Record Reviews
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  | BEATLES ~ LIVE AT THE BBC – THE COLLECTION
CAPITOL 602537584475 (Barcode: 602537584475) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1963 - 1966 Released: 2013
This Box Set includes some of the numerous recordings the BeatlesFind albums by this artist made for the BBC during their early days, mostly recorded in 1963 and 1964. The material includes songs as well as studio chatter (speech tracks) and interviews. The latest material, which comprises of four individual interviews, was taped in late 1965 and early 1966.
Most of the material included here was never previously released in any form and is of course invaluable to the hordes of Beatle-maniacs, who fifty years later seem to be as zealous to hear and own every piece Beatle-related material, as they were in real time.
In retrospect this material is a fabulous trip down the nostalgia lane, which should make even the most hardened cynics smile here and there. More importantly, however, it shows the Beatles "naked", as they really were without walls of production trickery, studio gadgetry and the omnipresent influence of George MartinFind albums by this artist, who made the Beatles albums into what they eventually became – gems of Pop history.
Live the Beatles were actually pretty embarrassing, which becomes apparent immediately when the music starts. Their instrumental skills are nonexistent; the guitar solos are awkward and primitive, and so on. The only thing that actually works on these recordings are of course the vocal parts and vocal harmonies, which are not bad, but than again myriads of other vocalists at the time were at least as good, many being infinitely better. And even those show false notes here and there, are off key and in wrong tempi; in short anything but perfection.
The material is not that great either; most of it consists of covers of rock classics by contemporary artists and the few self-penned hits are pretty nice, but not extraordinary. In short if anybody wanted a piece of solid evidence to prove that the Beatles were just a pretty "average" group, at least in the early days, needs to look no further.
On the other hand this is a monumental piece of Pop history and another peek at the seemingly endless source of musical material owned by the BBC. God bless the Queen and the BBC for being there and having enough storage capacity to keep it all for posterity.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Slipcase Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRAHAM BOND ~ LIVE AT THE BBC AND OTHER STORIES
REPERTOIRE 1279 (Barcode: 4009910127926) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1962 - 1972 Released: 2015
This is a Box Set of archival material by British saxophonist / organist / composer / bandleader Graham BondFind albums by this artist, one of the most idiosyncratic and pioneering figures of the British Jazz, Jazz-Rock and Prog scenes. The material collected here consists mostly of recordings made by the BBC, but includes also some ultra-rare home recordings, demos and other ditties, covering the period between 1962 and 1972, which more or less presents Bond´s entire career before his tragic death in 1974, aged just 36 at the time.
Regardless of what various music history sources have to say, Bond is singlehandedly responsible for the creation of the Jazz-Rock idiom around 1963, when he formed the Graham Bond QuartetFind albums by this artist, which featured guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, bassist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist (which were all destined to become superstars in the years to follow). The quartet amalgamated Bond´s experience with the Jazz world, gained while he was a member of the Don RendellFind albums by this artist Quintet, with the exploding Rhythm And Blues phenomenon, creating the earliest manifestation of Jazz-Rock known to man. One session of the Don Rendell Quintet with Bond as its member is included here and it also features as a guest musician saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, who would become another of Bond´s close associates when he formed the seminal Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist in 1965, which was later joined by the celebrated drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. Following the Organization´s breakup Bond formed the Graham Bond InitiationFind albums by this artist and later on collaborated with the poet / lyricist Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, who wrote also the booklet that accompanies this Box Set. Their recordings together are the last (chronologically) tracks in this collection.
The music included in this collection is of varied quality and sometimes of pretty Lo-Fi sound quality, even after it was carefully restored and remastered, but it is of enormous historic importance, as it documents not only Bond´s career but in fact the entire British Jazz scene, which was experiencing at that time a tremendous upheaval and explosion of new talents and ideological modifications of the very fabric of Jazz, which was parting from the American dominance and creating a new variety of the idiom, which would crystallize as European Jazz, spawning Jazz-Rock in the process.
Bond´s performances on the Hammond Organ are all superbly executed and it makes perfect sense that they influenced an entire generation of British musicians, who invented Progressive Rock next, such a Jon LordFind albums by this artist of Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist of ColosseumFind albums by this artist, Brian AugerFind albums by this artist and of course many others. In general the music portrays the atmosphere of the British scene at the time, where genres and classifications were pretty arbitrary and where the Jazz / Rock / Prog idioms were influencing and embracing each other with ease and natural affinity.
Kudos to the German RepertoireFind albums on this label label, which is one of the most important sources of reissues, for the meticulous work done on this set and for bringing this material back to life. This set continues the work done by Repertoire on the previous Graham Bond Box Set called "Wade In The Water – Classics, Origins and OdditiesFind albums with this title", which covers the recordings by Graham Bond Organization. Together these two Box Sets pay tribute to one of the greatest heroes of the British Jazz / Jazz-Rock pioneering figures, who is sadly often forgotten and is rarely given the credit he deserves for his revolutionary creativity.
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 01/04/2016 | CD 4 Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
ISLAND 984992 (Barcode: 602498499283) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1966 - 1973 Released: 2007
This lavishly and lovingly produced Box Set collects all existing (audio & video) BBC recordings by Folk-Rock heroin Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, who was not only one of the most distinctive voices of the Golden Age but also a superb songwriter. This collection spans from 1966 to 1973 and covers her solo career, which was before and after her being a member of StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and FotheringayFind albums by this artist. Most of the material included here presents Sandy as “naked” as a singer can appear – just her hair-raising vocals and acoustic guitar or piano (only a few tracks include other backing musicians), which of course is for the best as she never really needed anything more. Her angelic and deeply penetrating voice and her theatrical ability to express the lyrics are so powerful that the experience is almost unparalleled. Most of the songs are her own (music & lyrics) and just a few are her arrangements of traditional folk material. The DVD includes the only footage in existence of Sandy performing. The set also includes beautiful photographs and excerpts of Sandy’s diaries. Sandy’s tragically premature death in 1978 put an end to her exquisite input to the world of music and she is sadly missed. I don’t think anything more needs to be said here – this is absolutely brilliant stuff, beyond essential for anybody who truly loves music and a must in any decent music collection.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | 3CD+DVD 4 Box Set Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
ESSENTIAL 297 ~ UK ~ Blues
An amazing collection of BBC broadcasts by this legendary blues group recorded between 1967-1971. Peter Green and Danny Kirwan handle the guitar parts brilliantly and this is a true blues fiesta. As usual the BBC recordings are of higher quality then studio albums recorded in the parallel period, which makes this album even more worthwhile. Not to be missed by any serious blues fan.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FOCUS ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
HUX 051 (Barcode: 682970000510) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2004
BBC Radio recording by the legendary Dutch Prog band FocusFind albums by this artist. After Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist left Focus he was replaced by the brilliant Belgian jazz / fusion guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist. This change was so refreshing, that the band`s material sounded fresh again and his virtuoso performances are the focal point of this album. The bands is full of fire and energy and without a shadow of a doubt this is one the the best Focus recordings ever. What a joy to Focus fans, who are always on the lookout for new material by the band. Highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | IF ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
REPERTOIRE 1427 (Barcode: 4009910142721) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1972 Released: 2022
This is a sensational archival album by the superb but relatively forgotten British Jazz-Rock Fusion / Brass Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, which to this very day remains as one of the finest examples of the genre. Sourced from the BBC vaults, the double album presents twenty tracks of original music by the ensemble members, recorded over two years, which span the initial life span of the ensemble, all previously unissued.
Following the ensemble’s formative days in 1969, the core lineup stabilized as a septet, which included vocalist J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist, saxophonists/ flautists Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist and Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist (who wrote most of the material), keyboardist John MealingFind albums by this artist, guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim RichardsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Dennis ElliottFind albums by this artist. That lineup recorded the ensemble’s first four iconic albums, called simply “IfFind albums with this title”, “If 2Find albums with this title”, “If 3Find albums with this title” and “If 4Find albums with this title”, and disbanded by the end of 1972. That lineup is featured on all the tracks on this album.
The ensemble reformed with a different lineup and continued until 1975, releasing four more studio albums. A reunion lineup released a studio album in 2016, called “If 5Find albums with this title”, which was a sad affair.
Although stylistically somewhat similar to the American Brass Rock groups like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist and others, If had a very unique British / European approach, which less emphasis on brass arrangements but way more complex music and sophisticated ensemble sound. For a more detailed comparison, please read my review of the If’s early albums.
Overall, this is a treasure chest of previously unheard material by one of the best British Jazz-Rock ensembles ever, and an absolute must to the genre’s many fans. The sound is a bit iffy, despite the fact that the material was remastered, but the music is outstanding. RepertoireFind albums on this label are doing a remarkable job by bringing the material from the BBC vaults back to life, but their pricing borders on insane and the booklets are a bit trivial and repetitive lately, lacking the proper historical perspective this music deserves. But this is Holy Grail any way one looks at it, so don’t think twice and grab a copy.
| | Updated: 18/09/2022Posted: 17/09/2022 | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISOTOPE ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
HUX 048 (Barcode: 682970000480) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1973 - 1977 Released: 2004
BBC Radio recordings from 1973 and 1974 by IsotopeFind albums by this artist, led by the excellent guitar player Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, who were one of the best UK early jazz-rock fusion bands. The band unfortunately recorded only a few albums, which were soon deleted. These sessions add another superb example of how great this band was, with Boyle running scales with devilish speed and the rest of the band contributing some fine interplay. In addition 3 tracks from a 1977 BBC session by Boyle`s group are added. A delightful addition to the band`s heritage.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
DECCA 984466 (Barcode: 602498446652) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1965 - 1975 Released: 2007
As part of the splendid reissue series of the early John MayallFind albums by this artist and his BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist recordings, this album collects sessions made for the BBC, which are always a revelation and an important document of all UK artists’ output. Thanks to the UK Musicians’ Union agreement with the BBC, a vast number of recordings made on a regular basis documented over the years the development of the musical scene in the UK and many of these recordings are finding their rightful place on recent reissues. The bulk of the material on this album was recorded between 1965 and 1967 and features Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist or Peter GreenFind albums by this artist as the lead guitarist. The last two tracks are from 1975 and were recorded for TV. Mayall was of course the most important protagonist of the UK blues movement and every piece of previously unheard material is an absolute treasure. Clapton’s and Green’s revolutionary guitar styles are a model for countless guitar players to this very day.
A special note to collectors:
Most of these tracks were included as bonus material on the Bluesbreakers With Eric Clapton (Deluxe Edition)Find albums with this title and A Hard Road (Expanded Edition)Find albums with this title reissues. Therefore this album is mostly for people who don’t own these reissues, or hard-core Mayall collectors.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ LIVE AT THE BBC 1967-1970
DERAM 602498472026 (Barcode: 602498472026) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1970 Released: 2007
This is a collection of BBC Radio recordings by the seminal British Prog group The Moody BluesFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten radio sessions, two TV sessions and a concert, which cover the material included on the three albums by the group on the DeramFind albums on this label Records label: "Days Of Future PassedFind albums with this title", "In Search Of The Lost ChordFind albums with this title" and "On The Threshold Of A DreamFind albums with this title" and two albums on their own ThresholdFind albums on this label Records label: "To Our Children`s Children`s ChildrenFind albums with this title" and "A Question Of BalanceFind albums with this title", altogether forty one tracks on two CDs. All the songs bar one were written by the group´s members.
Following a relatively brief flirt with Pop and the release of their debut album "The Magnificent MoodiesFind albums with this title", the group switched to writing their own material and soon became one of the pioneers of British Progressive Rock and Psychedelia, creating a series of seven magnificent groundbreaking albums between 1967 and 1972. Their music was always deeply melodic and at the same time cleverly sophisticated, using the developing recording techniques to create multilayered epic works, often using Classical Music influences and orchestration combine with advanced use of early synthesizers and electronics.
In retrospect the achievements of The Moody Blues have but a few equals as far as contemporary Popular music is concerned and the music they created at the time seems to be unmatched by almost anything done since as far as expanding the musical horizons is concerned.
The live snippets of their music captured on this album thanks to the BBC open-mindedness and liberal approach to documenting the music being created regardless of its popular appeal, is a time capsule of quality and ingeniousness, which we can only admire today and perhaps set as an example, although with little hope of it being followed anytime soon. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 26/05/2019Posted: 26/05/2019 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | NUCLEUS ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
REPERTOIRE 1410 (Barcode: 4009910141021) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 - 1991 Released: 2021
This is a monumental 13CD archival Box Set by British Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble NucleusFind albums by this artist, founded and led by trumpeter / composer / author / bandleader Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, one of the key figures on the British Jazz scene for five decades from 1960s on. The Box Set collects 28 radio broadcasts recorded between July 1970 and November 1991, an incredible document of the British Jazz history, the development of the genre in general and Jazz-Rock Fusion in particular. Painstakingly collected, organized, remastered / restored, the music is a priceless tribute to one of the most creative bands active in Britain ever. The Box Set includes an informative booklet with an essay written by Roger FarbeyFind albums by this artist.
The Nucleus lineup included over time the absolute Who’s Who of the British Jazz scene, including many of the first generation of players, who revolutionized British Jazz in the late 1960s. Some of the most prominent figures, who played with the ensemble for many years were saxophonist / keyboardist Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist (who apart from Carr plays on almost all the tracks in this Box Set), saxophonist Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, guitarist Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist and many others. Many of the ensemble members contributed also their original compositions to the repertoire performed by the ensemble, especially in the early days, with Carr’s compositions dominating the repertoire in the later period.
Although Nucleus, contrary to Farbey’s statement, did not pioneer British Jazz-Rock Fusion as such, the ensemble was one of the key focal points of the genre for many years, even after the genre run out of steam by the mid-1970s. Carr was a prolific composer and Nucleus was for many years the best environment to develop and present his compositions in the most successful way.
As usual with such releases, based on material from the BBC vaults, it is imperative to emphasize the role of the BBC in the development of music in Britain, when it supplied the stable platform for musicians to perform, with the music being broadcast (sometimes worldwide) and eventually archived for posterity. This unmeasurable contribution to British Culture is truly phenomenal.
Considering the fact that the music in this Box Set was taken not only directly from the BBC archives but also from many secondary private sources, often with problematic sound quality, the sonic effect, especially of the early material, is not up to par with today’s standards, but in view of its historic quality is welcome here, although with a slight unease.
Overall, this Box Set is a remarkable effort to document the history of one of the greatest Jazz-Rock Fusion ensembles of all times, and considering the fact that it is mostly previously unreleased, it is a collector’s treasure chest. It is definitely somewhat expensive, but for avid collectors it is worth its weight in gold.
| | Updated: 06/03/2022Posted: 06/03/2022 | CD 13 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BARBARA THOMPSON ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
REPERTOIRE 1376 (Barcode: 4009910137628) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 - 1990 Released: 2020
This is a monumental 14CD Box Set by British saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, the mightiest female heroine of the British Jazz scene in the last six decades. The Box Set collects 27 radio broadcasts recorded between February 1969 and June 1990, an incredible document not only of Thompson’s incredible career, but basically of the entire two decades of the most intense British Jazz history. Painstakingly collected, organized and remastered / restored, the music is an orgy of some of the most intense music played on the British Isles at the time.
The music is performed by the absolute Who’s Who of the British Jazz scene at the time, starting with Barbara’s husband Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, who stood by her side since they married in 1967 for many years until his tragically premature death in 2018. But reading the credits of the participating musicians is like reading an encyclopedia of British Jazz. Thomson appears here as a member of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (NJOFind albums by this artist) and groups led by other musicians, but principally as leader of her own ensembles, including JubiabaFind albums by this artist and ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist. Many compositions appearing here were her own and many of them are previously unreleased.
Of course it is rather futile to describe such vast amount of music, all of which is obviously brilliant, so rather than doing so I can only recommend to every British Jazz fan to get a copy of this Box Set as long as it is available. It includes hours upon hours of superb musicianship and infinite creativity, that must not be forgotten.
This is also a splendid opportunity to thank the BBC for supporting British Jazz (and British music in general) for so many years, recording the music and broadcasting it consistently and on the way collecting a bottomless vault of musical treasures, which see the light of day often only decades later. A huge portion of British Jazz recordings exist solely due to all this activity.
Overall, this is an absolute treasure chest of music, which deserves to be heard by future generations. It is also a beautiful example of dedication and painstaking work by many people, who contributed to create this release, and of course all deserve our thanks for making it happen.
| | Updated: 19/12/2021Posted: 18/12/2021 | CD 14 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
HUX 085 (Barcode: 682970000855) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007
By the time the two concerts featuring Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist and his English Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist were recorded, the young keyboards wizard had already behind him a list of achievements that few others manage to accomplish in a lifetime. Wakeman played on endless studio sessions for the top UK acts, was a members in two seminal Prog bands StrawbsFind albums by this artist and YesFind albums by this artist and composed and recorded a series of musical epics of grand proportions: The Six Wives Of Henry VIIIFind albums with this title, Journey To The Centre Of The EarthFind albums with this title, The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round TableFind albums with this title, White RockFind albums with this title (the soundtrack for the Winter Olympic Games) and most recently his first album with his English Rock Ensemble: No Earthly ConnectionFind albums with this title. The two concerts recorded for the BBC were a part of Wakeman’s promotion tour of the last album. With Wakeman’s enormous array of keyboards and the six-piece English Rock Orchestra (Ashley HoltFind albums by this artist – vocals, Roger NewellFind albums by this artist – bass, John DunstervilleFind albums by this artist – guitar, Tony FernandezFind albums by this artist – drums, Reg BrooksFind albums by this artist – trombone and Martin ShieldsFind albums by this artist – trumpet) produced a truly awesome, powerful orchestral sound, which suited Wakeman’s dramatic compositions perfectly. The music includes excerpts from all the Wakeman’s solo albums mentioned above, as well as material from the last album. Although the two concerts include some parallel material, each performance is quite unique and therefore none of it is redundant. This is undoubtedly Wakeman’s finest hour ever and considering the great sound quality of these recordings perhaps the best live album he ever made. Quite honestly this album is more or less the essence of Wakeman’s output and except for fanatic Wakeman fans is quite sufficient as his spot in one’s music collection. Definitely most wholeheartedly recommended!
Side Note: Unfortunately things went pretty downhill for Wakeman from that point on. Although he is to this very day one of Rock’s most prolific composers, his totally unrestrained policy on releasing his albums, which resulted in a monstrous (I stopped counting a long time ago but they must be well over 200) amount of albums, which totally destroyed his credibility. Sure there is a lot of great music in those albums, but none of it was innovative or neoteric enough to make any difference. Overproducing can be disastrous and unfortunately Wakeman is a living proof of that.
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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