Record Reviews
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  | AL JARREAU & NDR BIG BAND ~ ELLINGTON
ACT 9060 (Barcode: 614427906021) ~ USA ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2024
This is an archival live album by American Jazz vocalist Al JarreauFind albums by this artist, recorded with the mighty German NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist during his last European tour, just three months prior to his death. The album presents ten tracks, which are all, as to title suggests, compositions by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist or Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist, brilliantly arranged by the conductor / arranger Jorg Achim KellerFind albums by this artist. The sound quality is not perfect, but the quality of the music compensates everything.
Jarreau was not only one of the best and most unique American Jazz vocalist ever, but he was also a superb entertainer, with an exquisite sense of humor, which this album documents perfectly. His contact with the audience, which I was lucky to witness in person several times, was always intimate and full of love for music. His premature death was a truly great loss.
The NDR Big Band is, as expected, fabulous all the way through, as appropriate for the best Big Band on earth IMHO. They are great partners for vocalists, as documented on may albums recorded over the years, and this album is no exception.
Overall, this is a wonderful vocal Jazz album and a Big Band album combined, especially welcome in view of the fact that Jarreau’s recorded legacy is rather modest, comprising less than twenty studio albums, most recorded in the 1970s and 1980s. Definitely worth being discovered, not only by the Jarreau fans!
| | Updated: 21/01/2025Posted: 21/01/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOTUS EATERS ~ FOR VERY SAD AND VERY TIRED
WHYPLAYJAZZ 012 (Barcode: 4050486098578) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by the quartet called Lotus EatersFind albums by this artist, led by German saxophonist / composer Wanja SlavinFind albums by this artist and including pianist Rainer BohmFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Andreas LangFind albums by this artist and drummer Tobias BackhausFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Philipp GropperFind albums by this artist guests on one track. For Slavin, who in the past was a student of my dear friend Leszek ZadloFind albums by this artist, this is a second album as a leader, following the debut entitled "SciroccoFind albums with this title" from 2010. The album presents six tunes, five of which are originals and one is a standard by Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist, which gives both the album and the group their respective names.
In the liner notes Slavin refers to his original compositions as "inspired by" certain Jazz tunes or Jazz musicians, like Charles LloydFind albums by this artist or Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist. These compositions are very melodic, mostly low key ballads, full of melancholy and lyricism. The quartet performs them delicately and with an obvious respect, trying not to push them beyond their original framework. The last rack is the most open and includes an extended freely improvised section, but the overall impression is quite "conventional", which is rather unusual for the albums released on the WhyPlayJazzFind albums on this label label.
The individual statements by the quartet members are all splendid. Slavin´s alto saxophone has a mellow, enchanting tone, which caresses the listener´s ears gently. Bohm does a wonderful job supporting the leader and although plays little foreground solos, his background layers are as much important. Lang is as usual simply outstanding and step by step becomes one of my favorite bassist of the young European scene. Backhaus is a bit too busy for my taste and not completely compatible with the album´s concept, but perhaps his activity provides a contrast which has a positive influence on the overall sonic result.
This kind of music should be accessible to a wide range of Jazz listeners, as there is so much to like herein, that everybody can hand on to something else that strikes a chord; some will like the tunes, others the splendid performances and yet others might be delighted by the degree of freedom and space present, in spite of the seemingly "simple" approach. Regardless of the specific viewpoint, it is very hard not to like this album from the first hearing. Well done!
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  | DOM MINASI ~ TAKIN` THE DUKE OUT
CDM 1001 (Barcode: 765432100123) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001
US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist is surely one of the most original and innovative Jazz artists active today and hearing his music is a true revelation. A veteran of the NY Jazz scene, Minasi was influenced by the Jazz Giants like John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist, all of which he heard performing live at NY clubs during his adolescence. Very early on Minasi realized that Free Jazz and Improvised Music were something he wanted to do and he’d stay faithful to that decision throughout his entire career. That does not mean he didn’t study the entire tradition of the Jazz genre (with an emphasis on guitarists of course) and even played “straight ahead” Jazz, which he still enjoys to do from time to time, but his true passion is the more challenging highly improvised and boundless facet of Jazz making. Minasi debut recordings as a leader were released in the mid-1970s by the legendary Blue NoteFind albums on this label label, which unfortunately by that time was already taken over by the Majors and attempted to produce mass-market music. Completely disappointed and frustrated by the treatment received from the Music Industry, Minasi decided to abstain completely from recording music, dedicating his time to live performances, teaching, writing and educating. Almost a quarter of a century later he finally made his return as a recording artists and soon after established his own recording label – CDMFind albums on this label Records – which is now his base of operations. This album is the first release on that label and a triumphant return of Minasi to public exposure, spotlighting his amazing talent as a player and improviser. Recorded live at the legendary NY Knitting Factory it features Minasi and his regular trio with the extraordinary bassist Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackson KrallFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the material consists entirely of Minasi’s far-reaching interpretations of classic Jazz standards written by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist. Hearing this music is a true revelation. Minasi does things with his guitar, which are simply unimaginable, displaying a technique and virtuosity of staggering proportions, as well as amazing improvisational ability. He can be gentle and lyrical one moment and ferocious the next, all in perfect sense and impeccable taste. Guitar lovers can hear the entire history of Jazz guitar playing in his lines, from Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and up to Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist. His supersonic speed is breathtaking and overwhelming, but never flashy and always in total control. Filiano is also amazing, both plucking and bowing his heart away, and Krall displays a rare sensitivity and attention, all of which turns them both into ideal partners for the ride. This is an amazing album, which ought to be heard not only by every guitar player on this planet, but also by every true Jazz lover. Considering the fact the American Jazz is now mostly a vast wasteland of meaningless mainstream doodling, a rare oasis like Minasi is especially refreshing. A gem!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ FROM STAN, WITH LOVE (WITH LOVE FROM JAZZ / WE LOVE YOU MADLY)
RESTEAMED 115 (Barcode: 5060138617155) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2021
This is a reissue of two seminal albums by the iconic British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist: “With Love From JazzFind albums with this title” and “We Love You MadlyFind albums with this title”, coupled together as a 2CD set. The first album is a quartet recording with Tracey, saxophonist Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackie DouganFind albums by this artist (Lennie BushFind albums by this artist and Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist replace Green and Dougan on the last track) and presents eight original compositions by the leader. The second album was recorded by an eighteen-piece Big Band (called Big Brass), which included some of the top British Jazz musicians at the time, such as trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Kenny BakerFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, Don RendellFind albums by this artist, and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, clarinetist Acker BilkFind albums by this artist, Tracey on piano, Bush on bass and drummer Barry MorganFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the album is dedicated to American pianist / composer / bandleader Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and presents six compositions by him, one by Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist and one by Tracey, all also arranged by him. The first album was recorded October12 and 31, 1967 and the second August 20 and 21, 1968 and released a year later (respectively) on the EMI / ColumbiaFind albums on this label label.
The first album is a wonderful example of Tracey’s quartet work, based on his idiosyncratic compositions, often truly romantic in nature, which defined his style characterized by his singular chord vamping. This was the last recording with Wellins, who was replaced on future albums by Peter KingFind albums by this artist. Tracey and Wellins has a telepathic communication between them and played like musical twins, which of course is audible here as well. The last track is a surprising excursion into African rhythms, which finds Tracey playing the vibraphone.
The Big Band album is a complete different cup of tea, with Tracey showing off his genius as arranger / Big Band leader, which always were his undeniable passions in addition to his composing and playing the piano. His love and respect to Ellington the composer is plainly apparent and his arrangements are highly unusual, almost diametrically different from the original Ellington recordings, which of course is a brilliant lesson in the differences between the American and British / European approach to using the Big Band as a musical tool. The original composition closing the album is a proverbial cherry on top of course. Personally this is one of my most loved Tracey recordings, but hey I love them all of course.
Overall, these are two absolute British Jazz treasures, and their absence from the record market was a travesty. We should be grateful to Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist (Stan’s son) for bringing them back to life on the family’s ReSteamedFind albums on this label label, hopefully seeing more of these gems getting the same treatment soon. Absolutely essential!
| | Updated: 18/08/2021Posted: 18/08/2021 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ PLAYS DUKE ELLINGTON
MOLE 10 (Barcode: 5018265001026) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1986 Released: 1989
This is a little known album by British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, recorded in an intimate duo setting with bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, and as the title suggests, those are compositions by iconic American Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist (or Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist in one case).
For British Jazz lovers, Tracey is not only a legendary figure, but also a symbol, which bridges the first period of the British Jazz, which was more or less an attempt to follow, and to a large degree copy, everything that happened in American Jazz, with the second period, which developed an independent, original approach to Jazz music somewhere by the mid-1960.
Tracey, who was dominantly active during both periods, represents the generation, that had to adapt to the changes imposed by the radical transition, and he proved to be brilliantly adaptive / embracing, brilliantly connecting everything he learned during his early years, with the often dramatically different trends that followed, like Free Jazz and Improvised Music. In retrospective he emerges as the undisputed Godfather of the British Jazz scene, which his affluent recording legacy proves beyond any doubt.
This intimate album is a beautiful illustration of Tracey’s ability to respect the tradition, which Ellington represents at the most eloquent level, with the liberties allowed by the modern approaches, respectfully and lovingly treating the original music, but firmly taking it to a new level.
Tracey’s virtuosity is of course plainly evident every step of the way, and this album is especially effective, since Ellington’s music is obviously deeply familiar to every Jazz enthusiast, and Tracey’s daring and original approach is therefore even more evident herein.
Needless to say, Babbington offers superb support to Tracey and adds plenty of elegant soloing, in order to earn the respect, he fully deserves. As a result, the album wonderfully fits into the “Art of the Duo” category.
Overall, this is a gem of an album, which deserves to be heard by every British Jazz enthusiast, or rather every Jazz enthusiast worldwide. Tracey, whom I had the immense pleasure of hearing live in person on many occasions, remains “Sir Jazz” for me to this very day and every album of his is sprinkled by gold dust.
| | Updated: 25/05/2025Posted: 25/05/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | UMO JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ ELLINGTON TRIBUTE
WARNER CLASSICS 825646188321 (Barcode: 825646188321) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1997 Released: 2004
This is a wonderful album by the Finnish UMO Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 1975 by the great Finnish Jazz pioneers Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist and Esko LinnavalliFind albums by this artist. Over time UMO became one of the absolute top European Jazz Big Bands / Orchestras, recording a long succession of brilliant albums with famous guest stars. Although primarily dedicated to supporting and promoting Finnish Jazz, the orchestra is also involved in other projects, like this tribute to the great American pianist / composer Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten pieces composed by Ellington and two composed by Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist, arranged especially for the UMO, featuring many of the orchestra members as soloists. The orchestra captured on this album is conducted by pianist Kirmo LintenenFind albums by this artist and includes, among others, such famous Finnish Jazz figures like saxophonist Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist and bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist.
The music includes some of the most popular tunes associated with Ellington and his Orchestra, which are (hopefully) well known to every Jazz fan all over the globe. UMO performs these tunes perfectly, which is of course obvious, but the fascinating aspect of this music is the comparison between how it sounds here in comparison to its original sound as recorded by Ellington and his Orchestra decades earlier.
In a nutshell it is a intriguing case study presenting the difference between American and European Jazz idioms. Whereas the original performances are classic examples of Swing, perfectly orchestrated and executed, the music here is all about sophisticated arrangements, unusual orchestration and elegant tricks of the trade played with tempi, dynamics and articulation, true to the original and yet cleverly different.
It goes without saying that this album, although little known, is a must to all Big Band and Ellington fans, and deserves to be listened to very closely by music scholars and educators, especially those who claim that Jazz must stay untouched.
| | Updated: 01/07/2016Posted: 01/07/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ DIE NEUNTE VON UNITED
MOOD 6472 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996
This is the 9th album (5th live recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The fifth lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also British trumpeters Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, German saxophonist Christof LauerFind albums by this artist and American (resident in Germany) bassist Dave KingFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note) and presents nine tracks, eight of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: two each by Kriegel and Mangelsdorff and one each by Carr, Dauner, Lauer and Thompson, and one is a Jazz standard by Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist, arranged by van Rooyen.
The album reflects the constant musical development of the ensemble and seemingly endless collection of musical ideas. The music becomes ever more complex and ambitious, often of orchestral scale, but never loses an iota of the Rock and Funk elements, combining everything into a unique amalgam, which always kept them apart from any competition or comparison. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is always potent and the brass arrangements are more complex than ever. All members of the group get an opportunity to solo, but the main idea is to present an “ensemble” sound, rather than a collection of individuals. The fact that the ensemble sounds as good live as in the studio testifies as to the remarkable level of musicianship and the joy of playing together.
Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find the recordings by the ensemble quite different and innovative, as the mutual influence between the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous recordings over time.
Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection.
Side Note
MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums.
The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.
| | Updated: 06/01/2025Posted: 05/01/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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