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Here are some more new Israeli additions:

 

 

This superb box set collects together the three volumes of the Israeli Prog compilation called "A Different Tune", released separately over a period of two decades. These compilations contain some of the best and most daring music recorded in Israel over the years, which are examples of the incredible vitality of the local scene. Some of the material appears on albums released by the artists included here, but the compilations also include material never previously released commercially or released only as radio singles, etc. The scope is enormous and truly enlightening, especially for people less acquainted with Israeli Prog and Art Rock and therefore especially attractive as a comprehensive introduction to the scene. I recommend this box set wholeheartedly as it contains "pure musical gold" from start to finish and should appeal to any Prog fan around the world. For those familiar with the scene let me just throw in some names of the artists appearing here: No Names, Fourteen Octaves, Shlomo Gronich, Matti Caspi, Tuned Tone, Yoni Rechter, Shem Tov Levy, Gidi Gov and many, many more!

 

 

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Here are some more new Israeli additions:

 

 

5^th album by Israeli singer Gidi Gov, in which he further explores the Rocky side of his career, utilizing the wonderfully husky range of his voice to the max. Performing some brilliant new songs, all especially written for this album by two of Gov's ex-Kaveret mates Alon Oleartchik and Danny Sanderson, supported by some of the hottest Rock players on the scene, Gov produces another Israeli classic Rock album, which became an instant classic and remains to this day as one of the most memorable moments from its past. This was Gov's last album before a period, which lasted over a decade, during which he was involved in TV and film and did not record any solo albums. Definitely a must to all Israeli music fans!

 

 

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Here are some more new Israeli additions:

 

 

3^rd album by Israeli singer Gidi Gov, which is his second experience with producing music for children since the wonderful Sixteenth Lamb group / album. Of course, despite the fact that these songs can be enjoyed by kids does not make them inferior in any way in comparison to "normal" stuff for grown ups. These melodies and clever lyrics are as sophisticated as anything else gone by Gov, with most of the songs composed by the immensely gifted Yoni Rechter and Avner Kenner (Rechter and Kenner cooperated together in Fourteen Octaves and Kenner led his group Premiere). A couple of the songs are new versions of songs recorded by Sixteenth Lamb and the rest are new material written especially for this project. Accompanied by some of the best Israeli instrumentalists and backing vocalist Gov sings with his usual sensitivity and flair, which make this album another valuable addition to his superb musical legacy. Warmly recommended!

 

 

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Here is another of the newly remastered classic album by Jimi Hendrix:

 

 

3^rd and last album by the greatest guitar player that ever walked on the face of the earth, Jimi Hendrix, which continued to revolutionize the fate of Rock music as we know it. Following the release of the two stunning albums a year earlier ("Are You Experienced" and "Axis: Bold As Love"), Hendrix and his British partners: Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums, explored the unchartered territories of Rock beyond anything tried previously, even by the boldest explorers of the genre. In the meantime Hendrix also got exposed to many other musical explorations beyond Rock, mainly to the pioneering Jazz-Rock experimentations of Miles Davis, which influenced him deeply and were supposed to culminate in actual cooperation, which sadly never materialized. In making this milestone recording, Hendrix fused together everything he knew up to this point of his musical development, the early Blues influences, the Psychedelic music of the British Underground Scene, the new Jazz feel and even avant-garde sound experimentation, producing what would become one of the true icons of musical achievement, a timeless tour de force, a magnum opus and a work of a genius. The album also marks the first time Hendrix involved other musicians apart from the trio, like Steve Winwood, Al Kooper and others. One could easily write a whole book just about this album, analyzing its musical values as well as its historical significance, but in all honesty listening to it is all that matters. I have been doing just that for the last 42 years since I got my sweaty hands on the shiny double LP for the first time. It's been a faithful companion in bad times and good times, never letting me down. It still sounds prophetic, every time I listen to it. This new edition, newly remastered, adds a specially filmed DVD, which explores the process of creating this album. Need I say more?

 

 

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Here is an album by an Israeli Jazz trio I saw in concert a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed immensely:

 

 

2^nd album by Israeli flautist Hadar Noiberg, who lives, composes music and performs in NY, recorded with her trio, which consists of two other Israeli compatriots currently residing in NY: bassist Omer Avital and drummer Ziv Ravitz. Appropriately entitled "Journey Back Home", the album reflects Hadar's Israeli / Middle Eastern cultural roots much stronger than her affiliation with American Jazz, which of course works in her favor. Evidently the longing for native shores and the sounds implanted in her mind when she grew up in Israel all floated up to the surface, when she wrote and arranged the music, which makes up this beautiful ode to her true homeland. Israelis, perhaps more that any other People on this planet, are seldom able to disconnect themselves from their true source, even after living abroad for extended periods of time. So here we have it: the sound of desert winds, see breezes, distant hills, Bedouin tents, camel caravans, herds of sheep tendered by lonely shepherds sending their tunes of solitude wrought on a wooden flute… all of these are reflected both melodically and rhythmically by Hadar's music. With today's omnipresence of World Music elements, these lovely tunes sound completely natural to anybody, who is true music connoisseur. Of course there is plenty of Jazz here, no need to worry about that; it is a Jazz album after all. Hadar's cohorts are both well seasoned and exceptionally talented Jazz players. Avital, with his deep and steady bass pulsations is the ideal partner for Hadar's flute, providing the earthly connection to her windy improvisations. Avital's bass (and occasional oud) is the firm basis, carrying the music like a magic carpet, far away, but always exactly on track. Ravitz ornaments the music with endless percussive inventions, which make the music sparkle like a multicolored veil, rather that forcing the rhythms. He is blessed with the rare gift of being able to produce a feel of a rhythm rather that the actual rhythmic pattern itself, leaving the rest to the listener's imagination. So here you have it: an album full of beautiful, moving, intelligent music performed masterly by exceptional musicians, who dedicate their lives to make our lives worth living. I must admit that listening to this music makes me proud to be an Israeli, which is not often an easy undertaking these days. Thank you Hadar, Omer and Ziv for this wonderful musical experience; may others enjoy it as much as I did!

 

 

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Here is another bunch of great albums on the Talking Elephant label:

 

 

8^th album by the superb British Folk-Rock band Pentangle, which was the second recording of the revived lineup, which included founding members vocalist Jacqui McShee, guitarist Bert Jansch and drummer Terry Cox, with guitarist / violinist Mike Piggott replacing John Renbourn and bassist Nigel Portman Smith replacing Danny Thompson. The remarkable strength of the players and Jacqui's wonderful vocals made them unbeatable at what they did and the new incarnation of the band continued the glorious path of the past. Unfortunately the 1980s albums by Pentangle have been unavailable for many years on CD and this great reissue brings them back to life in their full splendor. An absolute must to any Pentangle fan!

 

 

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Here is another bunch of great albums on the Talking Elephant label:

 

 

7^th album by the superb British Folk-Rock band Pentangle, which was the first recording of the revived lineup, which included founding members vocalist Jacqui McShee, guitarist Bert Jansch, bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Terry Cox, with guitarist / violinist Mike Piggott replacing John Renbourn. The remarkable strength of the players and Jacqui's wonderful vocals made them unbeatable at what they did and the new incarnation of the band continued the glorious path of the past. Unfortunately the 1980s albums by Pentangle have been unavailable for many years on CD and this great reissue brings them back to life in their full splendor. An absolute must to any Pentangle fan!

 

 

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Here is another bunch of great albums on the Talking Elephant label:

 

 

Only album by British Folk-Rock group Beggars` Hill, which was for years one of the most sought after LPs of the genre, finally sees a CD reissue. The band was a pretty lose collection of singers and players, but the core of the band consisted of Dave Forhndorff and John Davis, who are present on all the eleven tracks of the album. Stylistically very similar to other British Folk-Rock outfits of the day, like Pentangle and Fairport Convention, the album is a classic of the genre. The original LP was privately pressed in 500 copies only and in time obtained a legendary status of a lost gem. In retrospect it still sounds great and is a pure delight for fans of the genre. Wholeheartedly recommended!

 

 

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Here is another bunch of great albums on the Talking Elephant label:

 

 

It doesn't happen too often that a band takes a look back at its music recorded over 20 years earlier and decides to re-record it from scratch, as if from another perspective. But than again, Caravan, the legendary British Prog / Canterbury pioneering group, is hardly a "usual" band – one can always expect them to come up with the unexpected. This album is exactly that – a new look at the glorious material the band recorded in the 1970s and a new presentation of that material. Of course many fans saw this move as sacrilegious, holding the opinion that this classic Prog material should remain untouched. With all due respect to the fans, it's really up to the band to decide what they wish to do with it, and honestly, considering how great this new versions are, this bold move truly paid off. Pye Hastings, Geoffrey Richardson, David Sinclair, Jimmy Hastings and Richard Coughlan (the Caravan lineup at the time this album was recorded) did a splendid job and this historic material sounds absolutely fresh and brilliant as it ever did and in some cases even better. Years of experience and evolution surely added layers of sophistication and understanding, which can, and in this case do outshine the youthful enthusiast and spirit of the original recordings. A must for any Canterbury music fan!

 

 

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Here is another bunch of great albums on the Talking Elephant label:

 

 

The original members of Amazing Blondel: John Gladwin, Terry Wincott and Edward Baird, reunited 22 years after they created some magical music in the 1970s, and recorded this great album as if time stood still since. They were at it again, reviving, at least stylistically, early English music, with their acoustic instruments and amazing vocal harmonies, presenting a new set of wonderful melodies and those humorous lyrics, even throwing one Latin song as a bonus. Transported in time a few hundred years back, one can hear Elizabethan chords, madrigals and other trademarks of medieval music, at their full glory. One can only wish that all band reunions would produce such a triumphant result, but alas this is too much to ask in most cases. At least this album is the exception, which was well worth waiting for. Brilliant stuff!

 

 

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Here is the last Colosseum album:

 

 

Following the 1994 reunion, which proved to be extremely successful, both artistically and commercially, the pioneering British Jazz-Rock Fusion band Colosseum, one of the greatest band ever in the genre's history, decided to keep the reunited band together for further concerts and even recorded a couple of new albums, of which this is the second one. In retrospect, with the tragic death of saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith in 2004, this album was destined to be the very last recording by the original band, which of course included also vocalist Chris Farlowe, keyboardist Dave Greenslade, guitarist Clem Clempson, bassist Mark Clarke and drummer Jon Hiseman. The album includes nine original compositions by the band members and one standard, performed brilliantly, as always. None of the players seem to have lost any of their passion for music or the ability to perform, which is evident, every step of the way. It seems an appropriate way to say goodbye to the numerous fans around the world and although seals the era, emphasizes what a glorious era it was. A must!

 

 

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Here is a new album by the fantastic Mike Stern:

 

 

Guitar virtuoso Mike Stern already proved his talents in the last three decades, being not only as an incredibly talented player, but also as a composer, bandleader and recording artists. What I admire about this great musician is his ability to maintain an incredible consistency and dedication to keep up a highly artistic standard. With this, his 16^th album as a leader, Stern does it again, again all odds. Full of excellent new compositions (all of them his own) and brilliant instrumental work, this album is also a melting pot of ideas and musical directions. Stern invited many of his peers to take part in the recording and the final list of participants reads like a who's who of modern Fusion: guitarists Steve Vai and Eric Johnson, keyboardist Jim Beard, drummers Dave Weckl and Terri Lyne Carrington and even the entire trio of Medeski, Martin & Wood – and this is only a partial list. In spite of the multitude of participants, the album presents a remarkable consistency and makes perfect sense by any standard. There's really no point in explaining again and again how good this stuff is – simply listen to it and you'll know. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant stuff!

 

 

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Here are a couple of reissues by the legendary Blues hero Muddy Waters:

 

 

By the end of the 1970s Blues Emperor Muddy Waters, the man who modernized and reinvented the Blues decades earlier by composing numerous of the genre's standards performed the world over, decided to revitalize his sound, his band and his career. The meeting between Waters and his admirer, Texan guitar virtuoso Johnny Winter, led to a successful cooperation, which lasted for several years. Winter joined the Waters band and became his producer, creating a series of incredible electric Blues albums, which rank among the best material ever recorded, of which this is the second. The cooperation proved extremely fruitful to both Waters and Winter, as both benefited from each other strength: Waters finally had a superb backup band, which was the best vehicle for his incredible compositions and Winter found the ideal setting to play the music he always loved with plenty of space to express his immense talent. Apart from Waters and Winter the band included also harmonica players Jerry Portnoy and Big Walter Horton, pianist Pinetop Perkins, additional guitarist Jimmy Rogers, bassist Bob Margolin and drummer Willie Smith. This is a true classic Blues album by any standard, alive and kicking as if it was recorded yesterday, with everything any lover of the genre should enjoy: great tunes, superb vocals and incredible guitar work – in short a must!

 

 

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Here are a couple of reissues by the legendary Blues hero Muddy Waters:

 

 

By the end of the 1970s Blues Emperor Muddy Waters, the man who modernized and reinvented the Blues decades earlier by composing numerous of the genre's standards performed the world over, decided to revitalize his sound, his band and his career. The meeting between Waters and his admirer, Texan guitar virtuoso Johnny Winter, led to a successful cooperation, which lasted for several years. Winter joined the Waters band and became his producer, creating a series of incredible electric Blues albums, which rank among the best material ever recorded, of which this is the first. The cooperation proved extremely fruitful to both Waters and Winter, as both benefited from each other strength: Waters finally had a superb backup band, which was the best vehicle for his incredible compositions and Winter found the ideal setting to play the music he always loved with plenty of space to express his immense talent. Apart from Waters and Winter the band included also the great harmonica player James Cotton, pianist Pinetop Perkins, second guitarist Bob Margolin, bassist Charles Calmese and drummer Willie Smith. This is a true classic Blues album by any standard, alive and kicking as if it was recorded yesterday, with everything any lover of the genre should enjoy: great tunes, superb vocals and incredible guitar work – in short a must!

 

 

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Here are a few new Israeli additions:

 

 

Almost 30 years after Israeli singer Nurit Galron recorded her brilliant album "Songs In The Middle Of The Night", which included songs written to the wonderful poetry of the iconic Israeli poet Natan Zach, she returns with the same concept on this album. A brilliant set of new songs, composed by some veteran (Ilan Wirtzberg) and some newer songwriters, exquisitely performed by Galron, accompanied by a sympathetic group of excellent musicians. Unfortunately the subtlety and intricate details of the poems in the Hebrew language is lost to all those listeners who lack the knowledge of our language, nevertheless the atmosphere and the quality of this great album is universal and many non-Hebrew speaking people around the globe will undoubtedly enjoy it. An instant classic!

 

 

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Here are a few new Israeli additions:

 

 

4^th album by Israeli singer Gidi Gov, one of the icons of Israeli music since the 1970s, which marks a change in his musical direction towards Rock, as opposed to his early lyrical, Jazz oriented material created in cooperation with Yoni Rechter. Almost all the songs on this album were composed by another Israeli musical icon, Yehuda Poliker, with lyrics supplied by the best local lyricists like Eli Mohar and Meir Ariel. Gov's vocal style changes significantly, with emphasis on the husky Rock intonation and his interpretations of the songs are absolutely brilliant. Accompanied by some of the Rock players on the scene at the time, guitarist Erez Netz, bassist Ehud Inger, keyboardist Moshe Levi and drummer Jean Paul Zimbaris, the album remains as one of the best Israeli Rock recordings of all times. An absolute classic!

 

 

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Here are a few new Israeli additions:

 

 

1^st album by Israel's most enigmatic and creative Rock musician, Ehud Banai, and one of the most important Israeli Rock albums ever recorded. Banai, aged 32 at the time, who tried to find his way in the music business jungle for years, but due to his uncompromising attitude and extremely withdrawn personality failed miserably, finally found the right partners and burst the anonymity bubble with a Big Bang. Combing forces with some of the most eclectic musicians living in Israel at the time, like the brilliant guitarist Yosi Elephent and legendary drummer Jean-Jacques Goldberg, Banai created a masterpiece combining his unique talent for writing memorable music and brilliant texts with the ability of his players to perform outstandingly. In many respects this is one of the pioneering experiments in an attempt to create truly original Israeli Rock, combining the tradition of Rock with Middle Eastern and other World Music influences in a subtle and intelligent way. In retrospect this album stands out as one of the greatest and most influential albums recorded in Israel during the 1980s, and still considered a major influence today. The music sounds completely fresh and contemporary. The new expanded edition includes bonus tracks and a whole additional CD, documenting live performances of the entire album and more. An absolute classic!

 

 

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Here are a few new Israeli additions:

 

 

2^nd album by the Godfather of Israeli Rock, Shalom Hanoch, and one of the best Israeli Rock albums ever recorded. Following years of cooperation with another Israeli legendary Pop / Rock figure, the singer Arik Einstein, which resulted in a series of early Israeli classic Rock albums, Hanoch tried to establish a solo career in Britain, where his debut album "Shalom" (sung in English) was released in 1971 and later moved to the US. Upon his return to Israel in 1973, Hanoch continued his cooperation with other Israeli musicians, which led to the formation of Tamouz, the most important Israeli Rock group of the 1970s. After Tamouz disbanded in 1976, Hanoch embarked on a solo career, which opened with the recording of this superb classic album. Surrounded by the elite of Israeli Rock and Jazz musicians, which included keyboardist Alona Turel, guitarist Haim Kario, bassist Ehud Inger and drummer Alon Hilel, Hanoch recorded seven brilliant new songs, which were meticulously arranged and exquisitely performed by all participants. All the tracks on this album clock at around 7 minutes each, which proves that the album was an ambitious attempt to create serious and intelligent music, full of Prog and Jazz references, with extended instrumental passages and artistic freedom guiding the entire creative process. In retrospect this album presents a milestone of Israeli Rock, which stands the test of time with ease. The new expanded edition includes bonus tracks and a DVD documenting a live TV recording of the entire album and more. An absolute classic!

 

 

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Here is the sensational new album by Jimi Hendrix and two of his classic albums newly reissued:

 

 

2^nd album by the greatest guitar player that ever walked on the face of the earth, Jimi Hendrix, which continued to revolutionized the fate of Rock music as we know it. Following the release of the debut album "Are You Experienced", Hendrix and his British partners: Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums, explored the British Underground and Psychedelic scene, which was at its peak at the time, absorbing the influences and incorporating them into their own music. The resulting album, recorded and released just a few months after the debut album, was another stunning excursion. Much more relaxed and contemplative than the debut album, it was the ultimate Psychedelic trip, with Hendrix guitar magic venturing repeatedly into completely uncharted territory. It was of course a nod in the direction Hendrix was to follow in his next and ultimate masterpiece "Electric Ladyland", which took his ever-expanding musical vocabulary way beyond the Blues and Rock sources. This new edition, newly remastered, adds a specially filmed DVD, which explores the process of creating this album. Need I say more?

 

 

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Here is the sensational new album by Jimi Hendrix and two of his classic albums newly reissued:

 

 

1^st album by the greatest guitar player that ever walked on the face of the earth, Jimi Hendrix, which completely revolutionized the fate of Rock music as we know it. Endless writings on the subject already detailed the intricacies of this prophetic music, the unearthly talent of Hendrix and the significance of this album in music history, so I won't bore the reader with my meager explorations on the subject. Suffice to say this was one of the first recordings that truly turned me on and made me realize that Rock can be a creative, meaningful and significant musical experience. I've never stopped to listen to this album in the last 43 years since its release and I have no intention to do so up to my last breath. In retrospect it's interesting to note that this music would have probably never happened if not for the fact that Hendrix was snatched from the American mediocrity and brought over to England, where his genius was appreciated. The support and inspiration Hendrix received from his band members: Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums, was a vital component of his breakthrough, as much as the management and support extended by the man, who discovered his genius, Chas Chandler. The European intellectual and artistic Renaissance, which was at its peak in the mid-1960s, with its openness and warm embrace of bold and groundbreaking ideas, music included, allowed Hendrix to find his path and discover his genius, exploring it to the fullest. The result: one of the greatest debut albums ever recorded in music history and an instant classic. This new edition, newly remastered, adds several bonus tracks to the original album's content as well as a specially filmed DVD, which explores the process of creating this album. Need I say more?

 

 

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Here is the sensational new album by Jimi Hendrix and two of his classic albums newly reissued:

 

 

Holding a new album by Jimi Hendrix, released forty years after his death, is surely an once-in-a-lifetime experience for someone, like me, for whom the music of Hendrix has been the soundtrack of his life. Anything I can say here is completely insignificant in comparison to the anticipation and then the excitement of pushing the play button with this album inside the CD player for the first time. The plethora of posthumous Hendrix albums on the market are all live recordings of various quality and often of almost unlistenable quality, so hearing twelve pristine studio recordings, previously unreleased and mostly previously unheard, is a momentous event for any Rock fan on this planet. The legendary status achieved by Hendrix over the years and the influence of his music, most of which was recorded in a brief three years period, is completely unprecedented in music history. Although Hendrix managed to win an immediate acceptance and massive popularity following the release of his debut album in 1967, his true musical genius came to be appreciated over the years with ever increasing intensity. Generation after generation of musicians and listeners realized that his prophetic musical vision, combining cross-genre idioms and breaking established barriers was eons ahead of its time and remains completely exceptional and solitary in contemporary music history. Most of the music included on this album was recorded by the original Jimi Hendrix Experience, with Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums, between February and September 1969, in an attempt to assemble material for the follow up album to the "Electric Ladyland" masterpiece released the year before. Three tracks feature bassist Billy Cox, summoned by Hendrix from the US to replace Redding due to a personal drift between the two, which ultimately led to the demise of Experience and the formation of the Band Of Gypsys lineup with Buddy Miles. Some of the songs included here are known to Hendrix followers in their live versions, but these studio recordings present them in a much more precise and solidified form, which were the basis for future expanded and improvised upon live versions. Unfortunately, as we all know, the follow up album never materialized and with Hendrix tragically dead soon after, this is the closest we are ever going to be able to enjoy and cherish. I'm confident that in time, when all this new material truly sinks in, after repeated listening, it is inevitably bound to become an extension of the glorious Hendrix legacy we are privileged to enjoy due to his timeless, extraordinary genius. Thank you God for being able to experience Hendrix!

 

 

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Here is three more items on the great British Jazz FMR label:

 

 

This wonderful DVD opens a window into the world of British premiere Jazz / Improvising Music contemporary musician, saxophonists / composer Paul Dunmall. It tells us his life's story, his musical philosophy and his influences, using numerous interviews with his musical partners, as well as numerous live performances. The list of performing and / or interview musicians reads like an encyclopedia of contemporary music and is not only highly educational, but fascinating and intellectually challenging. A wonderful document, which should be indispensible for any enthusiast of contemporary Free Jazz and Improvised Music!

 

 

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Here is three more items on the great British Jazz FMR label:

 

 

Following the demise of his ensemble Amalgam, British saxophonist / composer Trevor Watts started two new ensembles in pursuit of his musical vision: the large ensemble Moire Music and the small group Drum Orchestra. Moire Music was dedicated to composed music and the Drum Orchestra to spontaneous improvisation. This album captures the ensemble playing live at London's legendary 100 Club and the personnel includes violinist Peter Knight, bassist Ernest Mothle, drummer Liam Genockey and two African percussionists. The music is a wonderful amalgam of Free Jazz, Improvised Music and African influences, brilliantly performed and challenges, as everything Watts always delivers. Warmly recommended to more advanced listeners.

 

 

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Here is three more items on the great British Jazz FMR label:

 

 

9^th  album by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble Amalgam, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor Watts. On this album the lineup is a quartet, including guitarist Keith Rowe, bassist Colin McKenzie and drummer Liam Genockey, the last stable lineup of the ensemble before it disbanded in 1980 marking 13 years of activity. The music is written by Watts or is spontaneously composed and was recorded live. This album was originally released on the Arc label, owned by Watts, and was unavailable for many years, which is now rectified by this CD issue. With the guitar and electric bass the sound of the band is close to Fusion, but with the extended improvisations, complete freedom of expression and virtuosity of the performers the music retains all of the qualities of Improvised Music remaining relatively accessible. This set includes visionary, complex and dense music, which is completely unique and unprecedented. Listeners looking for a total musical experience should look no further. This is classic and brilliant stuff in every respect!

 

 

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Here is a series of new additions on the excellent Esoteric label:

 

 

3^rd and last part of the "Go" album trilogy by Japanese percussionist / composer Stomu Yamash`ta, recorded by an international group of musicians, many of which are celebrated and renowned by their own merits. The participants include guitarist Al Di Meola, drummer Michael Shrieve, keyboardist Klaus Schulze 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!

 

 

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Here is a series of new additions on the excellent Esoteric label:

 

 

4^th album by the excellent British Prog band Rare Bird, which went through a significant personnel changes by the time this album was recorded. Founding members: keyboardist Dave Kaffinetti and vocalist / guitarist Steve Gould, were joined by guitarist Andy Curtis, bassist Nic Potter (ex-Van Der Graaf Generator) and drummer Fred Kelly. Bassist John Wetton guests on one track. The band keeps up with the tradition set up by the earlier recordings, which is characterized by superb melodies and brilliant instrumental work, which unfortunately never brought them the recognition they so richly deserved. Being unavailable for many years, this CD reissue brings back this gem into circulation, saving it from being forgotten. Warmly recommended!

 

 

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Here is a series of new additions on the excellent Esoteric label:

 

 

1^st album by the brilliant British Prog band Flash, formed by founding member of Yes, guitarist Peter Banks, after he left the band following the recording of their first two albums. The band also included another ex-Yes member keyboardist Tony Kaye, lead singer Colin Carter, bassist Ray Bennett and drummer Mike Hough. In many respects Flash was what Yes should have become, at least in my opinion. Banks didn't like the change of direction Yes were following, which although brought them fame and fortune, was for many of the early fans of the band (myself included) a huge disappointment. The pomposity and pretentiousness that Yes displayed in the years to follow was often pretty sickening and Banks was able somehow to predict that. Therefore the forming of Flash was a great joy at the time, as it truly followed in the footsteps of the two first Yes albums ("Yes" and "Time And A Word"), which to this day are my favorite albums by the band. What makes Flash such a great band? Well, it certainly had all the right ingredients, both in its personnel, as far as musicianship is concerned and musical approach, following the development of the Prog movement in the right direction. Great melodies, brilliant performances, a balance of influences ranging from Jazz to Pop, all incorporated just at the perfect measure. This album has no weak moments, no unnecessary fillings, in short no bullshit whatsoever. Everything is just perfect as far as Prog is concerned. Over the years I enjoyed listening to this album countless times, never ever being disappointed and in time it actually grew stronger on me, surely in view of the realization, that they don't make them any more. Essential music for body and soul!

 

 

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Here is a series of new additions on the excellent Esoteric label:

 

 

Only album by the obscure British Jazz-Rock / Prog band Samurai, which in fact was just a name change from the previous band they all played in called Web. Keyboardist / composer Dave Lawson, who joined Web for their final superb album "I Spider", turned the band into a full fledged Jazz-Rock unit and being the band's musical leader and composer, continued the same direction in the new band. The rest of personnel included guitarist Tony Edwards, bassist John Eaton, drummer Kenny Beveridge and vibraphonist / percussionist Lennie Wright. For the recording of this album they were joined by saxophonists Tony Roberts and Don Fay. Lawson's brilliant compositions and arrangements (which were later explored also in the band Greenslade) turn this album into a true gem and a splendid example of early British Jazz-Rock, which sadly was left forgotten for many years. This CD reissue brings it back with all the splendor and luster, to be enjoyed again. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

 

 

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

 

Normal activity.

 

HAVE FUN!

CD

 

Here is a classic Blues-Rock album, belonging to the Free family:

 

 

Only album by the quartet Kossoff / Kirke / Tetsu / Rabbit, which was formed in mid-1971 as a result of the demise of Free Mk. 1 (following the release of "Highway") with the band's guitarist Paul Kossoff and drummer Simon Kirke joining forces with Japanese born bassist Tetsu Yamauchi and Texan keyboardist John Bundrick (a.k.a. Rabbit). The band lasted only for a brief period of time, before Free Mk. 2 were re-established in 1972, but the album they recorded together remains a classic example of Blues-Rock. Somewhat similar (not surprisingly) to the sound and feel of the music Free produced, it is more relaxed and features some of the best guitar work Kossoff ever managed to put on tape. Of course the leading vocals of Paul Rodgers are sadly missed, but Kossoff, Kirke and Bundrick handle that department admirably well. In retrospect this albums still sounds great 40 years later and its reissue on CD is a most welcome event. Recommended!

 

 

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

 

Normal activity.

 

HAVE FUN!

CD

 

Here are a couple of classic early British Jazz-Rock Fusion albums:

 

 

1^st album by the legendary ensemble Airforce, formed by drummer Ginger Baker following the collapse of the two Rock super-groups he was a member of: Cream and Blind Faith. Baker formed the ensemble to pursue the music he was truly interested in, which included Jazz and African Music. He managed to persuade a large number of British luminaries to join forces in this ambitious project, creating a first of its kind Jazz-Rock-World Fusion ensemble. The list of the participants reads like a who's who of the British music scene at the time and includes: Steve Winwood (organ and vocals) and Rick Grech (bass) – both ex-Blind Faith, Graham Bond, Denny Laine, Chris Wood, the great Harold McNair and Baker's revered teacher and legendary British Jazz drummer Phil Seamen. The first album was recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall and was originally released as a double LP. The music is a wonderful mixture of Jazz, Rock and World Music, performed with passion and virtuosity. The lengthy tracks allow for extended instrumental improvisations and the two drummers have ample opportunity to engage in mighty duels. In retrospect the album is visionary and educational, allowing a glimpse at a time when musical dreams were realized. This pioneering effort is a wonderful legacy for generations to come and includes many unforgettable moments. Unavailable for decades, this CD reissue is a wonderful opportunity to get familiar with a piece of musical legacy, which remains untouched by time. Absolutely not to be missed!

 

 

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

 

Normal activity.

 

HAVE FUN!