Record Reviews

MIKE OSBORNE ~ OUTBACK FMR 007 (Barcode: 649849981349) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 1994 British saxophonist / composer Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist was an integral part of the modern Jazz scene in the late 1960s / 1970s, recording numerous albums as member of the most important ensembles at the time, led by Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, John SurmanFind albums by this artist and Chris McGregorFind albums by this artist (Brotherhood Of BreathFind albums by this artist). He was also the founding member of the momentous saxophone trio SOSFind albums by this artist with John Surman and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist. A brilliant improviser, he was an absolute master of the alto saxophone with very few contenders. Stylistically Osborne tendencies were always oriented towards Free Jazz and he was one of the great pioneers of the genre in UK. Unfortunately his personal life was deeply disturbed by mental illness, which resulted in time spent on and off in mental institutions. By early 1980s the illness became so severe that he had to be institutionalized for life and never again played music. He died in 2007. Although Osborne recorded quite a few albums as a sideman, his output as leader is very limited. This was his debut session as a leader, which took a lot of persuasion to materialize, as Osborne hated to be in the limelight. Released on the legendary TurtleFind albums on this label label (the first album to be recorded for the label, which was actually started to release this album), the album was a rare collector’s item for many years and the reissue is a blessing. The music consists of just two long tracks (which used to be the LP sides), performed by a quintet with Osborne on alto saxophone, Harry Beckett on trumpet, Chris McGregor on piano, Harry MillerFind albums by this artist on bass and Louis MoholoFind albums by this artist on drums (the rhythm section of Brotherhood Of Breath). On both tracks the quintet states the theme and then ventures into extended free improvisation passages, with splendid long solos by Osborne and Beckett. The album is a classic example of European Free Jazz, capturing the atmosphere of the era, when music was created because musicians had something to say. Not easy music, but essential to all enthusiasts of the genre and a most important historical document. Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice Odd that the CD cover itself credits "Mike Osbourne" so I had trouble looking up the recording date here (Wikipedia redirects Mike Osbourne to Mike Osborne)

Updated: 20/05/2016Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend