Record Reviews

GARY BURTON ~ THE NEW QUARTET ECM 1030 (Barcode: 602567431152) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of the debut album as a leader by American Jazz vibraphonist / composer Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with guitarist Mick GoodrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Abraham LaborielFind albums by this artist and drummer Harry BlazerFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, one of which is an original composition by Burton, two were British composer Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, one was by British pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist and finally one each was by American musicians / composers Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist and Carly BleyFind albums by this artist, all of the above (except Beck) Burton cooperated with at some time in his career. This was the first album as a leader by Burton on the ECMFind albums on this label label, but he did release his debut coleader album with Chick Corea on ECM “Crystal SilenceFind albums with this title” earlier in 1973. The same year he recorder the legendary coleader album with Michael Gibbs, called “In The Public InterestFind albums with this title” (Goodrick plays on it), and soon after recorded another album with Gibbs for the ECM label, called “Seven Songs For Quartet and Chamber OrchestraFind albums with this title” (Goodrick also plays on it). All this explains a lot about the lineup and the material included on this album. Burton’s move to the European ECM label was largely influenced by his growing affinity towards European Jazz and its aesthetics, which were much closer to his personal taste in music than the stagnant American scene. His meeting with European musicians and composers opened a lot of new opportunities and horizons, and his connection with ECM lasted until mid-1980s, when ECM started to lose its ambitious direction. The music is of course absolutely gorgeous, from start to finish. The intimate dialogues between Burton and Goodrick are blood-curdling, and the somewhat mysterious atmospheric music is enthralling for the entire duration. Overall, this is a brilliant album, a must-have in any serious Jazz records collection and a highly document of Burton’s career in the early 1970s and his association with ECM. Goodrick’s guitar work is also exceptional and considering his rather limited discography, this is quite a gem.

Updated: 16/07/2025Posted: 12/07/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

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 Abraham 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?"

Updated: 12/07/2025Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BENNIE MAUPIN ~ SLOW TRAFFIC TO THE RIGHT / MOONSCAPES VOCALION 8485 (Barcode: 765387848521) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2011 This fantastic reissue brings back to life two excellent albums recorded in the 1970s by the great American saxophonist Bennie MaupinFind albums by this artist. Sadly mostly neglected and forgotten, Maupin was at the very centre of great revolutions in Jazz as a member of the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist ensemble and later the Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist "Mwandishi" group between 1971 and 1976. Both of these albums were recorded shortly after Maupin left Hancock and stylistically are very close to the work he was doing in Hancock groups, combining Jazz, Funk and Fusion. Supported by a dreamy cast, which includes among others keyboardists Patrice RushenFind albums by this artist and Patrick GleesonFind albums by this artist, bassist Paul JacksonFind albums by this artist and Abraham LaborielFind albums by this artist, drummers Ralphe ArmstrongFind albums by this artist and Harvey MasonFind albums by this artist and many others, Maupin presents his beautiful compositions, which sound today as fresh and innovative as they did at the time of the recording. Excellently remastered by Michael J. DuttonFind albums by this artist the sound quality is simply stunning. In retrospect this is classic stuff, which should be appreciated by many and hopefully this reissue will create a new interest in this excellent music.

CD 1 Remastered 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, Abraham 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.

Updated: 12/07/2025Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend