Record Reviews

TERRY DURHAM ~ CRYSTAL TELEPHONE VOCALION 8401 (Barcode: 765387840129) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005 Writer, poet and painter Terry DurhamFind albums by this artist recorded this one-off, strangely beautiful album for the DeramFind albums on this label label and disappeared from sight. The fact that a major record label released such unusual and unconventional production proves the incredible atmosphere of the late 1960s, before the record industry became completely ruthless and unsympathetic to innovation and musical progress. The album includes a series of poems by Durham, which he recites (partly in spoken word and partly singing) on top of a magnificent musical background composed and orchestrated by John ColemanFind albums by this artist. The words and music fit one another perfectly and Durham’s poems stand the test of time beautifully. Although the full list of musicians participating in the recording is not given, a most notable, and again highly unusual appearance by Free Jazz saxophone giant Evan ParkerFind albums by this artist is one of the highlights of the album. Guitarist Alan ParkerFind albums by this artist also makes a notable appearance and the composer’s piano playing is featured as well. Make no mistake – this is not a Jazz album at all. In fact it’s almost impossible to categorize at all, as it transcends genres and conventions at will. For the lack of a better solution I placed it under Progressive Rock, but it belongs probably more to a non-existent Poetry and Music sub-genre (as opposed to Jazz & Poetry which is a real sub-genre). Genres aside, this is a wonderful memento of a great time, which sounds today as good as it ever did. Wholeheartedly recommended to the adventurous listeners.

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SOFT MACHINE ~ LAND OF COCKAYNE ESOTERIC 2208 (Barcode: 5013929730847) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1980 Released: 2010 This is the 4th Soft MachineFind albums by this artist album released on the HarvestFind albums on this label label and the last ever record released by the band, bringing an end on a magnificent career, which spanned two and a half decades and resulted in some of the most important music ever recorded. But the truth behind the album is quite different from what appears on the album´s cover – the fact is that Soft Machine did not exist for some time when this album was released and this is a solo project of the last leader of the band, composer / keyboardist Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist. The decision to release the album under the band´s name is somewhat dubious. Nevertheless the connection to Soft Machine is pretty obvious, as this album features several of its ex-members and co-members: guitarist Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist. Jenkins added several other outstanding musicians to Soft Machine core: bassist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Alan ParkerFind albums by this artist and pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist. The music floats somewhere between Jazz and ambient music, with strong ties to contemporary Classical, emphasized by the string arrangements, and some World Music influences. It is a preview of the future work of Jenkins, who in the years to come established himself as one of British most distinguished contemporary composers. So is this a Soft Machine album? Who cares, the important fact remains that this is still great music, which holds water 30 years after it was recorded. Obviously hard-core Soft Machine fans might find it not to their taste, but it is here to stay as part of the band´s legacy. Deal with it.

Updated: 10/03/2023Posted:

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend