Record Reviews

NEIL ARDLEY / NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ ON THE RADIO: BBC SESSIONS 1971 DUSK FIRE 115 (Barcode: 5065001032516) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 2016 This is a wonderful archival album from the seemingly bottomless vault of the BBC recordings, which presents two sessions led by British composer / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist. The first session (six tracks) presents the full glory of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist) led and conducted by Ardley and the second session (one track) presents a suite-like composition performed by a small Jazz ensemble, which also includes a string section and electronics. The lineup of the New Jazz Orchestra includes the crème de la crème of the British Jazz players at the time: trumpeters Nigel CarterFind albums by this artist, Bud ParkesFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, trombonists Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist, Robin GardnerFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, tuba player Dick HartFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Don RendellFind albums by this artist, Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Dave GellyFind albums by this artist and Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and percussionist / vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist. The small ensemble includes several NJO members and also features bassist Barry GuyFind albums by this artist and the man in charge of the electronic sounds Keith WinterFind albums by this artist. For listeners familiar with the NJO recordings the music presented here will not be unanticipated, as it follows the pattern presented on their studio recordings, which is based on intricate and lavish orchestral arrangements and excellent solos by the orchestra members. The live sound and the raw power of the twenty piece orchestra are of course irresistible and illustrate the supremacy of orchestral music over small ensembles as far as the scale of possibilities is concerned. The orchestra performs two compositions by the lamented pianist / composer Mike TaylorFind albums by this artist, who was already deceased when this music was recorded. Another pleasant surprise is the inclusion of a composition by the legendary Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, who played in the earlier lineup of the orchestra. The presentation of the tunes by the no less legendary Humphrey LytteltonFind albums by this artist is the proverbial cherry on the top. The suite-like piece marks the beginning for Ardley´s interest in electronic music, which started when he met Keith Winter a year before this music was recorded. His future recording will feature synthesizers of course but this early, both technologically and conceptually, meeting between electronic and acoustic sounds is truly fascinating and innovative, especially since it also features a string section. Overall this album is an invaluable historical document of the time and of the British Jazz history, and well deserved thanks go to Peter MuirFind albums by this artist, the man behind the Dusk FireFind albums on this label / Market SquareFind albums on this label labels and to Dave Gelly for the informative liner notes and his first hand experiences. This is an absolute must to all British Jazz connoisseurs, and in fact to all Jazz lovers around the world, especially the young musicians, who should be aware of how much can be learned from music made in the past. Not to be missed!

Updated: 23/05/2018Posted: 31/05/2017

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KEVIN AYERS ~ TURN THE LIGHTS DOWN MARKET SQUARE 105 (Barcode: 5019148623427) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1995 Released: 1999 This little known live recording captures the Canterbury legend Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist in the mid 1990s, accompanied by a great British band called The Wizards Of TwiddlyFind albums by this artist, who by that time established quite a following on the Acid Jazz scene. The band fits Ayers like a glove with his crossover material moving freely between Folk, Rock and Jazz. Ayers delivers a splendid set of thirteen of his songs, with the usual ironic and often bitter and sarcastic lyrics. He’s in top form and the rapport between him and the band is plainly evident. The band members supply plenty of interesting solos and the overall full sound of the band, horns included, revitalizes the music immensely. This is a must have for all Ayers fans.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SONJA KRISTINA ~ SONGS FROM THE ACID FOLK MARKET SQUARE 109 (Barcode: 806676000265) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1991 Released: 2001 Following the demise of the legendary band Curved AirFind albums by this artist in 1976, their soloist Sonja KristinaFind albums by this artist continued her career as a solo artist, with a few attempted Curved Air reunions over the years. Following her early 1980s activity and the release of her eponymous debut album, she left the scene and hibernated for a few years, concentrating on raising her children. She returned to public appearances, first on the theatre stage and later by forming a new band, which was quite a surprising direction change for her. Coming back to the roots, Kristina and her new band performed a beautiful mix of Folk-Rock and modern Psychedelics, called Acid Folk. In 1990 Kristina reunited again with the original band members of Curved Air for a tour (which is documented on the Alive, 1990Find albums with this title album) and once the tour was over returned to her new band and recorded this, her second solo album. She also wrote all the songs for this album, which was another surprising and bold step forward. The result is a charmingly beautiful Folk-Rock album, one of the best there are but unfortunately little known. Her splendid voice is all there, as good as in the old Prog years, but in the mostly acoustic and serene setting it sounds even more perfect. It really great to see Kristina revitalize her career time after time and to be able to hear her superb voice again. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

KEVIN AYERS ~ STILL LIFE WITH GUITAR MARKET SQUARE 112 (Barcode: 806676000289) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1990 - 1991 Released: 2002 Legendary Canterbury hero Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist managed to keep his musical career aflame over the years by releasing splendid albums every now and then but staying away from the limelight. His ability to write well-crafted songs, which sound easy and simple, but are in fact often devilishly clever, earned him admiration and respect among his peers. This album was recorded when Ayers heard the debut album by Fairground AttractionFind albums by this artist, a short-lived UK Folk-Rock group, which blended many different genres into their music, from Folk and Country to Rock and Jazz, very similar to what Ayers used as his modus operandi. Ayers thought that it would be nice to record an album with the group and after pulling some strings his wish was granted. The cooperation obviously worked very well, as the resulting album is a blast from start to finish. Augmented by some of his regular musical collaborators, like guitarists Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist and Ollie HalsallFind albums by this artist, Ayers presents a great set of his unique songs. A special merit goes to the fantastic Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, whose bass playing drives the music and gives it an overall Jazzy feel. It’s great to have this little gem back in circulation and the many Ayers fans will surely rejoice.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SONJA KRISTINA ~ CRI DE COEUR MARKET SQUARE 116 (Barcode: 5024545225129) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 Ten years after recording her last solo album, British singer Sonja KristinaFind albums by this artist (of Curved AirFind albums by this artist fame) recorded this, her 4th solo project. Considering the fact that she is normally associated with Prog and later Folk-Rock, this time she makes a complete about-face and turns to Jazz, quite a surprise to her numerous fans and admirers. This is quite a daring step, as Kristina presents here her interpretations of the classic Jazz songbook, which was recorded repeatedly before by the greatest Jazz singers – definitely not an easy pair of shoes to step into. She wisely chose to use up-to-date arrangements, beautifully done by Israeli (living in London) pianist / arranger / composer Tsivi SharettFind albums by this artist, and a intimate setting of a Jazz trio, which includes Tsivi on piano, the excellent Ben HaseltonFind albums by this artist on bass and Brian EdwardsFind albums by this artist on sax & flute. Subtle string arrangements were added on several of the tracks. Overall Kristina stands up to the challenge, even though she freely plays around with the both the tempo and the melody of the original standards. The instrumental arrangements are very good and Kristina’s voice is still strong and unique as ever. Jazz purists will probably shrug at this recording, as it often steps beyond what they expect to hear, but for open-minded listeners there are plenty of nice surprises to enjoy.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SONJA KRISTINA ~ SONJA KRISTINA MARKET SQUARE 140 (Barcode: 5030094123427) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1980 - 1985 Released: 2006 Following the demise of the legendary band Curved AirFind albums by this artist in 1976, their soloist Sonja KristinaFind albums by this artist continued her career as a solo artist, with a few attempted Curved Air reunions over the years. This, her eponymous first solo album, which was recorded with her band EscapeFind albums by this artist, proves that she lost none of her vitality over the years and her magical and unique voice was still at full bloom. Accompanied by a great group of musicians, including her Curved Air partner violinist Darryl WayFind albums by this artist (who at the time was leading his group WolfFind albums by this artist), she delivers a splendid set of songs, some of which include her lyrics. Although the album suffers slightly from the dreadful 1980s production standards, this can be easily put aside in view of her magnetic presence. The bonus tracks are especially interesting, as they include the only single (A/B) recorded by the 1984 Curved Air reunion called “Renegade” and an ultra rare Kristina single from 1985, recorded with the band TunisFind albums by this artist. The album is a must have for all Curved Air fans and all people who are mesmerized by Kristina’s unique vocal delivery.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SONJA KRISTINA ~ HARMONICS OF LOVE MARKET SQUARE 150 (Barcode: 5065001032080) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1994 Released: 2009 3rd album by the wonderful British vocalist Sonja KristinaFind albums by this artist, ex-lead singer of the legendary Curved AirFind albums by this artist, recorded with her band Cloud 10Find albums by this artist. Kristina is at her absolute peak here, combining elements of Prog, Folk-Rock, Jazz and Ambient, with brilliant songwriting and stunning vocal abilities. The sound of the album is very close to her Curved Air recordings, mainly due to the presence of the wonderful violin player Paul SaxFind albums by this artist, who contributes some amazing instrumental parts, reminiscent of Daryl WayFind albums by this artist´s violin performances in Curved Air. The album has a distinctive Jazzy feel and Kristina´s beautifully melodic compositions provide an excellent vehicle for the players to contribute their instrumental contribution. This gem was unavailable for many years and this reissue is a most welcome event, enabling many of Kristina´s fans to be able to hear this great album again, now in expanded form with many bonus tracks. Absolutely not to be missed!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend