Record Reviews

JOHN CAMERON ~ COVER LOVER / WARM & GENTLE VOCALION 8478 (Barcode: 765387847821) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1966 - 1968 Released: 2011 British pianist / composer John CameronFind albums by this artist was one of the great mavericks on the local Jazz scene in the 1960s, when he was still performing himself. Later on Cameron concentrated on his work as a composer, arranger, bandleader contributing numerous film soundtracks, musicals, etc. This reissue brings to life two rare 1960s albums. The first features Cameron as pianist and vocalist, performing a set of songs he wrote, which are full of witty English humor. He is accompanied by four excellent musicians: saxophonists Ronnie RossFind albums by this artist and Art EllefsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Spike HeatleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony CarrFind albums by this artist. The second features an orchestra led by Cameron performing a set of Pop / Rock songs arranged by him, which is a typical easy-listening recording, but of high quality due to the superb Jazzy arrangements. This album is primarily of interest to followers of John Cameron´s music (myself included), but British Jazz enthusiasts might find it interesting as well.

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KENNY WHEELER ~ 1976 JUST A MEMORY 9506 (Barcode: 068944950621) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 1996 This is a reissue of a relatively obscure album by British Jazz trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with Canadian saxophonist Art EllefsonFind albums by this artist, pianist Gary WilliamsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Dave YoungFind albums by this artist and American drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist (of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist’ fame). The music was recorded by a Canadian Radio station and originally released by the radio’s label, remaining almost completely “buried”. The album presents six tracks, four of which are original compositions by Wheeler, and one each are by Morell and Ellefson. The music is, not surprisingly, absolutely fabulous, with a modern sound emphasized by the presence of electric piano, which adds a slight Fusiony kick. The quintet members are all highly proficient musicians, who play with confidence and obvious affinity. The entire session has a distinct British Jazz tinge, despite the fact that Wheeler is the only British connection, but his presence and compositions have a dominant influence on the entire proceedings. The music is highly melodic, with the specific Wheeler’s romanticism prevailing, and the quintet follows his lead amicably. Wheeler delivers some divine soloing, which is heart melting, as usual, and the album is definitely as good as all the material Wheeler recorded in UK and Europe at the time. Overall, this is a brilliant document of Wheeler’s artistry, which is in very sense as good as his celebrated European recordings done at the time. It is of course an absolute must for all Wheeler enthusiasts / collectors and deserves an honorable place in every serious British Jazz record collection.

Updated: 24/04/2023Posted: 24/04/2023

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