Record Reviews
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  | ARTHUR BROWN ~ DANCE (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2847 (Barcode: 5013929484795) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2023
This is a reissue / remaster of an album by British vocalist / songwriter Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, recorded with an excellent team including guitarists Andy DolbyFind albums by this artist and Barry ClarkFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Chris NicholsFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve YorkFind albums by this artist, drummer Charlie CharlesFind albums by this artist, percussionist Eddie EdwardsFind albums by this artist and saxophonist George KhanFind albums by this artist. The original album presents eleven tracks, six of which are original songs by Brown, two are by Dolby, and the rest are interpretations of songs by others. The expanded edition adds six bonus tracks recorded live by the BBC, all of which appear on the original album.
Brown is one of my all-time favorite British artists, whom I have been following since the late 1960s. His idiosyncratic vocal abilities and incredible musicality is completely unique and his cross-genre explorations, which include everything between Rock, Progressive Rock, Avant-Garde Rock, etc., always spiced with Jazzy underline accents and textures, as well as complete disregard of conventions and Artistic compromises, have always been a source of pure delight.
This album is disguised under the “Dance” moniker, but in fact is a wonderful collection of brilliant songs and clever, often satirical lyrics, which are completely timeless. The excellent remaster brings the music up to date and the saxophone solos by Khan are alone worth the price of the album.
Overall, it is great to see this, mostly forgotten, album back to circulation, and it is a true joy to listen to it again. Still alive and kicking, but sadly mostly in the shadows, Brown deserves to be listened to and learned from, as he remains a true icon of British / European Rock.
| | Updated: 05/01/2024Posted: 05/01/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZBIGNIEW NAMYSLOWSKI ~ DANCES
POLONIA 133 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997
This album by veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist summarizes many years of his career by concentrating on one of the most important characteristics of his music: the symbiosis of Jazz and World Music, or more precisely Jazz and folklore, as represented by dances from different regions. The album comprises of fourteen original compositions by Namyslowski, all of which are based on specific dance rhythms, like tango, waltz and samba or Polish folk dances like mazurka, kujawiak and oberek. Several of the compositions included on this album are new arrangements of compositions recorded and released previously over time.
The music is performed by a quartet, which besides Namyslowski, who plays saxophone, flute and trombone (his original instrument) includes also pianist Krzysztof HerdzinFind albums by this artist, bassists Olgierd WalickiFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz GrzybFind albums by this artist. Three additional players expand the lineup to a septet: accordionist Cezary PaciorekFind albums by this artist, violinist Maciej StrzelczykFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jose TorresFind albums by this artist. A Cuban percussion group guests on one tune (obviously the samba).
Namyslowski´s ability to compose melodies, which fit the various rhythms and meters, including some very odd meters indeed, is absolutely phenomenal. This album is full of such clever tunes, which happen also to be delightful and sound completely "easy" in spite of their complex and capricious nature. The actual performance is of course first-rate, as always with ensembles led by Namyslowski, who is very strict and meticulous as far as playing is concerned.
In many respects this is the most unconventional album ever recorded by Namyslowski in which Jazz plays still a central role, but is intertwined with the folkloristic elements so tightly, that is sounds often like a soundtrack to a documentary produced by National Geographic. Jazz connoisseurs will find this album absolutely charming in every respect, even though it covers musical ground not habitually associated with Jazz.
It might be very difficult to find, but I urge every Polish Jazz enthusiast to lay their hand on a copy of this gem. Listening to this music is such a great fun!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARIA POMIANOWSKA & FRIENDS ~ DANCE OF SUKA
FOR TUNE 0169 (Barcode: 5906395808830) ~ POLAND ~ World Music & Folklore
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2024
This is an album by Polish World Music / Folklore magician Maria PomianowskaFind albums by this artist, recorded with four of her musical friends: Karolina HulbujFind albums by this artist, who plays the cello and wspak (a viola like instrument, but with reversed symmetry), Sebastian WypychFind albums by this artist, who plays the double bass, Arad EmamgholiFind albums by this artist, a Kurd living in Warsaw, who plays the daf (a Middle Eastern frame drum) and Wojciech LubertowiczFind albums by this artist, who also plays frame drums. This superb quintet recorded in the midst of the Pandemic twelve tracks of completely unique music, two of which are contemporary compositions by Pomianowska and ten are new interpretations / arrangements of dances composed between the 13th and 17th Century. This album is a companion to the album “The Voice Of SukaFind albums with this title”, recorded by Pomianowska in 2016 and also released on the For TuneFind albums on this label Records label.
Pomianowska plays on the instrument known as suka, a vertically played fiddle (or knee fiddle), close in sound to violin, which was part of the Polish musical tradition for centuries and almost forgotten in time, and now thanks to her dedication, brought back to “active duty” with great success. On this album she uses two variants the suka, as well as an old fiddle.
The music is an exceptional amalgam between Classical Medieval and Baroque compositions and Folkloristic influences, which encompass a wide range of diverse sources, between Eastern European and Middle Eastern Cultures. Somehow Pomianowska manages to amalgamate all those seemingly completely separate elements into a coherent oneness, which is not only beautiful but also very clever, exciting and aesthetically pleasing.
Listening to the album seems to be a wide magic carpet ride above countries, on one side, and a time machine trip on the other, constantly moving between one musical environment to another, almost making the listener dizzy at times, but inducing a wide smile at the same time. Of course people familiar with the many sources of the music, will also enjoy the familiarity, but those to whom everything here is previously unheard, the joy of surprise should be even more exciting.
Overall, this is a wonderful piece of music, which splendidly combines many stylistically different types of music and different Cultural heritages into a comprehensible and enjoyable musical experience, with the unique signature of Pomianowska, who is taking the world by storm. I envy you your stamina, Maria my Friend, and thank you for your creativity. Godspeed in these crazy times!
| | Updated: 29/06/2024Posted: 29/06/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | KARMEN ROIVASSEPP ~ DANCE OF SOUNDS
AMP 025 (Barcode: 662578831181) ~ ESTONIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018
This is the debut album by Estonian (resident in Denmark) vocalist / composer Karmen RoivasseppFind albums by this artist and her quartet which also includes pianist Simon EskildsenFind albums by this artist, bassist Adrian ChristensenFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel SommerFind albums by this artist. A couple of musicians guest on one track each. The album presents eight songs, six composed by Roivassepp (two featuring her lyrics), one by Eskildsen and one is a standard. The songs are sung in Estonian and English.
The music is classic melody based mainstream Jazz, but definitely not trivial due to the high level of the compositions, which are well structured and harmonically coherent. The piano trio supports the singer beautifully and plays some excellent instrumental passages, with Eskildsen demonstrating his magic touch on the keyboards.
The vocals are fine but hardly innovative or exceptional. Roivassepp has a good voice, but lacks probably the experience Jazz vocals are usually based upon. I am sure she will improve significantly over time, and if she keeps writing such great songs as those on this album, her future prospects are all positive. Her singing in Estonian is way better than in English, which is of course the persisting problem with singers not singing in their native language.
Overall this is a very good debut album, which Roivassepp can be proud of, especially on the compositional level. I am already eagerly waiting to hear her next album.
| | Updated: 04/10/2018Posted: 04/10/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | SALAMON / HADZIMANOV / MOSES ~ DANCES OF FREEDOM
SAMO ~ SLOVENIA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2024
This is an album by Slovenian guitarist Samo SalamonFind albums by this artist, Serbian keyboardist Vasil HadzimanovFind albums by this artist and American drummer Bob MosesFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are co-composed by the trio members.
The music is a wonderful amalgam of many elements, and although it is mostly improvised, it offers various melodic snippets, references to Balkan Folkloristic themes, Ambient layers and electronically generated effects. There is a confident, clearly defined flow and coherent progress, which makes this music accessible to open-minded listeners, who are patient enough to experience the music slowly, and follow it where the musicians take it.
Although this is a trio recording, the music often sounds much fuller, with the instruments often disguised into instruments, which are not used in reality. The brilliant drumming by Moses keeps everything perfectly organized and the consequent tunes offer a diversity, which is rarely present in Improvised Music.
Salamon is an extremely prolific musician, who recorded almost fifty albums since the turn of the Millennium, mostly released on his own SamoFind albums on this label Records label, with involve dozens of European Jazz musicians, and he definitely deserves to be followed.
Overall, this is another document of Salamon’s feverish activity, which, as always deserves the attention of open-minded and aesthetically minded listeners. He manages to re-invent himself time and again and keeps an excellent company doing so! Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 16/02/2024Posted: 16/02/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | SLY & THE FAMILY STONE ~ DANCE TO THE MUSIC (LIMITED DELUXE EDITION)
EPIC 90274 (Barcode: 827969027424) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2007
2nd album by this great band, which brought them the recognition and success they so much deserved. The title track was a major hit on the charts and eventually became one of the anthems of the Flower Power generation. The group develops here its eclectic and unique approach to music, using previously known elements in a new way. Intricate vocal and instrumental arrangements and quirky rhythm changes are still quite amazing 40 years later with the music loosing none of its charm. Of course they’d get even better with time, but this album already includes all the elements of greatness one can expect from a classic. This beautiful new edition includes splendid liner notes and ultra-rare bonus tracks. Warmly recommended.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | NORMA WINSTONE ~ DANCE WITHOUT ANSWER
ECM 2333 (Barcode: 602537430475) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is the fourth (third on the ECMFind albums on this label label) album by British Jazz diva vocalist / lyricist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist recorded in a trio format with Italian pianist Glauco VenierFind albums by this artist and German saxophonist / clarinetist Klaus GesingFind albums by this artist. The album presents Winstone´s interpretations of thirteen songs; three of these songs are original compositions by Gesing with lyrics by Winstone, two others are compositions by Tomas MendezFind albums by this artist and Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist again with lyrics by Winstone, two are original compositions by Venier and the rest are Pop songs, including one song from MadonnaFind albums by this artist´s repertoire, which all get the special Winstone treatment.
As usual with these trio albums, the music is an expression of intimacy and subtlety, full of wonderful dialogues and trialogues between Winstone and her cohorts, always deeply respectful and sympathetic; an obvious labor of love and mutual understanding. The music is stripped to the bare essence, both harmonically and melodically, leaving just Winstone vocal acrobatics and instrumental ornamentation. It is obviously a "less is more" statement, and in this case the more is an understatement.
Winstone is not only a great vocalist, but also a Master of delivery and weaver of theatrical tension and aesthetic magnificence. Although seemingly simplistic, her vocal delivery is in fact deeply complex, which thanks to her total control of her vocal abilities appears to be simple to the listener.
Contrary to the minimalist approach, the music this trio creates is complete in every way. Just the voice and two instruments are able to create a coherent and perfectly woven tapestry of sound, which says everything it is meant to say. It is especially evident in the interpretations of the Pop songs, which many listeners might be familiar with in their original versions, and which sound here more convincing and striking even when stripped from the heavy arrangements and instrumental background, which often hides the essence rather that reveals it.
This album is another milestone in Winstone´s long and accomplished career, finding her in full command of her vocal and aesthetic capabilities. An obvious must have to the many Winstone faithful fans; this album is also an excellent window of opportunity to notice her exquisite Art, for those who have not discovered her yet. As usual, thank you Milady for being there, singing and most of all being yourself!
| | Updated: 28/05/2018Posted: 28/05/2018 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ DANCE ME THIS
ZAPPA 20018 (Barcode: 824302001820) ~ USA ~ Electronic & Ambient
Recorded: 1993 Released: 2015
This is the 100th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2015. The album, which was composed and recorded by Zappa in 1993, was the last album he completed during his lifetime, and was for many reasons released only twenty-two years later. The music was created entirely using the Synclavier, except some guitar overdubs done by him (the last time he played guitar) and vocal overdubs done by the Tuva throat singers trio Huun-Huur-TuFind albums by this artist, which was visiting the US at the time and met Zappa accidently. The album presents eleven tracks, all composed by Zappa.
The music reflects Zappa’s fascination with the Synclavier, which enabled him to compose and record extremely complex music, which would have taken months to rehearse and record with musicians, and parts of which might be simply impossible to be performed by humans. Aware of his health crisis Zappa tried to leave for posterity the last phase of his musical development, which moved beyond anything he played earlier, and became truly “cosmic” music.
Zappa was a genius composer, activist, bandleader, social prophet and genius comedian, and all these facets of his complex personality were reflected in his music. He certainly was light-years of almost everything that happened in music before and after his relatively brief residency on this planet.
Overall, this is an absolutely essential piece of the Frank Zappa legacy and a fitting tribute to his brilliance and most of all his unique and unparalleled composing Artistry. His embracing of the Synclavier preceded the concept of contemporary electronic music, which involves advanced technology and even AI, and considering that all this happened decades ago, clearly proves that Zappa was a visionary / prophetic Genius.
| | Updated: 28/03/2023Posted: 28/03/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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