Record Reviews

HUGH HOPPER ~ NUMERO D`VOL MOONJUNE 014 (Barcode: 692287901424) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 Legendary ex-Soft MachineFind albums by this artist bassist Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist is definitely one of the most prolific and restless alumni of that band and his output over the year is nothing but extraordinary. Floating between Improvised Music / Free Jazz, modern Jazz and even Fusion, his dedication to move forward and explore uncharted territory is truly admirable. This new project takes Hopper into a completely new area, which combines Free Improvisation with ambient textures and steady upbeat, creating quite a fascinating and original musical experience. Although the music is completely improvised, it sounds as if pre-composed and more often than not even melodic. Hopper´s partners are saxophonist Simon PicardFind albums by this artist (member of the excellent Canterbury ensemble In CahootsFind albums by this artist led by guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist), keyboardist Steve FranklinFind albums by this artist and drummer Charles HaywardFind albums by this artist. Together they create some extraordinary musical vistas, full of imagination, beauty and inspiration, which yet again prove that music has no boundaries and new possibilities are still out there. Hopper´s many fans need no encouragement to try this out, but I´d recommend this stuff to every Canterbury / Jazz fan, as it definitely covers some uncharted music ground, which is accessible to most music lovers. Fascinating!

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RADAR FAVOURITES ~ RADAR FAVOURITES REEL RECORDINGS 017 (Barcode: 654367021033) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2010 The short lived British Prog / Experimental Rock band Radar FavoritesFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist (Henry CowFind albums by this artist) and comprising of keyboardist Cathy WilliamsFind albums by this artist, guitarist G. F. Fitz-GeraldFind albums by this artist, bassist Jack MonckFind albums by this artist and drummer Charles HaywardFind albums by this artist, never managed to record an album before circumstances brought to its demise. This great album collects all the existing material by the band, including some studio recordings made towards the band´s debut album and some live material. Considering the fact that this material is virtually unknown to most Prog fans it´s quite and ear-opener. Although Rock based, the music includes a lot of improvisation and wild conic excursions, complex structures and other unusual elements, which make it different from most other stuff recorded at the time. There is a lot to be discovered here, requiring several listening sessions, but this is an ultra-rare historic gem finally recovered from oblivion, hopefully to be discovered by contemporary listeners. Wholeheartedly recommended, especially to RIO fans!

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