Record Reviews

JAN AKKERMAN / KAZ LUX ~ ELI WEA 242361 (Barcode: 022924236129) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2000 4th album by the eclectic Dutch guitar genius Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist recorded shortly after he left FocusFind albums by this artist in early 1976. For this album Akkerman teamed up with his old friends from BrainboxFind albums by this artist (his pre-Focus band) singer Kaz LuxFind albums by this artist (Kaz was the shorter and easier to pronounce version of his full Polish name Kazimierz) and drummer Pierre van der LindenFind albums by this artist (who was also a member of Focus). He also invited two prominent Dutch keyboards players Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist (from the Jazz circles) and Rick van der LindenFind albums by this artist (from the Prog circles, founder and leader of the Dutch Prog bands EkseptionFind albums by this artist and TraceFind albums by this artist – the Dutch answer to NiceFind albums by this artist and Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist – and not relater to Pierre). The result of these sessions produced a great Prog concept album based on a story by Lux. The stellar personnel and the superb vocal performance make it as strong as any parallel Prog concept album, but unfortunately it received very little attention at the time and remains mostly forgotten. For the followers of Akkerman’s work over the years this is quite a revelation and his exceptional work as a composer and guitarists are fully featured here. Essential for Akkerman and Focus fans.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JAZZ.U ~ ELIYAHU NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2024 This is the 2nd album by Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble Jazz.UFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist / composer Krzysztof PawlockiFind albums by this artist, which also includes keyboardist Dominik KisielFind albums by this artist, bassist Konrad ZolnierekFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz LapinskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, seven of which were composed by the leader, and two are uncredited improvisations. Although still very much a Fusion album, the music offers polyrhythmic tempi, less straightforward melodic themes and a very unusual guitar sound, which immediately sets the album apart from most Fusion albums one might have come across over time. Combined with the extraordinary keyboard work by Kisiel, this album turns out to be quite a surprising step forward for the ensemble, in comparison to the debut, which was recorded four years earlier. The music takes a while to get into, perhaps even requiring several listening sessions, which is a very rare phenomenon as far as Fusion is concerned, and speaks volumes both about the composer and the instrumentalists. There is a lot of volume dynamics between very quiet passages and more aggressive ones, which again are unusual and make the listener to check the volume controls, which might initially be a tad unnerving. In short, the entire experience of listening to the music is full of unexpected trickery, which adds spice to the proceedings. Overall, this is an excellent album, full of surprising and constant shifts in volume, tempo and atmosphere, which makes it stand out within the genre. Complex music and excellent performances, combined with an unusual guitar work should make this a heaven for Fusion fans and offer a whiff of freshness within the rather stale Fusion environment. Well done!

Updated: 26/01/2025Posted: 26/01/2025

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

MARILYN MAZUR / JAN GARBAREK ~ ELIXIR ECM 1962 (Barcode: 602517373204) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2008 This is a beautiful intimate cooperation between Danish percussionist Marilyn MazurFind albums by this artist and saxophone legend Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist. Mazur played as a regular member of the Garbarek ensemble for many years and recorded numerous albums with him, but this is the first album where she and her percussion instruments from all over the world stand in the centre of attention and calls the shots. Garbarek responds sympathetically to the rhythmic clues supplied by Mazur and the evolving dialog is deeply moving and aesthetically highly elegant. Both musicians obviously respect each other deeply, which is a basis for any meaningful conversation, musical or otherwise. This kind of music demands total attention from the listener, but the experience is highly rewarding and well worth trying out. Recommended!

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend