Record Reviews

GEORGIE FAME ~ SEVENTH SON / GOING HOME BGO 700 (Barcode: 5017261207005) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1971 Released: 2008 Contrary to what most people know about singer / songwriter / keyboards player Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, his true aspiration was always to sing Jazz. Although he arrived on the British scene in the mid-1960s as a Pop singer, with several singles charting over the years, pretty soon he decided that a Pop idol was the last thing he wanted to be and moved away from the Pop image as fast as he could. By the end of the 1960s Fame was already singing in front of Jazz bands and his self-penned material had a distinctive Jazzy feel. This album includes two of Fame’s LPs recorded in 1969 and 1971 respectively, both great examples of his great sensitivity and musicality. On Seventh SonFind albums with this title he is supported by a dreamy Jazz band, which includes such illustrious players as Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Chris PyneFind albums by this artist (trombone), Brian OdgersFind albums by this artist (bass) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist (drums), who play some outstanding solos. The album was produce by Fame’s friend Alan PriceFind albums by this artist, another Pop star with Jazz inspirations. On Going HomeFind albums with this title the supporting band is the Keith MansfieldFind albums by this artist orchestra, another quite jazzy outfit, which played for example behind Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist, when he lived and recorded in Britain at the same period. Although perhaps only marginally Jazz, these two albums are a great example of the openness the music industry was willing to extend towards the artists, who wanted to do “their own thing”, something that lasted for a very brief period of time. Fame’s worm tone and great feel for the music are definitely worth a recollection and this album is a great trip down the memory lane. Probably for people in the autumn years, like myself, but still great fun.

Updated: 10/04/2020Posted:

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALAN PRICE ~ A ROCK `N` ROLL NIGHT AT THE ROYAL COURT THEATRE EDSEL 680 (Barcode: 740155168025) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1980 Released: 2001 Ex-AnimalsFind albums by this artist front man, singer Alan PriceFind albums by this artist established a successful solo career, first with his Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist and later as a soloist. Always faithful to music quality and ambitious projects, he has been one of my favorite British artists over the years. This album is rather atypical for his usual output, as it is recorded live and presents him paying homage to his early days on the music scene in the late 1950s / early 1960s when Rock And Roll was King. Supported by an excellent band Price performs many Rock And Roll classics and a few lesser known songs in his very special way. Perhaps not for everybody, but I always have a great time listening to anything he did, including this one.

Updated: 01/06/2018Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ALAN PRICE ~ BETWEEN TODAY AND YESTERDAY ESOTERIC 2694 (Barcode: 5013929479449) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1974 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of a wonderful album by the British singer / songwriter / keyboardist Alan PriceFind albums by this artist, mostly remembered as a founding member of the legendary British band The AnimalsFind albums by this artist. Price left The Animals in 1965 and embarked on a solo career, which lasted for many decades and produced many wonderful albums, of which these is one of the most notable. On this album Price sings and plays piano and organ, accompanied by guitarist Colin GreenFind albums by this artist and bassist Dave MarkeeFind albums by this artist and a superb orchestra / Big Band led by British Jazz veteran trombonist / arranger Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original songs, all by Price. This remastered edition adds two single versions of the songs from this album as bonus tracks. Price was a bona fide "working class hero" and the subject matter of the songs on this album touch upon the social and economic injustice experienced by the British working class, based on his childhood memories. He was often criticized by expressing his ideology, but never gave up doing so. Although primarily associated with Rhythm And Blues, his musical inclinations were always very close to Jazz and his Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist was a great example of creating brilliant early Jazz-Pop Fusion. He returned as often as he could to the Jazz influences in his recordings. But of course Price is first and foremost a superb singer with an idiosyncratic vocal ambience, which knows but a few parallels. He is also a brilliant songweaver and many of his songs remain to shine as anthems of the 1960s / 1970s to this very day. And he is a mighty organ player as well, still remembered from his performance on the iconic "The House Of The Rising Sun" (1964), which can be heard also from his playing on this album. Overall this is an absolute marvel and a must have for Classic British Pop fans, Price fans and all lovers of great music, which should not be forgotten. British Jazz lovers should be able to find some interesting aspects therein ;) Grab it while you can!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 10/04/2020

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ALAN PRICE SET ~ THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT: THE COMPLETE 60S SESSIONS CASTLE 1098 (Barcode: 5050749410986) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1965 - 1969 Released: 2005 When Alan PriceFind albums by this artist decided to leave The AnimalsFind albums by this artist in 1965 at the pinnacle of their international success, his move seemed completely inexplicable. However, in retrospect his decision led to the formation of one of the most formidable UK Pop outfits – The Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist, which left a superb legacy of great tunes. Price felt limited in the Animals format of 12 bar blues and early Rhythm And Blues and since he felt much closer to Jazz it was only natural that his new group would include a horn section to add a significant jazzy feel to their sound. Between late 1965 and early 1969 The Alan Price set recorded a long series of singles, some of which became 60’s anthems (“Simon Smith & His Amazing Dancing Bear”, “The House That Jack Built”, “Don’t Stop The Carnival” and many more). Price proved to be an amazing tune craftsmen, a brilliant arranger and of course a great singer. In addition to writing his own songs Price loved deeply the songs of Randy NewmanFind albums by this artist, many of which he incorporated into his group’s repertoire. This incredible collection includes everything the group ever recorded, including BBC sessions never previously released. This is some of the best music recorded in the 1960’s and listening to this timeless material should bring enormous pleasure to any good music fan. I love every minute of it.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend