Record Reviews
44 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | 52UM ~ GOODBYE AMSTERDAM
52UM 0002 (Barcode: 5903068124136) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024
This is an album by Polish Alternative Rock band UM52Find albums by this artist, recorded in the aftermath of the death of the band’s legendary leader Robert BrylewskiFind albums by this artist. The lineup includes the founding member, guitarist / vocalist Konrad JanuszekFind albums by this artist, bassist Rafal MicinskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Michal LeksFind albums by this artist, multi-instrumentalist Wojciech KonikiewiczFind albums by this artist and vibraphonist Pawel StawarzFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, co-credited to all band members. The album was recorded at the excellent Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist.
The music offers an interesting cross-genre amalgam of Rock, Reggae, World Music influences and strong Jazzy flavors, induced by Konikiewicz, who produced the album. Soaked in typical Polish melancholy, the album has a retro feel and sound, which is a fond reminder of better days in Polish Rock / Pop music, when it was not only music but a form of expression, protest and social awareness, and before it was kidnapped by Western destructive mediocracy and other poisonous influences.
Sadly, I suppose that this album will find little rapport with contemporary young Polish listeners, and is oriented towards the disappearing class of music listeners, who remember what music was all about. It is simply too good and demanding to compete with contemporary musical nothingness.
Overall, this is a sentimental tribute to Polish Alternative Rock music of several decades ago, full of nice melodies, intelligent lyrics and excellent instrumental performances, which work well for people my age, but probably are less attractive to younger listeners. I had a blast listening to this, who else?
| | Updated: 27/06/2024Posted: 27/06/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAEVID ALLEN ~ GOOD MORNING
ESOTERIC 2004 (Barcode: 5013929710429) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2007
Following his departure from GongFind albums by this artist, the legendary British ensemble he formed and led for many years, singer / guitarist / songwriter Daevid AllenFind albums by this artist started his solo career with the release of this album. It was recorded at his home studio in Mallorca, accompanied by the Spanish group EuterpeFind albums by this artist and his faithful companion Gilli SmythFind albums by this artist. This album sets the direction for Allen´s future work, which would be a unique cross-genre amalgam of Psychedelia, Ambient, Jazz and everything else, which is always uniquely Daevid Allen. A great trip down the memory lane!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | ASSOCIATION ~ GOODBYE COLUMBUS (SOUNDTRACK)
COLLECTORS` CHOICE 648 (Barcode: 617742064827) ~ USA ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006
5th album by the excellent US Pop group AssociationFind albums by this artist, a sextet of gifted songwriters, players and most importantly singers, who brought the art of vocal harmony to the highest levels known in popular music. The group enjoyed some success on the US charts in the late 1960s, but they were way more sophisticated and creative to be considered just as hit makers. Over the years the group released a series of excellent albums, each and every one of them full of great songs, superbly performed and sung. The fact that most of their material was self penned, self played and self arranged the collective talent and ingenuity of the band members is beyond doubt. Their vocal harmonies, firmly based in the American Folk vocal tradition but cleverly adapted to the Pop / Rock climate, are a model revered and copied to this very day. There are hardly any weak songs on any of their albums and with six songwriters in the band they were never short of material. This album is quite an oddity in their recorded legacy, as the band´s songs appearing here were commissioned to serve as part of a soundtrack to the "Goodbye ColumbusFind albums with this title" movie. The Association songs constitute only a part of the soundtrack (the rest is accidental music composed by Charles FoxFind albums by this artist, who would become a most successful Hollywood film composer), therefore the album is mostly for collectors, but the music is still great.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BRASS FEDERACJA ~ GO, GO, TO BE ON TIME!
REQUIEM / LYDIAN 2019/5 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019
This is the debut album by Polish Brass ensemble Brass FederacjaFind albums by this artist, led by sousaphone player / composer Piotr WrobelFind albums by this artist, which also includes trumpeters Maurycy IdzikowskiFind albums by this artist and Marcin MalarzFind albums by this artist, trombonists Andrzej RekasFind albums by this artist, Bartek LupinskiFind albums by this artist and Szymon WojdakFind albums by this artist and drummer Maciek WojcieszukFind albums by this artist. Six additional brass players guest on one of the tunes. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Wrobel, and one arrangement of a standard. There is also a humorous hidden bonus track!
Wrobel might be familiar to the Polish Jazz buffs as the sousaphone player of the fabulous Jazz Band Mlynarski - MaseckiFind albums by this artist, which also works without a bass player in its ranks.
The music is on the Funky side of the Brass ensemble music spectrum, offering straight forward melodic themes, which serve as vehicles for all the brass mania around, spiced by wonderful soloing by the ensemble members. The entire sound of the ensemble works wonderfully with the unique sousaphone / drums "rhythm section", which adds full bodied bottom range and swings wonderfully.
The music is somewhat similar to what the Brass Rock ensembles of the 1960s and 1970s were doing at the time, missing of course the guitar / keyboards / bass guitar Rocky side of things, but still being quite attractive to lovers of that idiom, which sadly disappeared from the face of the earth. The music displays an affinity to Traditional Jazz on some of the tracks, and an entire album of more Traditional Jazz oriented music might also work excellently – perhaps sometime in the future?
Overall this is an absolutely delightful piece of music, very different from everything else appearing on the Polish Jazz scene and showing the limitless extent of the genre. It is full of originality and passion and is of course wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 13/08/2019Posted: 13/08/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEMON BROWN / JONATHAN GEE ~ GOOD COP BAD COP
33 RECORDS 061 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Demon BrownFind albums by this artist (trumpet) & Jonathan GeeFind albums by this artist (piano) are both representatives of the young generation of UK jazz players, who share not only deep knowledge and perfect technical skills, but also a fantastic feel for the music. This album is special, as it was recorded in Israel and all the other players on it are young Israeli jazz musicians who befriended Brown & Gee during their two Israeli tours. The music smokes throughout, a typical modern jazz that leaves plenty of space to improvise but never leaves the melody line too far behind.
| | Updated: 14/02/2023Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CASTLE CANYON ~ GODS OF 1973
BOTTOMFEEDER 05 (Barcode: 884502065268) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2009
Great album by an obscure US Prog keyboards trio Castle CanyonFind albums by this artist, which was active in early 1970s but never released the material they composed and recorded at the time. As far as one can figure from the liner notes, parts of the material were recently recorded and re-recorded by the band’s leader / keyboardist Erik Ian WalkerFind albums by this artist, but basically it does not matter, as the original 1970s sound is still there. Walker, who composed all the music, is surely a gifted player and his control of the many keyboard instruments is beyond reproach. Bassist Fred ChalenorFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul EliasFind albums by this artist support the leader flawlessly and the entire effort is a heaven on earth for keyboards fans, bringing fond memories of Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, NiceFind albums by this artist and other memorable keyboards based ensembles. Considering the fact that not much of interest is happening, finding lost gems from the past is always a pleasure. Go for it!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CLIMAX BLUES BAND ~ GOLD PLATED
REPERTOIRE 4142 (Barcode: 4009910414224) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 1991
This is the 9th album by the British Blues-Rock band Climax Blues BandFind albums by this artist, which was one of the many bands that came into existence during the mid to late 1960s British Blues revival, pioneered by Alexis KornerFind albums by this artist and John MayallFind albums by this artist. The band plays a great selection of self-penned material, which mixes Blues, Rock and even Soul, brilliantly executed with plenty of heartbreaking guitar and sax solos, as expected. This album includes the band´s greatest commercially successful single "Couldn´t Get It Right" and is considered as one of the classics of the British Blues-Rock releases and lost nothing of its charm in time. A must to every Blues-Rock fan!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CORE ~ GOLONKA LOVE
MOSEROBIE 063 (Barcode: 7320470104194) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 - 2008 Released: 2008
This is the 5th album by the Norwegian Jazz quartet The CoreFind albums by this artist, which consists of saxophonist Kjetil MosterFind albums by this artist, pianist Erlend SlettevollFind albums by this artist, bassist Steinar RaknesFind albums by this artist and drummer Espen AalbergFind albums by this artist, who is the band’s leader and primary composer. This album also introduces the band’s new saxophonist Jorgen MathisenFind albums by this artist, who replaces Moster on several tracks. Polish DJ LenarFind albums by this artist participates on several tracks as well. The music included on the album was captured live during three separate concerts in Jazz clubs in Poland, where the band often plays and enjoys faithful following. The drummer and the bassist composed most of the music, with a couple of improvised pieces credited collectively to the band and one being a traditional African tune. These recordings testify to the intensity and incredible power the band is celebrated for, but also their versatility and openness, which is quite unusual in most contemporary Jazz ensembles. Each of the three gigs captured herein presents a different facet of the group: the electric side dominated by the distorted electric piano and wailing soprano saxophone, which brings fond memories of the early Weather ReportFind albums by this artist days; the acoustic side, which brings us back to the explosive days of the John ColtraneFind albums by this artist quartet, where Freedom rules, supported rock-steady by the piano pulsating a la McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist; and finally the contemporary side, incorporating ambient / electronic sounds as an organic ingredient of the music. The rhythm section supports the music at all times with elegance and grace, contributing the powerful engine behind the soloists and bonds everything together. It is truly remarkable to see such young musicians displaying not only talent and dedication, but also maturity well beyond the call of duty. They are certainly doing their own thing without much regard to commercial acceptance, which is even rarer. Overall this is a remarkable document of European Jazz at its best, which gives hope as to the genre´s future, which sometimes looks bleak. These Norwegians carry on the splendid tradition of the Scandinavian Jazz, which contributed so much pleasure to our lives over the years. Any true Jazz lover should not miss this album as a part of his / her music for the soul. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ GOODBYE
POLYDOR 531815 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
4th album (recorded 1968) and as the album suggests the group`s swan song. It includes the last 3 studio tracks they would ever record, especially the super classic `Badge` (co-composed by Eric Clapton and George Harrison) and one of the greatest anthems of the era. The other 3 tracks are recorded live and allow the musicians to stretch out and improvise - something they did better then any other of their peers. In just under two years Cream existed, they revolutionised the face of rock as we know it, opening it for endless possibilities and including elements of jazz-influenced improvisation rarely used in rock earlier. One can truly say they left the scene with a bang!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ GOODBYE TOUR LIVE 1968
POLYDOR 602577952999 (Barcode: 602577952999) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2019
This is an archival Box Set collecting four live shows by the iconic British supergroup CreamFind albums by this artist, recorded during the groups final American tour in October 1968 (Oakland, LA and San Diego) and the final UK concert at the Royal Albert Hall in November 1968. None of this material was previously released on CD. The 4CD set is lavishly packaged with a book full of great photographs and a lengthy essay by David FrickeFind albums by this artist.
Guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist managed to revolutionize Rock music during the short time they stayed together, pioneering everything that defines Rock by crystalizing its ingredients: riffs, Blues changes, power trio setting, extended soloing and most of all incredible inventiveness and stamina. Most of the original material in Cream’s repertoire was composed by Bruce, featuring lyrics by the poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, but they also played their interpretations of Blues standards.
But Cream were also way beyond what is commonly defined as Rock. Bruce and Baker pioneered Jazz-Rock Fusion a few years earlier when playing in groups led by Graham BondFind albums by this artist, and both had Jazz upbringing in them, which often came to the surface during their lengthy improvisations, which characterized their live performances. Clapton, who did not have a Jazz background, invented the Rock improvisation singlehandedly, opening the path to many great guitar players that followed in his path as Rock improvisers: Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist and others.
The music included in this Box Set is a wonderful opportunity to study the modus operandi Cream developed over time, and although the four concerts are based on a very similar set lists, each and every one of the four versions of the same tune are completely different in every aspect. There are subtle tempi changes, different dynamics, bass patterns and obviously each of the guitar solos is a world in itself.
Listening to the bass playing reveals the genius of Bruce, who was definitely the greatest virtuoso of the bass guitar in all times. Baker, who learned to play drums from the great British Jazz drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist, was also one of the most unique Rock drummers of all times and his drum soli are absolutely unique to this very day. This album is a great tribute to these two Giants, both sadly no longer with us.
Overall, the music this album presents, despite of being five and a half decades old, is still some of the finest Rock achievements in the entire history of the genre. There is no need to recommend this album to veteran Rock fans, but there a billions of people who never even heard one note of this, which explains why this world looks like it does :) My suggestion to the Jazz lovers among my readers would be to give it a listen and discover not only how it swings, but also where the sources of the Jazz-Rock Fusion Nile originate from.
| | Updated: 28/01/2022Posted: 28/01/2022 | CD 4 Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANNA GADT / MARCIN OLAK ~ GOMBROWICZ
HEVHETIA 0196 (Barcode: 8588005258746) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020
This is a wonderful debut album by the Polish Avant-Garde Jazz duo comprising of vocalist Anna GadtFind albums by this artist and guitarist Marcin OlakFind albums by this artist, which offers their interpretations of the writings by Polish author Witold GombrowiczFind albums by this artist, one of the most idiosyncratic and controversial literary figures in Polish Cultural heritage. Although based on prose fragments, this album firmly belongs to the Jazz & Poetry idiom, both conceptually and aesthetically. The album presents twelve tracks of improvised voice / guitar pieces, which include recitation, singing and vocalese, each of them based on a different fragment taken from texts by Gombrowicz
Listeners familiar with the Polish Avant-Garde / Improvised Music scene are probably familiar with Marcin Olak´s recordings on the FSRFind albums on this label label, which are all worth checking out. Gadt is of course one of the brightest stars on the Polish Jazz vocal scene, with a substantial recording legacy, but most importantly characterized by her chameleonic quality of constant transformation of her vocal style, which over the years developed from mainstream to highly personal Improvising Music environment, which is still evolving. She is also a respected and devoted teacher of the vocal Art and her students are beginning to shape the next generation of the Polish Jazz vocal scene.
During my recent visit in Warsaw I had the opportunity to attend the debut performance of this music in a small club, which offered an intimate opportunity to celebrate the release of this album. I watched the audience to see how effectively this highly demanding music will be able to penetrate the walls of indifference and cerebral demand this music requires, but to my surprise the audience was absolutely mesmerized by what was happening on the small stage. Obviously this music is stronger and more communicative than what one might expect, in spite of its farfetched aim towards intellectual brain functionality, acting on the purely emotional, raw instinct level as well, in retrospect somewhat similar to Gombrowicz´s writing.
Connoisseur of the human voice Art will be of course delighted by Gadt´s performances on this album, which include probably many of the things "you always wanted to do with your voice but were afraid to try" list. She is simply fearless and completely uninhibited in the way she uses her voice, which often expands the known boundaries of vocal expression. Although using texts in Polish language, this kind of vocal expression transcends any language barriers completely, making them meaningless. In some cases Gadt´s vocal construction are so distinctive, that she seems to construct a completely new vocal "language" of her own design.
It is pretty rare when an album labeled as Avant-Garde is truly Avant-Gardist in its nature, since the label is used way too lightly these days. Anything that is unusual / unconventional often gets labeled as Avant-Garde, whereas in fact despite being different, it does not offer anything that is done for the first time and is a pillar of fire showing the way to whoever is following. This album, however, is genuinely Avant-Gardist in every bit of its existence and its ingredients as much as a whole – a rare and beautiful thing indeed – and an absolute treasure! Thank you Anna and Marcin!
| | Updated: 22/02/2020Posted: 22/02/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOJCIECH GOGOLEWSKI TRIO ~ GOGOLFONIA
PABLOBASSO (Barcode: 5904653979735) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023
The Polish Jazz scene has plenty of hidden secrets, and pianist / composer Wojciech GogolewskiFind albums by this artist is certainly one of them. The previous album, recorded with the same excellent trio, is already seven years old, which is way too long for a new infusion of his beautiful music, if you ask me. The more recent archival album (“Skok Nr 8Find albums with this title”) presenting his recordings from the mid-1970s eased the anticipation a bit, but it is a true joy to hear some new music from such esteemed representative of the scene.
The only link on this album to its predecessor is a word pun in one of the composition titles, as the music this time is all original, composed by Gogolewski, who is a formidable melody weaver, not only in strict Jazz universe, but also as a cinematic music composer. His melodies flow elegantly and coherently, with a somewhat nostalgic wink towards times long passed, when melody was the crux of the biscuit.
The classic Jazz piano trio format, which this album utilizes, is the ultimate weapon of choice for pianists, especially when the rhythm section is as supportive and telepathically synchronized with the leader, in addition to being technically brilliant. It is a true delight to listen to this music, using more of one’s heart that one’s intellect, which can often be deceiving. This is a true gift of music, for which I thank all of its creators.
Side Note
The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork.
I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years.
The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.
| | Updated: 28/03/2023Posted: 28/03/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE GREENSLADE ~ GOING SOUTH
MYSTIC 137 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
A new album from 1999 by the keyboards wizard Dave Greenslade, who is the leader of the group bearing his name. This is a typical keyboards oriented solo work, similar in format to the Wakeman efforts, but the compositions are more interesting and well developed.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOV HAMMER ~ GOING DEEP
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Blues
Dov Hammer is Israel`s leading Blues artist. Born and Raised in Chicago, Hammer now risides in Tel Aviv, Israel. Over the years, as well as leading his own bands, he has also shared stages with some of the best American Blues artists. After years of performing and recording with electric Blues bands, Dov Hammer felt the urge to return to his roots and play acoustic music. Recorded and produced by guitarist Ronnie Katz, `Going Deep` features 12 original songs, which showcase Hammer`s songwriting prowess. Never content to repeat blues cliches, he uses the blues tradition as a platform for personal expression, while seasoning it with influences of other musical forms, such as country, bluegrass and rock. Considereng how few Israeli artists play the Blues, this is a most welcome addition to Israel`s multi-cultural musical mosaic.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ GOUVEIA ARTROCK 2004
PP-AC (Barcode: 5311039040542) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005
The 2004 Gouveia Prog Rock Festival in Portugal was a most successfull event, but the most important contribution for posterity is of course this 3 hours long DVD documenting the event, with half of it dedicated to a remarkable performance by the best Prog group on the scene - Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist. The bands plays a fantastic set, which includes material never prevously heard and is as breathtaking and magnificent as anything else they do. The performances by the 2 Italian bands (La Torre Dell`AlchimistaFind albums by this artist and Periferia Del MondoFind albums by this artist) are excellent as well, but honestly everything pales in comparison to the mighty Swedes. Get it now!
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISOTOPE ~ GOLDEN SECTION
CUNEIFORM 273 (Barcode: 045775027326) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2008
Relatively little known and surely deserving more recognition, the British Jazz-Rock Fusion band IsotopeFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, recorded just 3 albums between 1974 and 1976, and these were soon out of general circulation. The only live recordings by the band available so far were the BBC sessions on HuxFind albums on this label Records, and therefore this collection of live material is a most welcome addition to the band´s recorded legacy. Recorded between 1974 and 1975, the material captures the second incarnation of the band, which included Boyle on guitar, Laurence ScottFind albums by this artist on keyboards, ex-Soft MachineFind albums by this artist bassist / composer Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist and drummer Nigel MorrisFind albums by this artist. Percussionist Aureo de SouzaFind albums by this artist was also a member of the band for several months, and the full quintet appears here for the first time on record. The three dates include a Radio Bremen performance (the Radio Bremen is a superb source of material for 1970s British music, second only to the BBC), the only US tour Isotope made in 1975 and an earlier UK recording from 1974. The music includes some of the material recorded on the 2nd Isotope album "IllusionFind albums with this title" and other pieces previously unheard, composed mostly by Boyle and Hopper. For Isotope fans this is an absolute delight, but any fun of the 1970s British Jazz-Rock scene will find this material indispensible.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JACHNA / MAZURKIEWICZ / BUHL ~ GOD`S BODY
AUDIO CAVE 2018/006 (Barcode: 5905669566551) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018
This is the second album by the Polish Improvising Music trio comprising of trumpeter Wojciech JachnaFind albums by this artist, bassist Jacek MazurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Jacek BuhlFind albums by this artist. Jachna and Mazurkiewicz employ also various electronic devices to produce sound. The album presents seven original compositions, co-credited to all members of the trio.
The music is an organic development of the music on the trio´s debut album, spontaneous yet well organized, undoubtedly influenced by the fact that it was recorded in the studio rather than live, where Improvising Music is usually recorded. This time the music is certainly more relaxed and often even lyrical, and the use of electronics is subtle and more sophisticated.
Jachna, with over two dozen albums under his belt as a leader, co-leader and band member, is certainly emerging as one of the leading personalities on the Polish Improvising Music scene, not only as a superb performer but also as a "mover" who constantly seeks for new opportunities to develop and create new musical environments. Jachna´s steady progress over time, which I have been lucky to follow at first hand since several years, is a wonderful chronology of his personal development, as well as a superb illustration of the renaissance of the Polish Jazz scene, which he exemplifies perhaps better than most.
The cooperation between Jachna and Buhl also goes back several years, and their phenomenal telepathic bond is clearly present on this album. Buhl takes the notion of "drumming" way beyond the conventional concept, with puts the traditional role of time keeping completely out of the picture. His contributions on this album are as much revolutionary and innovative as the work of Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist in the late 1960s. Mazurkiewicz completes the molecular bond of the trio with his beautifully harmonic work and rhythmic pulsations, which are crucial in absence of traditional drum parts.
Overall this is a beautiful and highly rewarding musical experience, which in spite of its Improvised Music labeling, is quite accessible to a large Jazz loving audience. For the many fans these musicians already have, this is a must of course, but at the same time this is a great opportunity to get exposed to some superb music, regardless of stylistic connotations. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 24/07/2018Posted: 24/07/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ELTON JOHN ~ GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD (40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
MERCURY 602537534807 (Barcode: 602537534807) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2014
This is a Box Set edition of the milestone seventh album by Pop legend Elton JohnFind albums by this artist. It includes the original double album remastered with a whole bunch of bonus material, including the entire BBC live recording of a concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1973, documentary film about Elton, his lyricist Bernie TaupinFind albums by this artist and his group and a hardcover book full of photographs documenting the period when this music was recorded as well as an informative essay. All together this Box Set includes 4 CDs, 1 DVD and a book.
It is hard to believe that this music is forty years old; I distinctly remember listening to it for the first time and being honestly impressed, although my musical inclination at the time was immersed in Progressive Rock and Free Jazz – some albums are simply too good to be ignored, regardless of their stylistic background. Elton of course started his road to fame and glory a few years earlier, producing one great album after another and with the help of Taupin created some of the most remarkable Pop anthems in history.
Elton was of course always different; the fact that he used the acoustic piano as his weapon of choice, in a world of screaming electric guitars, was just one aspect of his uniqueness. Then there was his sweet, crooner like voice which could melt ice and those meaningful lyrics that popped out of Taupin´s head, which used imagery and sophistication way beyond your usual Pop song. Top all that with Elton´s extravagant costumes and stage appearance and you get a true Star, one of those greater than life figures that left our world for good.
But most importantly there was the magic ability to write beautifully melodic tunes, which were catchy like hell but were never trivial, used strange chord changes and included a myriad of clever bits and odds originating in Blues, Jazz, Vaudeville and Cabaret, and were way more sophisticated that what most people considered as Pop. This was Elton´s magic and the reason why this music remains perfect exactly as it was forty years ago, untouchable by time.
The live recordings included here prove that Elton was not only a great songwriter but also a superb performer; behind the vale of flashy costumes and early Glam era mannerisms there was a wonderful singer and excellent piano player, an touching actor, in short a great Artist.
We old farts, who experienced this music in real time, need no convincing; we know this is good music. But you, poor souls, born long after this music was created, get yer ya-ya´s out and give it a listen rather than keep poisoning your wretched souls by contemporary bullshit. You have been warned!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD+DVD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | KIDD, CAROL ~ GOLD
LINN 045 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Carol Kidd it the undisputable Queen of the British Jazz vocalists with many recordings and concerts all over the world to her credit. She sings in the best tradition of the classic jazz singers like Sarah Voughan and her golden voice takes no prisoners. This is a collection of her remarkable performances taken from her many Linn albums and especially remastered for this 24 K gold edition.
| | | CD 1 Gold Recommend To A Friend |
  | EWA LIEBCHEN ~ GOODNIGHT MR. GORECKI
BOLT 1705 (Barcode: 5902547017051) ~ POLAND ~ Classical
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020
This is an album by Polish flautist Ewa LiebchenFind albums by this artist accompanied by pianist Emilia Karolina SitarzFind albums by this artist, soprano singer Barbara Kinga MajewskaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Hubert ZemlerFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, most of the music was composed by the great Polish Classical Composer Henryk GoreckiFind albums by this artist, including three of his pieces focusing on flute, and one piece composed by Zemler.
The opening track (“Valentine Piece” from 1996) is a solo flute miniature originally composed as a gift to famous American flautist Carol VincencFind albums by this artist, who commissioned Gorecki’s most famous flute piece (“Concerto-Cantata” from 1992).
The second track (“For You, Anne-Lill” from 1986) is a duet for flute and piano composed with the Norwegian flautist Anne-Lill ReeFind albums by this artist in mind, whom Gorecki met a couple of years earlier. This composition started Gorecki’s love affair with the flute, which blossomed in the 1990s.
The next three tracks (“Good Night” from 1990) is a tripartite mourning meditation for flute, piano, soprano voice and percussion composed in memory of the British Arts Administrator Michael VynerFind albums by this artist.
The last track (“Good Luck” from 2020) was composed by the prolific contemporary Polish percussionist / composer Hubert Zemler, featuring the same instrumentation as “Good Night” and based on its atmosphere and musical direction. Although originally intended as an improvised piece, to be performed at the concert promoting this album, which of course was eventually cancelled due to the pandemic, it was decided to write the music down for the studio recording.
The music is of course absolutely marvelous from start to finish, with the delicate flute in the centerpiece of the minimalist atmosphere, with the notes floating delicately like autumn leaves. Deeply melancholic, often heartwrenching and always deeply moving, the music is totally fascinating and its sparingness only amplifies the overall effect. Zemler’s composition fits the rest of the material just perfectly and I can only congratulate Ewa on her decision to include it on this album.
The performances are all superb, featuring the virtuosic flute parts by Liebchen impeccably supported by the rest of the team. In such intense playing and almost naked environment every little nuance matters of course and the splendid sound quality lets the listeners hear absolutely everything in perfectly audible form and shape.
The album’s cover art features the work of the great Witold PopielFind albums by this artist, which as usual suits perfectly the spirit of this entire project.
Overall this is a wonderful album, full of beautiful and deeply moving music, superbly performed by first class musicians, emphasizing the best in contemporary Polish / European music aesthetics and dedication to Art. The unusual concept and the mind-expanding subject matter makes it a true feast to the ears as much as to the mind and soul.
Thank you, My Lady, for undertaking this challenging task and providing us with another glance at your amazing abilities as an Artist!
| | Updated: 30/01/2021Posted: 30/01/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | BERNARD MASELI SEPTET ~ GOOD VIBES OF MILIAN
FOR TUNE 0151 (Barcode: 5906395808663) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2021
This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz vibraphonist / composer Bernard MaseliFind albums by this artist and his septet, which comprises of four vibraphonists (Maseli, Bartosz PieszkaFind albums by this artist, Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist and Karol SzymanowskiFind albums by this artist) and a rhythm section (pianist Boguslaw KaczmarFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcin JahrFind albums by this artist), a classic “Summit” format, which I utilize since many years in my Singer Jazz Festival, and which was initially devised by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist.
The album is a tribute to one of the Godfathers of Polish Jazz, vibraphonist / composer / bandleader Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist, a pillar of modern Polish Jazz and one of the greatest composers, especially of orchestral Jazz, on the European Jazz scene. It presents a live recording of a concert recorded a few years back, which offers seven tracks, six of which were compositions by Milian (one co-composed with Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, another iconic figure of Polish Jazz) and one composed by Pieszka. The sound quality and clarity is excellent. The artwork features Milian’s wonderful paintings, an Artform Milian embraced after retiring from active performing life, which are reproduces in full color, for the first time in the many years of For TuneFind albums on this label Records history ;) The lines notes by Krzysztof BalkiewiczFind albums by this artist are well written and informative.
The music holds no surprises, perfectly executed by the professional team and beautifully weaved by the Master composer, with the expected focus on the vibraphone (and marimba) as the tool of delivery. The vibraphone is a very dominant instrument and the thought of four vibraphone playing simultaneously is pretty scary; fortunately, most of the time it is just one of the four vibraphones (or two of them) that plays at a given moment, which makes the music perfectly audible and balanced. Since the listener is not present at the performance, it would have been nice to have a list of who is soloing on which track, but credits aside, all the players do a perfect job, as does the excellent rhythm section, driving the music steadily and securely.
Overall this is an important tribute to the composing Genius of Milian and a very pleasant listening experience. For vibraphone enthusiasts this is of course a true feast. Of course it is also a well-deserved tribute to Polish Jazz history. Well done Gentlemen!
| | Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 17/07/2021 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOM MINASI ~ GOIN` OUT AGAIN
CDM 1002 (Barcode: 765431100223) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003
2nd album released on his own label by US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist and his trio with bassist Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackson KrallFind albums by this artist. The album continues the direction of the wonderful tribute to Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, as presented on their debut release, but adds in addition to the unique treatment of standards also original compositions by Minasi. This album was recorded in the studio, as opposed to the debut, and therefore is somewhat more laid-back, but none of the brilliance and virtuosity of the musicians is lost in the process. Minasi’s completely unequaled technique is evident every step of the way, with frantic runs over the scales and sublime chords. Filiano’s bass playing is also equally enthralling, and since he serves as the backbone of the trio with his impeccable timing and superb bow work, he is an ideal partner allowing Minasi the freedom to explore his improvisations. Krall is also an ideal drummer for this kind of music, being able to supply the rhythmic ornamentation without trying to impose the pulse. The level of interplay and telepathic communication between all the three musicians is awe-inspiring. Avant-Garde Jazz is never an easygoing listening experience, but Minasi’s work should be accessible to most serious Jazz enthusiasts, providing they are open-minded enough to absorb innovation and unbounded creativity. It might take more that one listening session to truly appreciate this exceptional music, but the end result is guaranteed. Give it a try and you will never regret it later. Not to be missed!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZBIGNIEW NAMYSLOWSKI / REMY FILIPOVITCH ~ GO!
ALBUM 66919 (Barcode: 4022685201226) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
This is a recording by Polish Jazz veteran Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist and his quartet: pianist Krzysztof HerdzinFind albums by this artist, bassist Olgierd WalickiFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz GrzybFind albums by this artist, with the Lithuanian saxophonist Remy FilipovitchFind albums by this artist as a co-leader. They perform nine original compositions, six of which are by Namyslowski and the remaining three by Filipovitch.
Although excellently played by all the musicians involved, the album brings little adventure to the listeners. Namyslowski´s compositions are brilliant, but they are not new and were recorded previously on other albums. The two saxophonists cooperate very little except for a few unisono statements of the themes, soloing separately and not playing against each other or soloing together or even exchanging licks. Therefore the whole idea of a double-sax front line seems to be missed completely here.
Nevertheless this is still Namyslowski and a bunch of first-class players so the music sounds great and is a classic example of European modern mainstream Jazz at its best. With two saxophones up front the rhythm section gets naturally a bit less opportunity to shine, but Herdzin manages to squeeze in a few very nice piano solos. Walicki and Grzyb support the soloists steadfastly, as always.
Perhaps not the strongest album in Namyslowski´s lifelong and legendary legacy, but then again nothing he should regret or be ashamed of. Polish Jazz fans will find this a pleasant addition to their collection.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | NITZINGER ~ GOING BACK TO TEXAS
RECORD HEAVEN 33 ~ USA ~ Blues
Former lead guitarist of the 70`s band Bloodrock comes back to his roots and plays some mean Texas blues, very energetic and rocky, with brilliant solos that can drive you up the wall. Outstanding!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | OLES BROTHERS / CHRISTOPHER DELL ~ GORECKI AHEAD
AUDIO CAVE 2018/005 (Barcode: 5905669566544) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018
This is an album by twin brothers: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, who are synonymous with the Polish Jazz since the break of the 21st Century, recorded with German vibraphone virtuoso Christopher DellFind albums by this artist, with whom they cooperate since many years. As the title suggests, this album is dedicated to the trio´s interpretations of music by the great Polish contemporary Classical Music composer Henryk GoreckiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven of Gorecki´s pieces, performed by the trio, and is appropriately entitled "Gorecki AheadFind albums with this title", following the trio´s previous album "Komeda AheadFind albums with this title" dedicated to the music of Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist.
The first public performance of some of the pieces present on this album happened just a day before this music was recorded, during the trio´s concert in the Nozyk Synagogue in Warsaw, which was the opening concert of the 4th Singer Jazz Festival, of which I am the Artistic Director. Towards the end of that concert, which presented the material recorded on "Komeda Ahead", I was suddenly notified that I need to go and open another concert in another venue, which would make it impossible for me to properly close the trio´s concert. In an instantaneous decision I asked the trio to just go on and play until my return, which they graciously, albeit with some surprise, agreed to, and of course since the Gorecki project was to be recorded the next day, they indeed continued the concert playing the music one can now hear on this album. I was then taken by the Chief of Security of the Festival rushing across Warsaw ignoring red lights and travelling against the traffic direction, opened the other concert and safely returned to hear some closing moments of a Gorecki piece and then had the pleasure to formally close the concert with the entire audience participating in a standing ovation, which lasted for many minutes.
Of course this album is anything but another typical Jazz-Classical Fusion project. Oles Brothers and Dell are way beyond the usual triviality and shallowness that often characterizes such projects and their attitude towards the music of other composers, both in the case of Komeda and now Gorecki, is to completely absorb and naturally transform their music into a new dimension, which becomes as much theirs as it originally was the composer´s. Even in a case when the listener is familiar with the original music, the trio´s interpretations take him into a completely new universe, where the original music is completely altered harmonically and rhythmically.
This album is another masterpiece, which expands the Oles Brothers´ and Christopher Dell´s long list of achievements, which covers the entire rich tapestry of contemporary Jazz, completely ignoring genre borders. The music is demanding and requires attentive listening, but at the same time it is immensely rewarding and aesthetically fulfilling, something that Culture should always strive to do. I feel happy to be able to call these musicians my friends and following their careers has been always an absolutely delightful and educational experience.
This album is an absolute must to every sophisticated Jazz, but not only, connoisseur, who looks for deeply emotional and intellectual experience every time music is in the air! Superb stuff!
| | Updated: 24/04/2018Posted: 24/04/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAYOFF ~ GORZKIE ZALE
AUDIO CAVE 2016/002 (Barcode: 5905669566087) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is the second album by the Polish Improvised Music trio PayoffFind albums by this artist, which consists of saxophonist Bartlomiej WielgoszFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dawid K. WieczorekFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal DziobonFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine pieces, which are not credited on the album´s cover and therefore are assumed as being co-composed by the trio members. The music is spiritually related to the Polish Catholic Church devotion called Lenten Lamentations, comprising of many hymns, which was developed in the 18th Century and is not celebrated outside of Poland.
The music, although improvised, contains strong melodic elements, which make it accessible to a much wider circle of listeners than the strictly Improvised Music albums. Additionally the usage of electric guitar and sound effects places the music somewhere in between Improvised Jazz and Improvised Rock, again expanding the potential audience.
The recording uses a lot of echo and delay, creating an effect simulating a live recording made in a wide space, possibly a church, which adds to the spirituality of this music. The overall effect moves between deep contemplation during the quiet passages and eruptions of despair during the more intense moments. The album manages to create a lasting tension and expectation from start to finish, which is one of its best qualities. The level of performance by all three members of the trio is impressive and includes elements of originality and an obvious sense of aesthetic beauty.
The level of interplay is also quite remarkable and the trio sounds like an organic amalgam of its members, achieving together a much stronger effect than the individual contributions, all this being another reason to give the album your ears.
Although this kind of music is often too complex for the average listener, this album has plenty of merits which make it worth listening to. The music is absorbing, constantly developing and often fascinating, which overall promises a very interesting sonic experience. Definitely worth investigating!
| | Updated: 17/06/2021Posted: 14/05/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE PIKE SET ~ GOT THE FEELIN`
WAGRAM 001 (Barcode: 637937777714) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion
Recorded: 1968 Released: 1998
This is a reissue of the only album by American vibraphonist / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist and the first version of his European ensemble Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, formed after he moved to Europe. This lineup of the ensemble featured Dutch musicians: organist Rob FrankenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Joop ScholtenFind albums by this artist, bassist Ruud JacobsFind albums by this artist and drummer Louis DebijFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve pieces, two of which were composed by Pike, five by Scholten, one by Franken and four were arrangements of Pop / Soul songs. Shortly after recording this album Pike moved to Germany where he was signed by the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label, for which he recorded six albums with the second lineup of the Dave Pike Set.
The album presents a wonderful early Jazz-Rock Fusion with strong Funk and Soul elements, which was a precursor of the later MPS recordings. The beautiful retro sound and the way the quintet plays is an absolute delight and in retrospect sounds absolutely "smashing" as one would say at the time.
This album is completely obscure and even hard-core fans of Pike are mostly not familiar with it at all. It took me a while to chase a copy of the reissue, which is almost as rare as the original LP from 1969.
Overall if you love this unique amalgam of Jazz / Rock / Soul and Funk, this album is a rare treat, definitely worth searching for. It works like a time machine taking you fifty years back from the first sound on. Brilliantly delightful!
| | Updated: 25/09/2020Posted: 25/09/2020 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RAY RUSSELL ~ GOODBYE SVENGALI
CUNEIFORM 223 ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Ray Russell is one of the most interesting figures on the UK music scene. He is responsible for some pioneering guitar work in the late 1960’s / early 1970’s in several proto-Prog and early Jazz-Rock groups (see Rock Workshop) and later fusion innovations with his group RMS during the 1980’s. While in RMS, Russell met the legendary arranger Gil Evans, who also performed and recorded with the group. This album is inspired and dedicated to Gil Evans (“Svengali” was his nickname in the jazz circles). The material includes one historical recording with Gil Evans from 1988, which is believed to be Gil’s final recording session (he died soon after). The rest of the album includes compositions inspired by Evans and performed by a mighty set of musicians, including Simon Phillips and Mo Foster from RMS, Gary Husband and many others. Ray displays his guitar pyrotechnics all along, proving once again that he is far from retirement.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ GOODBYE (LIMITED EDITION)
METAL MIND 0335 (Barcode: 5907785026186) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2000 - 2001 Released: 2005
The legendary Polish Prog / Fusion group SBBFind albums by this artist needs little introduction to the avid Prog / Fusion fans the world over. Now in its fifth decade of activity, the group already established a unique position on the music scene, which can be rivaled only but a chosen few. Their prolific studio and live recordings include dozens of albums, each and every one of which is a meaningful musical experience of unrepeated intensity and depth and a display of dazzling virtuosity. This album documents the band´s live show by the third lineup of the group: bassist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul WerticoFind albums by this artist and adds the contents of a rare studio recorded EP as bonus tracks. Great stuff!
Side Note: Limited Edition of 1,000 copies only.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEELEYE SPAN ~ GOOD TIMES OF OLD ENGLAND: STEELEYE SPAN 1972-1983
CHRYSALIS 5060516098798 (Barcode: +506051609879) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1983 Released: 2022
This magnificent Box Set combines the recordings by the seminal British Folk-Rock group Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist, starting with their 4th album from 1972 and spanning all the nine albums released on the ChrysalisFind albums on this label label until 1983, which were: “Below The SaltFind albums with this title” (1972), “Parcel Of RoguesFind albums with this title” (1973), “Now We Are SixFind albums with this title” (1974), “Commoners CrownFind albums with this title” (1975), “All Around My HatFind albums with this title” (1975), “Rocket CottageFind albums with this title” (1976), “Storm Force TenFind albums with this title” (1977), “Live At LastFind albums with this title” (1978) and finally “Sails Of SilverFind albums with this title” (1980). Three additional CDs include the Australian only live album “On TourFind albums with this title” (1983) and two previously unreleased live concerts “Live At The Rainbow Theatre” (1974) and “Live At The Berklee Performance Centre, Boston” (1976), altogether twelve CDs of some the of the best music ever recorded on this planet. The original albums are all remastered and expanded with bonus tracks. An excellent booklet full of detailed information and retrospective look at these albums is also included.
This release continues the much smaller Box Set entitled “All Things Are Quite Silent: Complete Recordings 1970-71Find albums with this title”, which collects the first three albums by the group, released in 2019 on the Cherry TreeFind albums on this label label.
Fronted by the brilliant and charismatic vocalist Maddy PriorFind albums by this artist and featuring over the years the crop of the cream of the British Folk-Rock musicians, such as guitarists / vocalists Tim HartFind albums by this artist and Martin CarthyFind albums by this artist, bassist Rick KempFind albums by this artist, fiddler Peter KnightFind albums by this artist and others, Steeleye Span were undoubtedly the finest representatives of the genre of all time and their glorious recording legacy is an absolute treasure chest. The group performed original material written by the group members and traditional Folk material, always wonderfully arranged and beautifully balancing between the acoustic and electric approach and above all always perfectly sung and played. The music includes songs, instrumentals, a cappella vocalese, and anything imaginable, often groundbreaking and intellectually challenging, superbly demonstration the British music aesthetic.
Overall, this is one of those Box Sets any serious music lover simply can’t ignore, even if he (most probably) already has the original albums in his collection. This fairly priced Box Set is simply elegant, and to be honest useful and space saving, not to mention essential, being worth its weight in gold and precious stones, etc. British Folk-Rock offered the world, or at least those who wanted to listen, some of the most honest, heartfelt music on this planet and Steeleye Span were simply a Godsend. This is beyond essential!
| | Updated: 14/07/2022Posted: 14/07/2022 | CD 12 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | BOBO STENSON ~ GOODBYE
ECM 1904 (Barcode: 602498251737) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005
This is a beautiful album by Swedish pianist / composer Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, one of the most important modern European Jazz musicians with an extensive recording legacy, which includes many absolute classic Jazz albums. Recorded with his trio with bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist, the music includes original composition by Stenson, and Motian, as well as standards and lesser known pieces like, one even by Classical composer Henry PurcellFind albums by this artist arranged by Jormin. This musical diversity reflects well Stenson´s ability to feel comfortable in any musical setting, always elegantly and with true virtuosity. The performances are stellar indeed and overall this is a perfect piano trio album, which is my favorite format. The album is an absolute must to all piano / piano trio lovers and serious Jazz connoisseurs.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILAN SVOBODA / PRAGUE BIG BAND ~ GOOD NEWS
CUBE / METIER 2842 (Barcode: 8591562027427) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007
This is an album by Czech pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Milan SvobodaFind albums by this artist and his Prague Big BandFind albums by this artist, which he first founded in 1974 and led and conducted ever since. Generations of Czech Jazz musician appeared over the time as members of the Big Band, as well as many guests from abroad. The Big Band plays almost exclusively original compositions by Svoboda. This album presents seven original compositions, all composed and arranged by Svoboda, most of which have been previously recorded by earlier incarnations of the Big Band or other ensembles led by Svoboda, and appear here in new / updated / extended and newly recorded versions, hence the somewhat misleading subtitle of this album “The Best Of Prague Big Band”, which might suggest a compilation album, which this album is definitely not.
The music and the performances are absolutely brilliant from start to finish, presenting a superb example of the European Jazz Big Band approach, which focuses on the orchestral sound and overall ambience of the ensemble rather than on individual soloing, although there are plenty of brilliant soli here, which will send chills down the listener’s spine. Svoboda’s superb compositions are ideal vehicles for the Big Band to shine in its full glory and never cease to amaze in their thematic richness and harmonic perfection.
Three of the compositions go back as far as 1984, when they were recorded initially during Svoboda’s stint at the Berklee Collage Of Music in Boston, and now get a rejuvenated full Big Band treatment, proving that already at that time his compositional powers were already at their full blast. The composition dedicated to Gill Evans goes back as far as 1986, when it was recorded with the Czech / Polish Big Band, again expanded and reworked.
For Big Band Jazz enthusiasts this album, like all Svoboda / Prague Big Band albums, is an absolute delight and a perfect example of the power and artistry of the Big Band idiom, and deserves an honorable place in any serious Jazz collection.
I have known Milan and his music for the last five decades and he never created music which was not worthy of admiration and respect, and he obviously does not mean to change now. Since we were born only a few days apart, hearing this music makes me feel young and help to forget our age – obviously the creativity is not gone yet. Thank you for the music and the vision my Friend!
| | Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: 08/09/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | TAYLOR, MARTIN ~ GOLD
LINN 064 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Martin Taylor is considered one of the top jazz guitar players in the world. His acoustic performances are mostly in the style of the jazz guitar pioneer Django Reinhardt, whose tradition Martin tries to preserve and develop. This is why the brilliant jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli recorded several albums with him. This great collection is especially remastered for this 24 K gold edition.
| | | CD 1 Gold Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROBIN TROWER ~ GO MY WAY
REPERTOIRE 4921 ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000
This is the 15th solo studio album by the legendary British Rock guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet format with keyboardist Paul PageFind albums by this artist, bassist Livingstone BrownFind albums by this artist and drummer Alvino BennettFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, all of which are originals by Trower. The album was recorded following a three-years break since the preceding album “Semeday BluesFind albums with this title”.
Following his departure from the iconic Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, Trower pursues a solo career since 1973, with dozens of albums to his credit. He manages miraculously to stick to his own formula of creative Blues-Rock, which he follows in the sixth decade of his career. His guitar playing is still sharp and clear-cut and his vocals are still as powerful as always, and he does not need to reinvent himself or search for any new avenues, doing what he does best. His many fans love his music, and that’s what matters the most.
There are very few Rock personalities of his statue and legacy still standing today and every new album he releases is an unmistakable blast, on which he definitely takes, as usual, no prisoners.
Overall, this is an excellent Blues-Rock album, with beautifully melodic tunes, solid vocals and sensational guitar playing, which has but a few contenders. Trower’s many followers need no encouragement of course and some of the self-proclaimed new guitar aces would be wise to take a listen. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 20/10/2023Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR ~ GODBLUFF (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 311393 (Barcode: 094631139321) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2005
5th album by Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist, which marks the return of the group to the studio after almost 4 years, during which the leader Peter HamillFind albums by this artist developed his solo career and made several albums. The long break did not diminish their status as a group and the album, which includes just 4 lengthy compositions, is incredibly focused and expressive. Hamill goes from whisper to shriek in an few seconds and his theatrics serve the general effect incredibly well. Definitely a classice of the genre.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR ~ GODBLUFF LIVE 1975
CLASSIC ROCK 1160 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded in France in 1975, this captures the classic VDG line-up on tour. They perform the entire `Godbluff` album with their unique levels of intensity. Hammill vocals are extravagant as usual and the entire concert carries an atmosphere of suspense and magic. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 60 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ GOLD STEREO AND SURROUND SOUND SET-UP DISC
CHESKY 151 ~ USA ~ Audiophile Test & Set-Up
The ultimate set-up and test disc for your sound system. In addition to the numerous set-up and test tracks, there is plenty of music examples taken from the Chesky catalogue. Issued in cooperation with the `Stereo Review` magazine, this is a standard testing disc for most prestigious Hi-Fi dealers around the world.
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Recommend To A Friend |
  | LESLIE WEST ~ GOT BLOOZE
PROVOGUE 7155 (Barcode: 8712725715528) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
Legendary guitarist Leslie WestFind albums by this artist is best known as the leader of MountainFind albums by this artist, America’s answer to the UK power trio CreamFind albums by this artist. Mountain recorded a series of excellent albums in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which were loud and powerful (often being quoted as one of the forefathers of Heavy Rock), but also quite sophisticated. West’s unique tone and approach to the guitar, heavily based in the blues tradition, stays to this very day as one of the icons of the formative years of electric guitar. A famous anecdote tells that if one places West in a room with another 99 guitar players, just one note played by him will be immediately recognizable. Since the mid-1970s West recorded sporadically, with none of the albums leaving any significant impact on the scene, but his 2000s output marks a revival of his powers. West returned to what he does best – playing the blues in his unique manner, which has but a few competitors. West formed an excellent group with two formidable blues / rock veterans: Tim BogertFind albums by this artist (Vanilla FudgeFind albums by this artist, CactusFind albums by this artist, Beck, Bogert & AppiceFind albums by this artist) – one of rock’s most respected bass players and Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist (John MayallFind albums by this artist, Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist) – one of blues-rock most respected drummers. Together they storm through a program, which includes many blues standards, but sounds fresh and vital like never before. West also pays tribute to his ex-partner Jack BruceFind albums by this artist by including his superb composition “Politician” on this album. For blues-rock fans this is an absolute must!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STOMU YAMASH`TA ~ GO
ESOTERIC 2081 (Barcode: 5013929718128) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2008
Japanese percussionist / composer Stomu Yamash`taFind albums by this artist settled in England in 1972, after studying music in his native country and later in the USA. He worked mainly as a composer for theatre music, but his signing as a recording artist for the Island label brought his work to the attention of a wide audience following the release of this seminal album – a super project in every sense. "GoFind albums with this title" is a large scale suite, combining many musical elements, from Classical to Jazz, World Music and Rock. For the recording of this project the composer created a true super group, consisting of some of the best musicians on the scene, including British vocalist Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist (TrafficFind albums by this artist, Blind FaithFind albums by this artist), American drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist (SantanaFind albums by this artist) and guitarist Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist (Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist), German keyboardist Klaus SchulzeFind albums by this artist (Tangerine DreamFind albums by this artist) and many others. The orchestral arrangements were written by the wonderful Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist. The album is full of brilliant musicianship and the music majestic and mystical, flows serenely engulfing the listener into a trance-like state. In retrospect the entire work is a proud precursor of New Age music, which would erupt on the scene two decades later, but at the time it was innovative and quite daring in its scope, which cased it to be embraced by the Prog fans. Although the album was very successful at the time, it was unavailable on CD for many years and this new remastered edition is a most welcome dream-come-true to many Prog fans.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STOMU YAMASH`TA ~ GO TOO
ESOTERIC 2151 (Barcode: 5013929725126) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2009
3rd and last part of the "GoFind albums with this title" album trilogy by Japanese percussionist / composer Stomu Yamash`taFind albums by this artist, recorded by an international group of musicians, many of which are celebrated and renowned by their own merits. The participants include guitarist Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Klaus SchulzeFind albums by this artist and many more. The music is an eclectic mixture of ambient, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Funk and even disco, moving freely and smoothly from one genre to another in perfect harmony and somehow making perfect sense. In retrospect it becomes obvious that Yamash`ta was a visionary well ahead of his time, predicting a total meltdown of musical genres into a new amalgam. One thing is sure, it does sound today as good as it did at the time of the recording, which already proves its intrinsic musical values. Warmly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STOMU YAMASH`TA ~ GO… LIVE FROM PARIS
ESOTERIC 2086 (Barcode: 5013929718623) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2008
Following the studio recording of the epic work "GoFind albums with this title" by the Japanese percussionist / composer Stomu Yamash`taFind albums by this artist, the same cast of musicians embarked on a tour, performing the music live. The Paris performance was captured on tape and later released as a double LP, released here on single CD. The cast is a true super group, consisting of some of the best musicians on the scene, including British vocalist / keyboardist Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist (TrafficFind albums by this artist, Blind FaithFind albums by this artist), American drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist (SantanaFind albums by this artist) and guitarist Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist (Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist), German keyboardist Klaus SchulzeFind albums by this artist (Tangerine DreamFind albums by this artist) and several other backing musicians. In many respects the live recording is by far superior to the studio version, easily explained by the lack of time limitations and other constrains present in the studio. The soloists (and especially Di Meola, whose playing is truly inspired and Winwood, whose vocals soared that night) can stretch almost at will and considering the strength of the participating musicians they always receive a sympathetic and masterly support. The orchestral arrangements being replaced by synthesizer work also take off some of the studio version rigidity. In short this is one hell of a concert, one of those once-in-a-lifetime special nights. If you like the studio version of "Go", this is a must, if you didn´t, you still might find this to be great after all. Definitely worth trying out!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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