Record Reviews
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  | HARRY BECKETT ~ MAXINE
ITM 920010 (Barcode: 4250079750108) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1987 - 1995 Released: 2011
This is an album by British Jazz trumpeter / composer Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, released shortly after his death. It presents a compilation of seven tracks, recorded between 1987 and 1995 with five different lineups, ranging between a quintet and a duo. In fact, it is a reissue of the 1993 album “Les Jardins Du CasinoFind albums with this title” with two tracks form the 1996 album “Compared 2 What?Find albums with this title”.
Two tracks were recorded by a quintet with trombonist Annie WhiteheadFind albums by this artist, flautist / saxophonist John BurgesFind albums by this artist, bassist Marco CastronariFind albums by this artist and drummer Winston CliffordFind albums by this artist. Another two tracks were recorded by a trio with German pianist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and French bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-ClarkFind albums by this artist. One track was recorded by a duo with pianist Django BatesFind albums by this artist, another one by a duo with pianist Chris McGregorFind albums by this artist and finally one track by a quintet with saxophonist Courtney PineFind albums by this artist, McGregor, bassist Fred Thelonious BakerFind albums by this artist and drummer Clifford JarvisFind albums by this artist.
The music in incredibly diverse stylistically, from mainstream balladry to intense modern Jazz improvisation, but the focus is on Beckett’s superb trumpet / flugelhorn performances, which are consistently breathtaking, despite the changing lineups and stylistic variations.
Personally, my favorite tracks are those with Joachim Kuhn, but all the music is truly delightful and should make every Jazz enthusiast happy. It would be a crime to leave these tracks unreleased, so it’s great to see them available, for us to enjoy and cherish. Warmly recommended.
| | Updated: 05/08/2023Posted: 05/08/2023 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | PHIL MILLER / IN CAHOOTS ~ CONSPIRACY THEORIES
CRESCENT 08 (Barcode: 604388693726) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004
Legendary guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist and his In CahootsFind albums by this artist ensemble have been active on the Canterbury / Jazz scene since the 1980s, constantly changing lineups but always producing music of the highest quality. A vehicle for presenting Miller’s intricate and highly sophisticated compositions, the ensemble’s recorded legacy through the years – both studio and live – is a great example of European Jazz. This album was recorded by an extended version of the ensemble involving twelve players, where each track was recorded by a different lineup ranging from quintet to an eleven-piece band. The players include Miller – guitar and guitar synthesizer, Simon PicardFind albums by this artist – tenor saxophone, Didier MalherbeFind albums by this artist – soprano saxophone and flute, Annie WhiteheadFind albums by this artist – trombone, Simon FinchFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Peter LemerFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Doug BoyleFind albums by this artist – guitar, Fred BakerFind albums by this artist – bass, Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist – bass, Dave StewartFind albums by this artist - percussion and Mark FletcherFind albums by this artist – drums. Legendary vocalist Barbara GaskinFind albums by this artist sings on one tune. All the music, except one tune by Lemer and Baker each, was composed by Miller and is as usual exceptional. Highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANNIE WHITEHEAD ~ THE GATHERING
PROVOCATEUR 1022 (Barcode: 5038491102229) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000
British trombonist / composer Annie WhiteheadFind albums by this artist earned her legendary status working on the local scene since the late 1970s in an incredible variety of settings, spanning everything from Pop & Rock and up to Free Jazz. Her amazing versatility and technical proficiency made her a most appreciated session musician and a reliable band member. Over the years she played practically with countless British Jazz players, both the older and newer generation. She started to lead her own ensembles since the mid-1980s. Her reputation spreads worldwide beyond the British Isles and she also played with many internationally renowned Jazz musicians. This album, her debut for the prestigious ProvocateurFind albums on this label label, finds her leading her own quintet, which includes the gifted keyboardist Steve LodderFind albums by this artist and veteran drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist. On one of the tracks the legendary Robert WyattFind albums by this artist adds his vocal and instrumental contributions. The music, mostly composed by Annie, covers a wide variety of styles, from Funk, World Music influences and contemporary Jazz. Performed with her usual fire and grace, and always technically brilliant, the album is a lovely portrait of Annie’s charm and abilities. Lovers of trombone will of course see this as a must, but any Jazz fan should find some aspects of this album to be both interesting and pleasurable. Worth investigating.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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