Record Reviews

GEORGIE FAME ~ BIRTHDAY BIG BAND THREE LINE WHIP 007 (Barcode: 640999906428) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 2004 This is an album by British Jazz vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, recorded live during a concert celebrating his fifty-fifth Birthday, recorded with a fabulous Big Band created especially for the occasion and conducted by composer / arranger Steve GrayFind albums by this artist. The eighteen strong Big Band includes some of the top British Jazz instrumentalists: trumpeters Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist and Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Peter KingFind albums by this artist and Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist, bassist Geoff GascoyneFind albums by this artist, drummer Ralph SalminsFind albums by this artist and others. Guest artists include guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist and vocalists Madeline BellFind albums by this artist, Zoot MoneyFind albums by this artist and Ben SidranFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents twenty-three songs, fourteen of which were composed or co-composed by Fame. The music presents, as appropriate for the occasion, the entire retrospective of Fame’s musical career, including his greatest hits, as well as the entire scope of his stylistic diversity, presenting Fame as a completely original songwriter and interpreter of Jazz / Rhythm And Blues songs, who had a few equals over time. His feeling for the Blues, which was present in everything he sang and played over the years, was undoubtedly his signature, but in his songwriting Fame contributed some of the most beautiful songs ever written, often with highly whimsical and humorous lyrics. This album, due to the Big Band arrangements, is one of the most Jazz oriented recordings by Fame, but by far not the only one, as he loved to perform and record with Big Bands, something I was lucky to witness in person several times over the years. Fame is definitely one of the very few vocalists who is able to blend in perfectly with a Jazz Big Band and a Rhythm And Blues combo with the same, impeccable result. The album is an orgy of great tunes, superb instrumental performances and brilliant vocals, which simply cannot leave any music lover cold, unless he is already cold dead. What luck this concert was recorded and eventually released on record (six years later, but of course better late than never). It has been one of my favorite Fame recordings since the day it was released and a superb summary of those first fifty-five years. God Bless!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 15/05/2021

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

BEN SIDRAN ~ DYLAN DIFFERENT BONSAI 091101 (Barcode: 794881938421) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is a superb album by American vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Ben SidranFind albums by this artist, recorded in France with mostly European Jazz musicians, including French bassist Marcello GiulianiFind albums by this artist, Swiss drummer Alberto MalloFind albums by this artist, French guitarist Rodolphe BurgerFind albums by this artist, American trumpeter Michael LeonhartFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Bob MalachFind albums by this artist and various guests. As title suggests, it presents twelve songs by American singer / poet / songwriter Bob DylanFind albums by this artist. A companion album of the same material was recorded live and released as “Dylan Different Live In ParisFind albums with this title” a year later. Although Sidran preserved Dylan’s lyrics, his interpretations of the songs take many liberties with the melodies, tempi and rhythms, often making the songs almost unrecognizable. The result is absolutely brilliant and the Jazzy arrangements, which characterize most of Sidran’s work, are a true masterpiece. His keyboard work is also exceptional and combined with his idiosyncratic vocals present an irresistible combination of talent, intelligence and aesthetics. I have been a faithful and enthusiastic follower of his work since the early 1970s and he never failed me over time. My favorite period of his work is his output on the Go JazzFind albums on this label label in the 1990s. Since the early 2000s he’s been releasing albums on his own label NardisFind albums on this label. Overall, this is a double treat, both for lovers of Dylan’s work and the incredible figure of Sidran, who keeps reinventing himself now in the sixth decade of his career. Lovers of Jazz-Pop Fusion should be absolutely delighted!

Updated: 27/01/2024Posted: 27/01/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BEN SIDRAN ~ FEEL YOUR GROOVE ACADIA 8120 (Barcode: 805772812024) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2006 Debut album by US keyboardist / vocalist Ben SidranFind albums by this artist, one of the greatest Jazz / Blues / Soul vocalists ever. Sidran originally worked in Rock (he was a member of the Steve Miller BandFind albums by this artist), but gradually moved away from Rock towards Jazz, where he made his real impact. He is a great keyboards player and his organ work is truly inspired. His warm voice is completely unique and he ranks among the top class vocalists like Tom WaitsFind albums by this artist and Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist. This album was recorded with many famous Rock and Jazz musicians and clearly sets the path for his future work. Considering the fact that it was unavailable for so many years, this is a most welcome reissue. Classic stuff!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend