most important Jazz In Britain releases so far, not only because of my personal love of everything Gordon Beck related, but because it offers a comprehensive, well researched and put together piece of British Jazz history. As such, it is of course absolutely essential to all British Jazz lovers!

Updated: 12/01/2025Posted: 12/01/2025

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GORDON BECK ~ DREAMS JMS 049 (Barcode: 3129675004926) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1989 Released: 1989 This is an album by British keyboardist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, one of the great heroes of the British Jazz scene since the early 1960s. It is essentially a solo keyboards album, except for a few vocal contributions on four tracks by the American vocalist Rowanne MarkFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions by Beck, with the title tracks being a two-part mini suite. Beck plays piano and a plethora of different synthesizers and even a drum machine. The album was recorded in the USA and was produced by Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist. Starting in the late 1970s Beck recorded many albums for the French OwlFind albums on this label and JMSFind albums on this label labels, several of with involved Holdsworth and other notable British and French Jazz musicians. This album presents the more romantic / lyrical side of his musical persona, as well as his amazing technique and composing depth. The music is all melody based, and the wonderfully crafted compositions are ideal vehicles for Beck to spread his wings as a performer, although his recording legacy shows him as being a brilliant accompanist as well. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of the Gordon Beck puzzle, which although perhaps less celebrated, is definitely worth being discovered and deserves an honorable place in every serious British Jazz collection.

Updated: 20/08/2021Posted: 20/08/2021

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GORDON BECK ~ ONE FOR THE ROAD JMS 077 (Barcode: 3383001867528) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995 This is a solo album by British Jazz keyboardist / composer / bandleader Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, which features him playing acoustic and electric pianos, organ and synthesizers. The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by Beck. It was released on the French JMSFind albums on this label Records, owned by Jean-Marie SalhaniFind albums by this artist, one of the most important European Jazz record producers. Beck was associated with the label for many years and recorded several albums for the label. In order to avoid confusion, it should be noted that the album’s title is identical to the title of Beck’s debut solo album, recorded in 1976 and released a year later on the tiny (but superb) JaguarFind albums on this label label, which still remains unreleased on CD and is a highly sought-after collectors’ item. Seven of the compositions from that album appear also on this album, which makes it a re-make of sorts, which is a fascinating opportunity to compare the two recordings bridging almost a twenty-years gap. The music is, as always, a brilliant example of Beck’s lyricism and superb keyboard technique, which made him one of leading British keyboardist on the local scene. He was a sublime accompanist and played with many leading figures, but his recordings as a leader where always excellent examples of melodic modern Jazz, although he could play Free Form if appropriate for a given moment. Overall, this is a brilliant solo keyboards album, full of great music and exceptional performances, most notable on the acoustic piano. Sometimes romantic and at other moments experimental and adventurous, his music is always an uplifting experience. His death in 2011 was a great loss to all music lovers and to the British Jazz scene at large.

Updated: 21/07/2024Posted: 21/07/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend