Record Reviews

JOHNNY ALMOND / MUSIC MACHINE ~ PATENT PENDING VOCALION 8417 (Barcode: 765387841720) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005 Multi-instrumentalist / composer Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist was one of the most versatile and in-demand players on the British scene in the late 1960s. A member of the Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist, he also led a septet of young up-and-coming musicians called Johnny Almond Music MachineFind albums by this artist, which recorded two albums of which this is the first. Soon after recording this album Almond joined the new version of John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, which recorded the revolutionary The Turning PointFind albums with this title album. In that group he met guitarist Jon MarkFind albums by this artist, with whom he formed one of the best British Jazz-Rock groups – Mark-AlmondFind albums by this artist. Bass player Roger SuttonFind albums by this artist (ex-Brian AugerFind albums by this artist’s TrinityFind albums by this artist), who plays on this album, was also a founding member of Mark-Almond and would later be e member of Riff RaffFind albums by this artist and NucleusFind albums by this artist. Another player, the drummer Alan WhiteFind albums by this artist, would later join the legendary YesFind albums by this artist. This album is a splendid example of early Jazz-Rock, with strong Rhythm And Blues influences. Almond plays tenor, alto and baritone saxophones, flute, alto flute, organ, vibes, mellotron and bass clarinet – surely deserving the “music machine” nickname. His virtuosity (my favorite being his flute playing) is obvious. He also composed all but one of the eight tunes included here. Overall this is an excellent album and a great trip down the memory lane. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PENTANGLE ~ ONE MORE ROAD / LIVE 1994 HUX 089 (Barcode: 682970000893) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1993 - 1994 Released: 2007 PentangleFind albums by this artist, the finest of the many UK Folk-Rock bands, went through two distinct life cycles. The original band, which was active between 1968 and 1972, left us a wonderful legacy of 6 splendid album released originally on the legendary UK folk oriented TransatlanticFind albums on this label label and reissued (and expanded) on CD by CastleFind albums on this label. That period was also documented by the release of the original band’s BBC recordings on the HuxFind albums on this label label in 2004 (The Lost Broadcasts 1968-1972Find albums with this title). In 1984 two of Pentangle’s founding members singer Jacqui McSheeFind albums by this artist and guitarist John RenbournFind albums by this artist reformed the band again. This second incarnation of the band started off with the five original members but later on went through many personnel changes until the final version of the band crystallized around 1989 and kept together till 1994. This last version of the band included Jacqui, Bert JanschFind albums by this artist and three other Folk-Rock veterans: Nigel Portman-SmithFind albums by this artist (bass, piano and vocals – ex Magna CartaFind albums by this artist), Gerry ConwayFind albums by this artist (drums – ex FotheringayFind albums by this artist and Jethro TullFind albums by this artist) and Pete KirtleyFind albums by this artist (guitar - ex Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist, GriffinFind albums by this artist, Riff RaffFind albums by this artist and many other bands). The second Pentangle recorded also 6 albums, three of which were recorded by the last lineup above. Alas these albums are almost completely neglected and have been out of print for many years. This beautiful album brings us splendidly remastered versions of the last two Pentangle albums: One More RoadFind albums with this title – the last studio album and Live 1994Find albums with this title – their swan song. There is hardly any need to recommend these masterpieces to a serious Folk-Rock fan. Let’s just be grateful this material is available again and enjoy every minute of it to the fullest. Brilliant!

CD 2 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