Record Reviews

JOHN KLEMMER ~ HUSH WOUNDED BIRD 0527 (Barcode: 664140052727) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1981 Released: 2008 Brilliant American saxophonist John KlemmerFind albums by this artist is one of the most versatile and talented Jazz players in the last few decades. His initial influence was the saxophone legacy of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and to this date he is one of the best post-Coltrane players around, but his career found him playing in many different settings ranging from Free-Jazz to Smooth-Jazz. However, regardless of the musical environment, Klemmer´s saxophone playing is always beyond reproach and his improvisational skills are breathtaking, as is his amazing tone on tenor saxophone and the echoplex electric saxophone, which he introduced into Jazz. He is also a brilliant composer and his lyrical melodies are among the finest out there. This was Klemmer´s 2nd album for the Elektra label and it comprises of his original compositions, played by a wonderful ensemble, which includes keyboardist Russell FerranteFind albums by this artist, guitarists Larry CarltonFind albums by this artist and Lee RitenourFind albums by this artist, bassist Abe LaborielFind albums by this artist, drummer Harvey MasonFind albums by this artist and many more great players. Klemmer´s playing is inspired and wonderfully romantic and the album is superbly produced. Recommended to listeners, who enjoy good melodic Jazz, which does not compromise the music quality and does not cross over to elevator music. Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice I thought that I remembered enjoying this album 20+ years ago, and the first track matched my memory (and Adam´s praise) but I have to say that when the vocals came in (and there are quite a few vocal tracks in different styles) that they seemed to me pretty cheesey and put the CD firmly on my list labelled "how do I get rid of these discs that I will never listen to again?"

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ VIVA CARLOS!: A SUPERNATURAL MARATHON CELEBRATION MASCOT 7210 (Barcode: 8712725721024) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 5th Fusion tribute album produced by Jeff RichmanFind albums by this artist (see the earlier John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and Steely DanFind albums by this artist Fusion tributes). Sticking to the same formula, the producer sets up a “house band” (this time including Peter WolfFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Abe LaborielFind albums by this artist – bass, Dave WecklFind albums by this artist – drums and Luis ConteFind albums by this artist – percussion) and matches it with some of the best Fusion guitar players (this time Robben FordFind albums by this artist, Frank GambaleFind albums by this artist, Albert LeeFind albums by this artist, Pat MartinoFind albums by this artist, Mike SternFind albums by this artist and others). As the title suggests, the subject matter this time is the music of Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist. Since this formula worked out splendidly on the previous four albums, there is no reason to suspect that things would go wrong this time, and indeed they don’t. The only problem might have been the choice of material from the vast SantanaFind albums by this artist repertoire, but fortunately only the best tunes were selected, all of them from his early and most fruitful years. The various guitar players, rather then to imitate Santana’s guitar sound and special technique, play in their own individual way, taking the music places often quite different from the origin. The entire album works out beautifully as a whole and Fusion fans (and guitar freaks) should have a field day with this stuff.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend