Record Reviews

MAYNARD FERGUSON ~ PRIMAL SCREAM / NEW VINTAGE / CARNIVAL BGO 1142 (Barcode: 5017261211422) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1975 - 1978 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of three albums by Canadian Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist released on ColumbiaFind albums on this label during the late part of his stint with the label: "Primal ScreamFind albums with this title" (1976), "New VintageFind albums with this title" (1977) and "CarnivalFind albums with this title" (1978). These albums feature some of the best American Jazz musicians active at the time and mark Ferguson´s commercial success and popularity, well beyond the strict Jazz circles. Among the artists appearing on these albums are: keyboardists Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Bob JamesFind albums by this artist, drummers Steve GaddFind albums by this artist and Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist, guitarists Eric GaleFind albums by this artist and Steve KhanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists David SanbornFind albums by this artist and Joe FarrellFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Marvin StammFind albums by this artist and Jon FaddisFind albums by this artist and many others. The music is a mixture of original compositions by Ferguson and the composer / arranger Jay ChattawayFind albums by this artist, Jazz standards, film themes, popular songs and Classical pieces, all superbly arranged and executed by the Big Band / Orchestra, with soaring solos by Ferguson the guest stars. Although definitely on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, mixing Jazz with Funk, Rock and even Reggae, the music was always tasteful and impeccably executed. Ferguson´s piercing trumpet sound is still one of the most recognizable sounds in American Jazz and remains unparalleled to this very day. Personally I have always found the music of Ferguson to be both highly entertaining and artistically relevant, offering classy performances with stand the test of time with ease. Highly recommended!

Updated: 19/04/2020Posted: 19/04/2020

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SKIN ALLEY ~ BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU – THE CBS RECORDINGS ANTHOLOGY ESOTERIC 2243 (Barcode: 5013929734326) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2011 This great album compiles all the material recorded for the CBSFind albums on this label label by the great British Jazz-Rock / Prog group Skin AlleyFind albums by this artist, which includes their two albums: "Skin AlleyFind albums with this title" and "To Pagham And BeyondFind albums with this title" and the unreleased soundtrack album "Stop VeruschkaFind albums with this title", as well as singles. The group members were all brilliant musicians and played several instruments each, which gives the music a wide scope and versatility. The music, composed mostly by guitarist Bob JamesFind albums by this artist, is superb from start to finish. In short this is an excellent album in every respect and an absolute must to every fan of early Jazz-Rock / Prog on this planet.

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SKIN ALLEY ~ TWO QUID DEAL ESOTERIC 2244 (Barcode: 5013929734425) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2011 This is the 3rd album by the great British Jazz-Rock ensemble Skin AlleyFind albums by this artist, originally released on the TransatlanticFind albums on this label label after they left CBSFind albums on this label, which is considered to be their best and most consistent recording. The group members were all brilliant musicians and played several instruments each, which gives the music a wide scope and versatility. The music, composed mostly by guitarist Bob JamesFind albums by this artist and bassist Nick GrahamFind albums by this artist, is superb from start to finish. In short this is an excellent album in every respect and an absolute must to every fan of early Jazz-Rock / Prog on this planet. Unfortunately at the time of its release it gained very little attention and was quickly removed from the shelves, remaining a hidden gem for so many years. It’s great to see it back in circulation.

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend