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 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

SKIN ALLEY ~ TWO QUID DEAL ESOTERIC 2244 (Barcode: 5013929734425) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2011 This is the 3rd album by the great British Jazz-Rock ensemble Skin AlleyFind albums by this artist, originally released on the TransatlanticFind albums on this label label after they left CBSFind albums on this label, which is considered to be their best and most consistent recording. The group members were all brilliant musicians and played several instruments each, which gives the music a wide scope and versatility. The music, composed mostly by guitarist Bob JamesFind albums by this artist and bassist Nick GrahamFind albums by this artist, is superb from start to finish. In short this is an excellent album in every respect and an absolute must to every fan of early Jazz-Rock / Prog on this planet. Unfortunately at the time of its release it gained very little attention and was quickly removed from the shelves, remaining a hidden gem for so many years. It’s great to see it back in circulation.

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

AMALGAM ~ PRAYER FOR PEACE FMR 096 (Barcode: 649849981417) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2002 Legendary debut album by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble AmalgamFind albums by this artist, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist and including the legendary drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist. Both Watts and Stevens were also founding members of the Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist (SME), which was in some respect the alter ego of Amalgam, whereas SME concentrated on freely Improvised Music, Amalgam used more structured themes, mostly pre-composed, as the basis for their expanded Jazz improvisations. In many respects Amalgam and SME lineups, musical directions and intentions overlapped and the collective recorded legacy of these two groups is an icon of some of the most daring and wonderfully adventurous music ever recorded. This initial lineup of Amalgam was a trio, including the superb bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, who is replaced on the title track of this album by another British bass legend Barry GuyFind albums by this artist. The album was originally released on the TransatlanticFind albums on this label label and for many years was on of the most thought after Jazz collector´s items. The music is absolutely stunning from start to finish and what makes this album so special is the inclusion of three versions of the same tune ("Judy´s Smile"), so brilliantly different from each other, that they are a classic example of the gift of improvisational ability. An absolute classic of the genre and a must for any Free Jazz / Improvised Music buff!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

PENTANGLE ~ ONE MORE ROAD / LIVE 1994 HUX 089 (Barcode: 682970000893) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1993 - 1994 Released: 2007 PentangleFind albums by this artist, the finest of the many UK Folk-Rock bands, went through two distinct life cycles. The original band, which was active between 1968 and 1972, left us a wonderful legacy of 6 splendid album released originally on the legendary UK folk oriented TransatlanticFind albums on this label label and reissued (and expanded) on CD by CastleFind albums on this label. That period was also documented by the release of the original band’s BBC recordings on the HuxFind albums on this label label in 2004 (The Lost Broadcasts 1968-1972Find albums with this title). In 1984 two of Pentangle’s founding members singer Jacqui McSheeFind albums by this artist and guitarist John RenbournFind albums by this artist reformed the band again. This second incarnation of the band started off with the five original members but later on went through many personnel changes until the final version of the band crystallized around 1989 and kept together till 1994. This last version of the band included Jacqui, Bert JanschFind albums by this artist and three other Folk-Rock veterans: Nigel Portman-SmithFind albums by this artist (bass, piano and vocals – ex Magna CartaFind albums by this artist), Gerry ConwayFind albums by this artist (drums – ex FotheringayFind albums by this artist and Jethro TullFind albums by this artist) and Pete KirtleyFind albums by this artist (guitar - ex Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist, GriffinFind albums by this artist, Riff RaffFind albums by this artist and many other bands). The second Pentangle recorded also 6 albums, three of which were recorded by the last lineup above. Alas these albums are almost completely neglected and have been out of print for many years. This beautiful album brings us splendidly remastered versions of the last two Pentangle albums: One More RoadFind albums with this title – the last studio album and Live 1994Find albums with this title – their swan song. There is hardly any need to recommend these masterpieces to a serious Folk-Rock fan. Let’s just be grateful this material is available again and enjoy every minute of it to the fullest. Brilliant!

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GRYPHON ~ GRYPHON TALKING ELEPHANT 117 (Barcode: 5028479011728) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2007 1st album by the wonderful British Prog group GryphonFind albums by this artist, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. Formed by students at the Royal Academy of Music in London, the band members were all well educated in classical music, which was evident both in the level of their compositions, as well as in their superb performing skills. Founded by Richard HarveyFind albums by this artist (keyboards, woodwinds and guitars) and Brian GullandFind albums by this artist (woodwinds – especially bassoon – keyboards and vocals), who both shared a deep love for early music, Renaissance and medieval church music, as well as British folk, which determined the group´s musical direction. Combining these elements with some contemporary Rock elements, they managed to achieve a completely unique sound and musical vision, which was somewhere between Folk-Rock groups like PentangleFind albums by this artist and Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and Early British music ensembles like Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist. The pair was joined by guitarist Graeme TaylorFind albums by this artist and the trio started performing mostly in the Folk-Rock circles. Later expanded to a quartet, when joined by drummer David OberleFind albums by this artist, the group finally crystallized their stylistic approach. Signed by the legendary TransatlanticFind albums on this label label, they recorded 4 classic albums for the label, all of which are superb examples of British Folk-Rock / Prog and essential pieces of the wonderful puzzle created at the time. This is one of those albums, which should be an integral part of any serious Prog collection and an absolute classic of the genre.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AMAZING BLONDEL ~ RESTORATION TRANSATLANTIC 301 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock A reunion album by this group from 1997, 22 years after they disbanded. Fortunately this amazing recording continues the tradition of excellence set by their original albums and there is no change or difference whatsoever. The same brilliant instrumental performances and vocal harmonies of elegance and charm. For lovers of medieval music this is truly an extatic experience.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AMAZING BLONDEL ~ A FOREIGN FIELD THAT IS FOREVER ENGLAND TRANSATLANTIC 330 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Amazing Blondel were probably the most unique UK Prog group in all times, dedicated to playing ancient and medieval English music performed on the original instruments of the period and sung in amazing vocal harmonies. Their work was trully breathtaking. This allbum collects live recordings from 1972-1973 captured during the group`s European performances. An absolute must!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend