Record Reviews
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  | BYRDS ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886978738028 (Barcode: 886978738028) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1965 - 1971 Released: 2011
The legendary US group The ByrdsFind albums by this artist have in mid-1960s almost singlehandedly transformed the music scene from a bunch of Folkies to a horde of Rockers almost overnight. Brilliantly catching up on the "Bob DylanFind albums by this artist going electric" trend, they recorded a series of absolutely outstanding albums, which remain to this day some of the best music ever recorded on this planet. Using the US Folk tradition to the max, Dylan included, with clever and conscious lyrics and exquisite vocal harmonies, they added the electric guitars and spiced everything with their incredible talents and musical sensitivity. In time they incorporated Psychedelia and other influences (including Jazz), and pioneered other new developments themselves, which earns them a highly respected place on the pedestal of modern music. In retrospect, no other US group matched their achievements, although many tried to do so. This marvelous Box Set collects all the eleven albums The Byrds released on the Columbia label (13 CDs as two albums are double) between 1965 and 1971, beautifully remastered and with a plethora of bonus tracks and a highly informative booklet with detailed information about every track included. This is such a tremendous body of music of staggering importance and beauty that any recommendations would only lessen its true value. Absolutely classic and essential stuff!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 13 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | LEONARD COHEN ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886978718426 (Barcode: 886978718426) ~ CANADA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 2009 Released: 2011
America didn´t really need another Jewish Prophet… Zimmerman created enough mayhem as it was, protesting out loud, corrupting the youth and what have you. Just look what happened: the god-fearing American Folk music went electric and turned into Rock, to be followed by the Summer Of Love and later Woodstock! Sodom and Gomorrah! And on top of all this another Jewish poet / singer / songwriter arrives from the north and adds oil to the fire…
The connection between Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist and Bob DylanFind albums by this artist is obvious; they both deal often with the same subject matter and similar modus operandi, cleverly crafting revolutionary ideology and dressing it up with music. In many respects Cohen arrived on the scene just after Dylan peaked, and whereas Dylan never managed to recreate the golden era of his youth, Cohen aged well, continuously producing new albums, which were always up to date, both musically and intellectually.
These collected recordings are a staggering monument presenting Cohen´s talent. Everybody knows some of his songs, which in time became timeless anthems, but listening to these sixteen (one double) albums chronologically and in full is a true mind-blowing experience. He is a Prophet, a Sage and a great Artist indeed and what is amazing is the simplicity and honesty of his artistic way, devoid of any trickery (studio or otherwise), with minimal orchestration and shunning unnecessary camouflage, just straight to the point riding on the strength of his expressive vocals and heartfelt melodies. In retrospect Cohen is a symbol of minimalism at its most effective.
Of course the "completeness" status of this Box Set has been undermined by the fact that Cohen released already two additional studio albums, after this Box Set was assembled and released: the 2012 "Old IdeasFind albums with this title" and the 2014 "Popular ProblemsFind albums with this title" and two live albums. Future edition of this Box Set might rectify this hitch.
This Box Set is a capsule of good taste, healthy mind and aesthetic symbolism of a time, none of which are to be found today anywhere. An absolute must and an essential piece of what we (still) call Culture, which is disappearing as these words are being written…
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 18 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN GETZ ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886978805829 (Barcode: 886978805829) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 - 1979 Released: 2011
With a career spanning half a century American saxophonist Stan GetzFind albums by this artist became one of the undying Jazz icons, making many milestone contributions to the development of the Jazz art form. He was probably one of the most versatile Jazz figures, associated with such diverse Jazz genres as Bebop, Cool, Bossa Nova and Jazz-Rock Fusion. His extensive recorded legacy includes many classic Jazz albums, which are considered timeless and are listened to today.
Getz´s most popular albums are those recorded during his stint with the VerveFind albums on this label label (1951–1972), but his albums recorded for and released on ColumbiaFind albums on this label in the 1970s, although criminally less known, are in fact some of his best ever and surely constitute the most diverse output created by one artist in a period of just several years, probably due to the complete artistic freedom and self-production rights he was awarded by Columbia. A total of seven albums were released on Columbia, spanning a wide artistic spectrum and all absolutely brilliant.
The set opens with the marvelous "Captain MarvelFind albums with this title" album, recorded with pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist (who wrote almost all the music on that album), bassist Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist, drummer Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist and percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist. This album was recorded just a month after the recording of the debut eponymous album by the newly founded Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist. It included some of the music already recorded on that debut album and other music included later on the second Return To Forever album called "Light As A FeatherFind albums with this title". This is definitely one of the most memorable early Fusion recordings.
Next comes the reunion between Getz and the Brazilian guitarist / composer Joao GilbertoFind albums by this artist ("The Best Of Two WorldsFind albums with this title"), returning to the Jazz / Bossa Nova style, which a decade earlier pushed Getz to the center of fame and popularity as a result of the commercial and artistic success of legendary early Getz / Gilberto albums.
Then there is the beautiful collaboration with the legendary vocalist / pianist / composer Jimmie RowlesFind albums by this artist ("The PeacocksFind albums with this title"), a straight-forward quartet date ("The MasterFind albums with this title"), another great Fusion album ("Another WorldFind albums with this title") with keyboardist Andy LaverneFind albums by this artist, an album of Lalo ShifrinFind albums by this artist´s compositions ("Children Of The WorldFind albums with this title") and finally a soundtrack album ("Forest EyesFind albums with this title") recorded in Holland with excellent Dutch musicians.
The Box Set also includes a bonus CD comprising of live recordings by Getz, compiled from different albums and informative liner notes. All albums are remastered and include bonus tracks. Together this is one of the most fascinating collections of music, simply exploding with musical genius and incredible performances. It is an essential document of what intelligent and open minded music is all about and an essential part of the Jazz legacy. Not to be missed under any circumstances!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEXTER GORDON ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979189126 (Barcode: 886979189126) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1976 - 1980 Released: 2011
The veteran American saxophonist / composer Dexter GordonFind albums by this artist was one of the Jazz icons with a career spanning half a century. He was one of the great Bebop pioneers and his playing over the years remained more or less within the Bebop tradition. Gordon recorded extensively as a sideman and as a leader, participating in many seminal Bebop recordings. Since the early 1960s he recorded for the legendary Blue NoteFind albums on this label label, creating some of his best work there.
Gordon left the US for Europe, as did many other American musicians in the 1960s, where he lived for fifteen years, mostly in Paris and Copenhagen. He enjoyed the European way of life and cultural atmosphere, which was free from racial discrimination and admired Jazz. While living in Europe he continued to record for Blue Note and the Danish SteeplechaseFind albums on this label label. By the late 1960 he switched to the PrestigeFind albums on this label label in the US.
Gordon finally returned to the US for good in 1976 and signed with ColumbiaFind albums on this label, where he recorded the last of his output before his death in 1990. He also started an acting career, with the most notable appearance in the "Round Midnight" movie, where he portrayed a heroin addicted saxophonist, roughly based on his own biography.
Gordon´s Columbia releases started with the live recording of his homecoming concert at the legendary Village Vanguard in NY, and included three studio albums and one more live album recorded at Carnegie Hall. All these recordings expanded by numerous bonus tracks and a whole additional CD of bonus tracks are included in this lovely Box Set. The list of names of the accompanying musicians reads like the who´s who of the US mainstream Jazz scene of the 1970s, and includes trumpeter Woody ShawFind albums by this artist, pianists George CablesFind albums by this artist, Cedar WaltonFind albums by this artist, George DukeFind albums by this artist and others, vibraphonist Bobby HutchersonFind albums by this artist, bassist Rufus ReidFind albums by this artist and many others.
Overall this is some of the finest American mainstream Jazz played in the Bebop tradition, with wonderful performances by first class players, heartwarming solos and great compositions. Any true Jazz lover will enjoy these classic recordings and having them collected in one neat package with bonus material and informative liner notes is all anybody could ask for. Definitely not to be missed!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 7 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TAJ MAHAL ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979234420 (Barcode: 886979234420) ~ USA ~ Blues
Recorded: 1964 - 1976 Released: 2012
This wonderful Box Set compiles all the material recorded for the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label by the legendary Blues singer / songwriter Taj MahalFind albums by this artist. His stint with the label lasted for about 12 years between 1964 and 1976 and covers the initial phases of his career, which resulted in eleven albums released on Columbia. His early album with the group Rising SonsFind albums by this artist, which also included guitarist Ry CooderFind albums by this artist, remained unreleased until 1992 and is also included in this Box Set as is a double album of previously unreleased studio and concert material.
Mahal´s music goes through several significant changes during the period covered by these recordings: Rising Sons was one of the first American bands mixing Country, Blues and Rock and in retrospect their album is a revolutionary step in the formation of American Rock music. By the late 1960s Mahal entered the electric Blues period, which paired him with the superb guitarist Jesse Ed DavisFind albums by this artist and produced three brilliant Blues-Rock albums. In early 1970s he ventured into a short love affair with Jazz, producing a couple of excellent albums with a large brass ensemble. Finally the rest of the 1970s Mahal spent exploring various World Music influences like Reggae, Calypso, Zydeco and others, mixing them with his Blues heritage and producing some extraordinary music in the process.
In retrospect this Box Set presents a diverse and fascinating body of music, which unfortunately never truly achieved the recognition it deserves. Mahal surely deserves credit for his constant explorations and his open-mindedness, which is quite extraordinary.
Remastered and mini-sleeved, with bonus material and an informative booklet this Box Set is a treasure chest, which music connoisseurs should really enjoy, all this in addition to its intrinsic value as an important puzzle in the history of music. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 15 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979303423 (Barcode: 886979303423) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1971 - 1973 Released: 2011
To make things perfectly clear before we go any further, this Box Set includes music recorded by the first version of the seminal ensemble Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which lasted for about a couple of years between 1971 and 1973 and released three albums on ColumbiaFind albums on this label. Subsequent versions of Mahavishnu Orchestra continued to release albums on Columbia, but those are not included here and will hopefully be released in the future as a separate Box Set.
British guitarist / composer John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist arrived at the epicenter of the revolutionary Jazz scene quite by chance, via his old friend bassist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and his first American employer drummer Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist, which eventually led to McLaughlin joining the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist group and playing a crucial role in creating the groundbreaking music Davis was forging at the time. Prompted by Davis, while still a part of his group, McLaughlin formed his first ensemble, which in retrospect turned out to be one of the most extraordinary Jazz-Rock Fusion ensembles, setting an example so powerful that now, over forty years later, it still reverberates and is being used as a definition of the genre.
Mahavishnu Orchestra was extraordinary in many ways. It brought together musicians from many different countries and cultural backgrounds: American violinist Jerry GoodmanFind albums by this artist, Czech keyboardist Jan HammerFind albums by this artist, Irish bassist Rick LairdFind albums by this artist and Panamanian drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist, all virtuosi on their respective instruments. Such aggregation of talent is of course beneficial for the music, but can prove to be strenuous as far as personal relationships are concerned. Also, as far as the musical direction was concerned, McLaughlin and the ensemble had to create their own environment, as they were walking on a path, which was previously undiscovered.
McLaughlin had complete freedom while with Davis, which enabled him to stretch out and play expanded solos without any harmonic or rhythmic restrictions. Mahavishnu Orchestra was completely opposite: precise and sharp like a razor blade, with everything clicking on a beat and often following a neck-breaking speed. It is evident McLaughlin struggled with this new framework initially, only to conquer it gloriously. He composed almost all the music the ensemble played, with just an occasional contribution by Hammer, Goodman and Laird.
After recording and releasing the first two albums ("The Inner Mounting FlameFind albums with this title" and "Birds Of FireFind albums with this title"), the group recorded a third studio album, which was scrapped and laid hidden in the vaults, only to be released twenty six years later as "The Lost Trident SessionsFind albums with this title". A live recording at NY Central Park, called "Between Nothingness & EternityFind albums with this title", became the group´s third and last album recorded by the first lineup.
This Box Set includes the four a.m. albums and a bonus CD, which comprises of previously unreleased additional material from the live recording, which became the third album. There is also one earlier live recording added as a bonus track on the first album.
Of course this music is so brilliant and so important, that recommending it any further is simply superfluous. It is an absolute classic and a timeless ingredient of music history, which should be an essential cornerstone of any music collection.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOODY SHAW ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979189027 (Barcode: 886979189027) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1977 - 1981 Released: 2011
American trumpeter / composer Woody ShawFind albums by this artist is often referred to as the last great innovator of the Jazz trumpet tradition. His incredible technical skills as well as his deep Jazz sensitivity enabled him to create some of the most memorable Jazz moments. Unfortunately his recording legacy as a leader is relatively limited and his death at the ridiculous age of 44 has cut his career tragically short. Over the years he recorded extensively as a sideman and contributed his part to some of the most notable and pivotal Jazz recordings, especially during his stint with the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label in the mid to late 1960s, where he was the "house trumpeter".
Shaw´s most important work as a leader was recorded in the late 1970s for ColumbiaFind albums on this label, where he recorded five superb albums which finally awarded him the recognition and appreciation he so much deserved. These recordings allowed his to utilize in full his abilities both as a player and composer, surrounded by a splendid group of musicians. His music often used unusual musical devices, such as polytonality and the pentatonic scale, which Shaw absorbed from his idols like Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, from the 20th century Classical Music composers as well as from World Music influences. However he was able to utilize those complex and often quite difficult musical ideas and make them sound "easy" and natural to the Jazz environment.
The Columbia session were recorded with Shaw leading different combos, from a classic quintet to a tentet and even larger ensembles. The list of participants includes some of the most important Jazz performers active at the time, like trumpeter Charles SullivanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, Rene McLeanFind albums by this artist, Carter JeffersonFind albums by this artist, Gary BartzFind albums by this artist and others, pianist Onaje Allan GumbsFind albums by this artist, George CablesFind albums by this artist, Mulgrew MillerFind albums by this artist and others.
This Box Set includes all the five albums Shaw recorded for Columbia, remastered and expanded with bonus tracks, as well as a sixth bonus CD, which comprises of previously unreleased material recorded at the same Village Vanguard concert, which was partly released as the "Stepping StonesFind albums with this title" album.
This is some of the most remarkable Jazz music made in the 1970s and an important piece of the modern Jazz puzzle, which should be listened to by new generations and inspire them to carry the proverbial torch. It should definitely find its place in any serious Jazz record collection.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | WAYNE SHORTER ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979202429 (Barcode: 886979202429) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1971 - 1988 Released: 2011
There are very few Jazz musicians, who can claim being at the epicenter of the most innovative and creative music making for decades and also be called one of the greatest Jazz composers, but saxophonist / composer Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist certainly is one of them. His role as a member of the legendary second Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet and than as co-founder and co-leader of the no less legendary Weather ReportFind albums by this artist are already more significant than the achievements of most other musicians, but Shorter also has a most impressive solo career, which spans from the late 1950s to now, i.e. for over half a century.
Shorter´s recordings as a leader, which were chronologically released on the Vee-JayFind albums on this label, Blue NoteFind albums on this label, ColumbiaFind albums on this label and VerveFind albums on this label labels present a magnificent body of work both as a performer and a composer. The Blue Note recordings, eleven albums released between 1964 and 1970 and recorded while he was a member of the Miles Davis quintet, are perhaps the most impressive and pivotal as far as Jazz development is concerned, but all the others are also great showcases of his talent.
Shorter recorded four albums for Columbia; one in 1974 and the other three in the late 1980s, all of which are included in this Box Set. The first album, ("Native DancerFind albums with this title") recorded with the brilliant Brazilian musician / composer Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist is the most memorable and impressive of the Columbia recordings and a beautiful example of Jazz-World Fusion at its best. In addition to several great Brazilian musicians playing on the album, including Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, it also features Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist on piano. The other three albums are somewhat Fusion oriented and feature different lineups of first class musicians, especially keyboard players like Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Stu GoldbergFind albums by this artist, Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, Patrice RushenFind albums by this artist, Geri AllenFind albums by this artist and others and of course almost exclusively the superb compositions by Shorter.
This Box Set also includes two bonus CDs, which collect all Weather Report tracks, which were composed by Wayne Shorter and recorded during the group´s entire lifespan. Although not adding anything new, these CDs present a great historic document of Shorter´s contribution as a composer to the group´s monumental accomplishments.
This Box Set is a must to all Wayne Shorter fans, especially in view of the fact that the individual albums have been out of print for ages. The musical content is of course top notch in every respect, a part of the legacy of a great musician, which deserves to be heard and remembered!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SARAH VAUGHAN ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886919058727 (Barcode: 886919058727) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1949 - 1987 Released: 2012
American singer Sarah VaughanFind albums by this artist was undoubtedly one of the brightest stars of the female vocal Jazz scene, a member of a very limited legendary league, which includes but a few others. Her absolutely unique style, an amazing vocal range from female baritone to mezzo-soprano and a highly personal interpretation of the material she performed remain largely unmatched to this very day. She is a major influence as far as Jazz vocals are considered and many vocalists name her as their major source of inspiration. She is often referred to as a Jazz diva, a title earned but very few other female Jazz personalities.
During her career, which lasted for over five decades, Vaughan recorded an impressive body of work, released by several record labels. Strangely enough her association with ColumbiaFind albums on this label covers the early days (1949-1953) of her recording career, as well as her final recordings in the 1980s. Her entire recorded output is collected on four CDs, the first two dedicated to the early recording sessions and the other two to her late output: the live recording of the George GershwinFind albums by this artist and Ira GershwinFind albums by this artist songbook, which was recorded with the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Michel Tilson ThomasFind albums by this artist and her very last album, which included Brazilian music she was so fond of, which was produced by Sergio MendesFind albums by this artist and featured a sublime cast of musicians, including keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist (another Brazilian music enthusiast), guitarist / composer Dorival CaymmiFind albums by this artist and guest vocals by Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist on one track. This last album was recorded just three years before Vaughan died in 1990.
The contrast between the sessions, recorded almost four decades apart, is a wonderful perspective, which enables the listen to truly appreciate the greatness of Vaughan´s abilities. The Box Set is a great document, which should be enjoyed by every Jazz connoisseur, and of course vocal Jazz enthusiast. Marvelous stuff!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | GROVER WASHINGTON, JR. ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979244825 (Barcode: 886979244825) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985 - 1999 Released: 2011
This Box Set includes all the albums released by US saxophonist / composer Grover Washington, Jr.Find albums by this artist on the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label, which spanned the last decade and a half of his life, untimely cut short by his tragic and unexpected death. Washington, primarily known as the Godfather of Smooth Jazz was in fact a gifted Jazz musician with a career spanning almost forty years, which slowly shifted from mainstream Jazz towards Jazz-Funk and Soul-Jazz. He enjoyed immense popularity amongst non-Jazz music lovers, but his true Jazz spirit was always a part of his milieu, especially when examined in retrospect.
The Columbia recordings present a wide range of stylistically diverse settings, moving between Funk, Soul-Jazz and mainstream Jazz, which is rarely associated with his legacy. Some superb players took part in these recordings, such as trumpeter Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist, pianists Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist and Hank JonesFind albums by this artist, bassists Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and George MrazFind albums by this artist, drummer Billy HartFind albums by this artist and many, many more. Washington plays alto, tenor and soprano saxophones with mastery skill and fluency and his improvisational abilities are beyond reproach.
Of course many hardcore Jazz listeners will find this music way to "easy going" for their ears, but many will also be surprised by the Artistry Washington presents often on these albums. Listeners, who like the easier side of Jazz, should find this stuff absolutely delightful. Whatever one´s opinion of Washington´s music may be, one must admit that he certainly was one of the most influential musicians in the 1980s and 1990s. This Box Set, with the original albums mini-sleeved and an informational liner notes included is definitely worth investigating.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
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