Record Reviews

PENTANGLE ~ THE ALBUMS CHERRY RED BOX 41 (Barcode: 5013929104105) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1972 Released: 2017 This exquisite Box Set presents the reissues of all the six albums recorded by the first incarnation of the legendary British Folk-Rock group PentangleFind albums by this artist, which existed between 1967 and 1973 and recorded the following albums between 1968 and 1972: "The PentangleFind albums with this title" (released 1968), "Sweet ChildFind albums with this title" (released 1968 as a double LP), "Basket Of LightFind albums with this title" (released 1969), "Cruel SisterFind albums with this title" (released 1970), "ReflectionFind albums with this title" (released 1971) and finally "Solomon`s SealFind albums with this title" (released 1972). The first five of these albums were originally released on TransatlanticFind albums on this label Records and the sixth on RepriseFind albums on this label Records. All six albums were reissued on CD by CastleFind albums on this label Records between 2001 and 2003 in expanded versions, adding bonus tracks. This Box Set edition adds a plethora of additional bonus tracks, some of which appeared on the 4CD Box Set compilation "The Time Has Come: 1967-1973Find albums with this title" (released by Castle in 2007), but most are previously unreleased, which of course makes this Box Set even more desirable that it already is. The original Pentangle lineup featured on these albums included the charismatic vocalist blessed with an angelic voice: Jacqui McSheeFind albums by this artist, two exquisite and virtuosic guitarists: John RenbournFind albums by this artist and Bert JanschFind albums by this artist and superbly Jazzy rhythm section: bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Terry CoxFind albums by this artist, which together were unparalleled to any other outfit at the time and presented a brilliant amalgam of British Folk, Rock and Jazz, spiced with virtuosic vocal harmonies and instrumental parts. The music is a mixture of superb original material and fabulous arrangements of traditional tunes, all spotlessly and wonderfully performed by the group´s members. Pentangle basically established the rules of Folk-Rock, Prog-Folk, Jazz-Folk and similar sub-genres, for generations to come and all British Folkies from that time on tried to follow their steps, as the genre flourished between late 1960s and late 1970s. The competition was fierce with such excellent acts as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist and others, but Pentangle maintained the leading position until the band fell apart in 1973, only to return by the early 1980s, but that is another story altogether. This Box Set includes hours of exquisite music, which although closely related to British Folk encompasses various other genres and is diverse, elegant, interesting and entertaining. I can hardly imagine any serious music collection not including this music and if someone does not already own these albums on vinyl or earlier CD reissues, this Box Set is the ultimate solution. An absolute must have by any standard!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 19/05/2018

CD 7 Digisleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN ~ THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN (50TH ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE EDITION) CHERRY RED AMERICA 001 (Barcode: 760137187219) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1965 - 1968 Released: 2018 This is a Box Set reissue, marking the 50th Anniversary of the release of one of the greatest Rock albums of all times, the debut release by the British vocalist / songwriter Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist and his group called The Crazy World Of Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, which included organist / composer / arranger Vincent CraneFind albums by this artist, bassist Sean GreenwoodFind albums by this artist and drummer Drachen TheakerFind albums by this artist. The Box Set includes the original LP (stereo mix) and 3 CDs, as follows: CD1 presents the stereo mix version of the original album (eleven tracks) and seven bonus tracks originating from A and B sides of singles, which are mostly non-album tracks, except for two versions of “Fire”. CD2 presents the mono mix version of the original album (eleven tracks) and nine bonus tracks, which are alternate versions or alternate mixes. CD3 presents live radio broadcasts, six from BBC sessions and four from other radio sources, as well as four early recordings from 1965-1966. The music was all original and composed by Crane, who also wrote the orchestral arrangements, and Brown contributed the lyrics, except for two covers, which were brilliantly arranged to fit the sound and concept of the album. Side A of the original album was a six-part continuous suite. In retrospect, this album was a milestone of British Rock / Psychedelia and to some degree also early Jazz-Rock Fusion. Crane’s brilliant compositions and arrangements, which are soaked in Jazzy undercurrents and Brown’s theatrical, almost operatic vocals are absolutely unprecedented and pioneering in their sheer chutzpa of discarding stylistic limitations, norms and conventions. Despite the fact that the album was rather poorly recorded (the mono mixes are superior IMHO), which no remaster can revive or restore, the originality, energy and pure Genius of the music keeps it alive and kicking and fifty-five years later it remains completely unblemished. Brown continues to make brilliant music to this very day, but sadly remains underappreciated and his Art has a limited exposure, which is a crying shame. The premature death of Crane in 1989 robbed the world of one of the greatest organists and composers in Rock, and similarly the death of Theaker in 1992 took away a highly imaginative and original drummer. Overall, this is a superb tribute to one of the greatest Rock albums of all time, which lost nothing of its originality and sheer imaginative artistry in the span of the fifty-five years since it was released. It is a unique, one-time phenomenon in music, which should be celebrated by music lovers the world over, although Brown continues to make brilliant music to this very day, sadly not able to reach a wide audience he truly deserves. A timeless classic!

Updated: 11/03/2023Posted: 11/03/2023

3CD+LP 4 Box Set Essential Recommend To A Friend

YARDBIRDS ~ BIRDLAND FAVORED NATIONS 2280 (Barcode: 690897228023) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 Forty years after The YardbirdsFind albums by this artist ruled the British Rhythm And Blues scene for a while and than splintered into several seminal Rock and Prog bands like Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist, Jeff Beck GroupFind albums by this artist and RenaissanceFind albums by this artist, to mention just a few, here they are again alive and kicking. The original founding members Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist and Chris DrejaFind albums by this artist drafted three younger musicians: guitarist Gypie MayoFind albums by this artist, vocalist and bassist John IdanFind albums by this artist and harmonica player Alan GlenFind albums by this artist and reunited the Yardbirds to record this album, which includes several re-makes of classic Yardbirds material and a nice batch of new songs written by the band members. I´m usually skeptical about reunions, being right most of the time, this album however works amazingly well, as if time stood still (which is a good thing) for all these years and The Yardbirds never disbanded at all. Mayo plays some amazing guitar licks and easily joins the Yardbirds lead guitarists list (Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist & Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist), the songs smoke from start to finish and the entire album simply kicks ass. Some spectacular guest guitar players add solos as well: Jeff Beck, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Joe SatrianiFind albums by this artist, Brian MayFind albums by this artist and others. Definitely no regrets here – a must!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

AL KOOPER ~ BLACK COFFEE FAVORED NATIONS 2520 (Barcode: 690897252028) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 US singer / keyboardist / composer / producer Al KooperFind albums by this artist has been one of my favorite musicians for nearly fifty years and everything he ever touched turned instantly into musical gold as far as I´m concerned. Kooper´s rare gift for composing non-trivial and yet highly melodic music, his incredible versatility and amazing feel for Rock, Blues and Jazz make him a Renaissance Musician. This, his latest (so far) release is his 7th solo album and an absolute gem in every respect. Including mostly his original songs it also presents a few beautiful arrangements of other people´s music. Kooper is supported by a superb team of players, which is able to back him up in any style, genre or mood, always with elegance and a great sense of humor. His vocal ability remains at top form, as does his keyboards technique, and the resulting album is simply top notch. I must admit that I´ve had a super-great time listening to this and enjoying every note and every second, and I hope you will find it equally gratifying. Pure gold!

CD 1 Digisleeve Recommend To A Friend

NICOLAS MEIER ~ INFINITY FAVORED NATIONS 2870 (Barcode: 6908972870161) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is a brilliant album by Swiss (resident in UK) guitarist / composer Nicolas MeierFind albums by this artist, one of the fastest rising stars of the guitar world in the last few years. The album was recorded with a superstar American rhythm section comprising of bassist Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist and drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist. In addition three guest violin players (Richard JonesFind albums by this artist, Sally JoFind albums by this artist and Lizzie BallFind albums by this artist) play on eight tracks of the album and guest guitarist Gregor CarleFind albums by this artist plays on one track. The album presents eleven original compositions, all by Meier. Contrary to the expectations one might have from examining the lineup, the music has very little to do with classic Jazz-Rock Fusion and is in fact mostly World Music oriented, exposing both Meier´s ethnic (Turkish and Romanian) roots and his deep interest in Middle Eastern, Gypsy and other musical folklores. The beautifully melodic compositions, deeply rooted in the eastern mysticism and heavily spiced with Oriental tonality, are all delightful from start to finish. The addition of the violin on most of the tunes also adds another ethnic layer to the music. Meier plays mostly acoustic guitars (and guitar-like glissentar and baglama), which dominates the sound of the album, which is soft, elegant, precise and gentle. Haslip and Colaiuta do a remarkable job on this album, limiting their usual powerful Fusion sound to suit this delicate music, driving it powerfully but staying in the background in order not to overshadow it. These veteran Masters fully justify here their reputation as some of the best players on earth. Haslip plays several wonderfully structured and brilliantly executed bass solos, which fit the overall atmosphere of this album perfectly. Meier proves again not only his abilities as an instrumentalist and composer, but most importantly his open-minded approach to music and the effort to explore and discover new areas and create new cross-genre and cross-culture amalgams. The resulting work is moving and exciting and should be able to delight all true music connoisseurs, especially those who love the combination of Jazz improvisations and exotic World Music themes. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

Updated: 15/11/2016Posted: 15/11/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

DEWA BUDJANA ~ ZENTUARY FAVORED NATIONS 2880 (Barcode: 6908972880160) ~ INDONESIA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the tenth album by Indonesian guitarist / composer Dewa BudjanaFind albums by this artist, this time a double CD effort, recorded with a stellar cast consisting of bassist / Chapman Stick player Tony LevinFind albums by this artist, drummer / keyboardist Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist and drummer / pianist Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist. Several guest artists and the Czech Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist appear on selected tracks. Each of the two CDs presents six original compositions, all but one composed by Budjana. The music is a diverse collection of musical influences, which amalgamates Jazz, Fusion and World Music. Melody based, the individual compositions serve basically as vehicles for the lengthy improvisations and solo parts, which are the focus of this album. The melodic substance is somewhat limited emotionally throughout the album´s duration, quite melancholic and gloomy, with hints of Balinese music, which creates an atmosphere of slow movement and even heaviness, which is overall strengthened by the intensive instrumental multilayered presence; definitely not an easy listening experience. The individual contributions are of course stellar, as expected. Budjana plays some tasty guitar licks and his cohorts support him amicably, all they way through. Both Husband and DeJohnette contribute forceful rhythmic pulsations, Levin takes case of the bottom sounds and Husband as usual creates layers of wonderful keyboard sounds, which keep this complex music wonderfully together. The sax and vocal contributions by the guest are nice ornamentations. Overall this is a very good Jazz-Rock-World Fusion effort, which is definitely worth investigation. For Fusion and Guitar fans this is heaven on earth of course. Personally I´d prefer a concise one CD version of this music, as the length does not contribute favorably in this case as far as I am concerned. But of course this is not up to me and Budjana surely knows what he is doing.

Updated: 03/03/2017Posted: 02/03/2017

CD 2 Digisleeve Recommend To A Friend

PHIL WOODS ~ INTEGRITY: THE NEW PHIL WOODS QUINTET LIVE RED 123177 (Barcode: 027312317725) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 Released: 1993 This is a reissue of a live album by American saxophonist / clarinetist / composer Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quintet, which also included trumpeter Tom HarrellFind albums by this artist, pianist Hal GalperFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve GilmoreFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill GoodwinFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in Italy and released on the legendary RedFind albums on this label Record label. The 2CD album presents nine tracks, all of which are interesting arrangements of standards, except the short track finishing the album, which was composed by Woods. In the late 1960s and early 1970s Woods resided in Europe, led groups comprising of European musicians and recorded many excellent albums in Europe, and his ties with European musicians and labels continued after his return to the US. Although the music is all within the mainstream Jazz formula, it features some of the best American instrumentalist of the period, and Woods was always one of my favorite alto players, with a unique tone, superb melodic continuity and innovative improvisation approach, influenced by his long European stint. The rest of the quintet members are all first class musicians, and although Harrell was taking his first professional steps in this quintet, he was already a highly notable performer. Overall, this is a wonderful document of the early era of this splendid quintet, which despite its conventional appearance, played a very unique kind of American mainstream, which was full of surprising arrangements and quirky moments, which are truly delightful.

Updated: 21/02/2026Posted: 21/02/2026

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

GIOVANNI TOMMASO ~ VIA G.T. RED 123196 (Barcode: 8054154650514) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1986 Released: 2024 This is a reissue of a superb album by Italian Jazz bassist / composer Giovanni TommasoFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting for the crème de la crème of the Italian Jazz scene: saxophonist Massimo UrbaniFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist, pianist Danilo ReaFind albums by this artist and drummer Roberto GattoFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, all original compositions by Tommaso. The music is absolutely divine, typical modern Italian Jazz, full of beautiful melodies and lyricism, and performed by the best musicians active at the time. A classic Jazz quintet, which offers a splendid opportunity to hear everybody up close. This album marks a new period in Tommaso’s activity, following years of activity with the Progressive Rock group PerigeoFind albums by this artist in the 1970s and switching full time into playing Jazz. Overall, this is a classic Italian Jazz album, which captures a “supergroup” of local Jazz heroes, and which sound as fresh and beautiful as it did four decades ago, when this music was recorded.

Updated: 11/11/2025Posted: 11/11/2025

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

D`ANDREA / TOMMASO / GATTO ~ AIREGIN RED 123252 (Barcode: 027312325225) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1991 Released: 1992 This is a wonderful album by the Italian Jazz trio comprising of pianist Franco D`AndreaFind albums by this artist, bassist Giovanni TommasoFind albums by this artist and drummer Roberto GattoFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, six of which are standards, two are co-composed by all three members of the trio and the remaining tree are composed by one of the trio members. Although performed by a classic Jazz piano trio, this album is a sublime example of European modern Jazz, which brilliantly interprets the American standards with such sophisticated twist, that ever Jazz lover find immediately himself smiling uncontrollably. D`Andrea’s brilliant ability to twist and transform the well know themes is simply absolutely ingenious. Of course the original compositions are no less interesting and altogether the trio offers a delightful portion of highly aesthetic and clever Jazz experience. Of course both Tommaso and Gatto are brilliant players as well, and serve as ideal partners to D`Andrea’s virtuosity. D`Andrea’s extensive recording legacy, mostly in the trio and solo piano setting, is one of the most impressive Italian and European Jazz achievements, and his contributions as a composer and educator are invaluable. Overall, this is an absolutely exemplary Jazz classic piano trio recording, which combines ideally the tradition with the innovation, and as such is a true must in every decent European Jazz record collection. It is not so easy to get hold of these days, but if you are able to find a copy don’t even blink! Pure gold from start to finish!

Updated: 18/06/2023Posted: 18/06/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

CUBY AND THE BLIZZARDS ~ DANCING BEAR RED BULLET 66.161 (Barcode: 8712944661613) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 The legendary Dutch Blues-Rock band Cuby And The BlizzardsFind albums by this artist reunited in the 1990s, fronted, as usual, by vocalist Harry MuskeeFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Cuby) and started to record albums again to the delight of their fans, old and new alike. They are still great performers and their feel for the Blues is second to none. This album is as strong as ever, with great melodies and excellent performances. Great lead guitar parts by Erwin JavaFind albums by this artist. Not to be missed by the band´s fans and all Blues-Rock enthusiasts out there.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FOCUS ~ IN AND OUT OF FOCUS RED BULLET 66.187 (Barcode: 8712944661873) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2001 This is the 1st album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following this somewhat unfocused debut album, the group released several masterpiece albums, which were some of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. This album finds them searching for their unique sound and style, mixing Jazz influences and Rock sound, as no other group before them. In retrospect it is still a solid Prog album and the obvious virtuosity and sense of melody of these great musicians is omnipresent. It is a must for all Focus fans!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

FOCUS ~ MOVING WAVES RED BULLET 66.188 (Barcode: 8712944661880) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2001 This is the 2nd album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, this masterpiece finds them at their absolute best, an album which is one of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. The suite "Eruption" (over 23 minutes long) is a beautiful example of the scope and imagination of music made at the time. A timeless classic!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

FOCUS ~ FOCUS 3 RED BULLET 66.189 (Barcode: 8712944661897) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2001 This is the 3rd album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, this masterpiece finds them at their absolute best, an album which is one of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. Originally a double LP it includes the suite "Anonymous Two" (over 26 minutes long) is a beautiful example of the scope and imagination of music made at the time. A timeless classic!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

FOCUS ~ AT THE RAINBOW RED BULLET 66.190 (Barcode: 8712944661903) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2001 This is the 4th album (and the only live album) by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, this masterpiece finds them at their absolute best, an album which is one of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. Recorded at the legendary London venue "The Rainbow" it captures the group at their absolute peak and is one of the greatest live Prog albums of all times. A timeless classic!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

FOCUS ~ HAMBURGER CONCERTO RED BULLET 66.191 (Barcode: 8712944661910) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2001 This is the 5th album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, this masterpiece finds them at their absolute best, an album which is one of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. Returning to the studio after releasing the live album "At The RainbowFind albums with this title", the band is still at their absolute peak and the resulting masterpiece is the last great peace of music the band was destined to record. The 20 plus minutes long title track is a Prog epitome. A timeless classic!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

FOCUS ~ MOTHER FOCUS RED BULLET 66.192 (Barcode: 8712944661927) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2001 This is the 6th album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, the group released several masterpiece albums, which were some of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. This album finds them trying to find a new style, which is more commercially oriented that the earlier material. Although received with criticism at the time, in retrospect it is still a solid Prog album and the obvious virtuosity and sense of melody of these great musicians is omnipresent. It is a must for all Focus fans!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

FOCUS ~ SHIP OF MEMORIES RED BULLET 66.193 (Barcode: 8712944661934) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2001 This is the 7th album by the great Dutch group FocusFind albums by this artist, led by flautist / keyboardist / composer Thijs van LeerFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist. Following the somewhat unfocused debut album, the group released several masterpiece albums, which were some of the best classic Prog albums of all times and an essential piece of music history. This album collects a series of previously unreleased recordings made around the time the live album was released, dating several years back before the album´s release date. Considering the fact that this material comes from the best period of the group, this album is particularly strong. It is a must for all Focus fans!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend