Record Reviews

CHRIS BISCOE ~ MUSIC IS: PLAYS MIKE WESTBROOK TRIO 607 (Barcode: 5052442022947) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 - 2022 Released: 2022 This is an album by British Jazz saxophonist / clarinetist / composer Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, recorded with pianist Kate WilliamsFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mike OutramFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave WhitfordFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon ScottFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, all of which, as the title suggests, were composed by British pianist / composer Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist. Biscoe has been a member of the various ensembles led by Mike Westbrook and his wife Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist since 1979 and participated in many recordings by these ensembles, consistently demonstrating his brilliant technique and talent. On this album he arranged some of his favorite Westbrook compositions and performs them with different musicians, often in a new and quite surprising way. The music is absolutely brilliant of course, not only because of the strength of these compositions, but in this case especially due to the treatment these compositions receive, mostly with a surprising freedom of interpretation, which dominates the proceedings. Biscoe’s sublime performances are not surprising of course, but the level of musicianship by the entire team, which I am not familiar with, is also excellent throughout. The music manages to swing splendidly due to the superb work by the rhythm section, which drives the pulse steadily, even if the rhythm dances around unevenly, purposely of course. Williams’ and Outram’s solos are also perfectly structured, and are a bliss to listen to. One of the tracks is performed by Biscoe using multi-tracking of different saxophones and the clarinet, creating a wonderful orchestral effect, and another track is a solo saxophone recording, both being among the highlights of this album. All the music is wonderfully recorded and the sound quality is superb for the entire duration. Overall, this is an outstanding and highly unusual album by one of the British Jazz less spotlighted heroes, who certainly deserves all the compliments for his consistently splendid work as a sideman over the years, and has a lot to offer as a leader as well, as this album proves beyond any doubt. A wonderful surprise and an immediate favorite of mine; well done indeed!

Updated: 15/08/2023Posted: 15/08/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

KEITH TIPPETT ~ THE MONK WATCHES THE EAGLE DISCUS 102 (Barcode: 5051078984025) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2004 Released: 2020 This is a sensational archive album by British Jazz pianist / composer Keith TippettFind albums by this artist, which presents a live recording of his composition for large choir, solo voice and a two saxophone quartets, with lyrics by Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist. The work was commissioned for the 2004 edition of the Norwich and Norfolk Festival and was premiered that year at the Norwich Cathedral where it was also recorded for broadcast by the BBC. Tippett conducted the performance, which included Julie Tippetts on solo vocals, the BBC SingersFind albums by this artist choir, an improvising saxophone quartet comprising of Paul DunmallFind albums by this artist, Kevin FigesFind albums by this artist, Ben WaghornFind albums by this artist and Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, and also the Apollo Saxophone QuartetFind albums by this artist. The music is every bit as innovative, far-reaching and groundbreaking as the rest of Tippett´s musical legacy and this posthumous release expands even further the scope of his musical vision, which encompassed enormous variety of works between solo piano music to extremely large ensembles like CentipedeFind albums by this artist or smaller ensembles like ArkFind albums by this artist, and stylistically spanning various Avant-Garde sub-genres between Improvised Music, via Free Jazz to contemporary Classical Music, rubbing shoulders with Progressive Jazz and Art Pop. Most of the body of this work is performed by the choir, which often sounds like an instrument rather than a choir, resembling choral works of 20th Century Classical composers like Henryk GoreckiFind albums by this artist, György LigetiFind albums by this artist and Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist to mention just the most audacious ones. When accompanied by the saxophone quartets, one supporting the music harmoniously and the other spicing the proceeding with intensive improvisations, the music offers several climaxes, which mark the transitions between the consecutive sections of the entire composition. It is not surprising to see Julie Tippetts taking a major part in this project, like she did in so many of his endeavors over the years. Her vocal performances are the focal point of this music and her improvised soloing should remind everybody of her incredible abilities from the first moment she arrived on the music scene as a Pop star and throughout her transformation as a highly idiosyncratic Avant-Gardist. The presence of Dunmall and Biscoe, two of the British Jazz most significant veteran saxophonists, adds additional quality to the rich tapestry of sounds and aural stimuli. Overall this album is an absolutely essential piece of the puzzle, which Tippett managed to create during his lifetime, and perhaps even one of the most inspired of his works. As usual Martin ArcherFind albums by this artist and his DiscusFind albums on this label label manage to bring an essential piece of the British Culture back to life, saving it from the imprisonment in the darkness of the BBC vaults (God bless them for recording the music), with a lot of help from Julie. This album is an absolutely essential piece of music in any serious music collection!

Updated: 13/11/2020Posted: 13/11/2020

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Essential Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ SARAJEVO (SUITE) HARMONIA MUNDI 13039 (Barcode: 3366750130396) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 1993 Released: 1994 This is a brilliant and completely obscure European Jazz & Poetry album, which features a large group of creative Artists, dedicated to the commemorative effort of the bombing and destruction of the Bosnian city of Sarajevo during the Yugoslav Wars. The original music accompanies texts by Bosnian poet Abdulah SidranFind albums by this artist. The participating musicians include British Lindsay CooperFind albums by this artist, Phil MintonFind albums by this artist, Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, French Henri TexierFind albums by this artist and Louis SclavisFind albums by this artist, German Wolfgang PushingFind albums by this artist, Dutch Willem BreukerFind albums by this artist and many others. The music is absolutely sensational and combined with the deeply penetrating texts offers a shocking protest against war, political extremism, cruelty, intolerance and injustice. Musically it presents mostly contemporary Jazz themes sprinkled with Balkan folkloristic accents, but also some orchestral, Avant-Garde and Classical pieces, all creating a collage of music and words, which is impossible to stay indifferent to. Sadly, this is a rare example of protest in contemporary music, in contrast to what was happening in music in the 1960s, when the social / political protest was deeply intertwined in the music mainstream. Humanity is slowly becoming indifferent and therefore a project like this one is especially important and worth being remembered. Overall, this is an absolutely marvelous piece of music and poetry, which is also an example of Artists unified by a political issue, which needs to tackled. Performed by some of the best European musicians, actors, producers and other creative contributors, this album is as important for its aesthetics as for its moral significance. Sadly, it is extremely difficult to find a copy if this album today, but every effort to do so will be richly rewarded. A true gem of European Culture!

Updated: 25/06/2023Posted: 25/06/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

KATE WESTBROOK ~ CUFF CLOUT VOICEPRINT 310 (Barcode: 604388315123) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2003 British vocalist / lyricist Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, wife and musical companion of the celebrated pianist / composer Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, has been a singular figure on the local Art scene for decades. Her completely unique vocal approach as well as her exceptionally broad understanding and knowledge of the European literary and cultural heritage, make her a singular artistic personality of unparalleled quality. Combined with her knowledge of other European languages (French and German), which enables her to perform music written to accompany literary pieces in these languages and use the original versions, she is a perfect performer and a perfect partner for Mike Westbrook, similar to the role of the great Lotte LenyaFind albums by this artist with her husband Kurt WeillFind albums by this artist. This superb album presents a project originally staged in 1994 but recorded seven year later, in which Kate presents music composed by several of her favorite contemporary composers and to which she wrote original lyrics. Accompanied by a stellar cast of players, which includes among others saxophonists Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, Peter KingFind albums by this artist, Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, Kate delivers the texts with true artistry and the overall effect of the music and lyrics is truly overwhelming. Perhaps not for a casual listener, but this project is so elegant and sophisticated that true music lovers will definitely enjoy it to the fullest. Warmly recommended!

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KATE WESTBROOK / MIKE WESTBROOK ~ ART WOLF ALTRISUONI 186 (Barcode: 7619993001869) ~ UK ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 This is an album by the British Jazz Royal couple of vocalist / lyricist Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist and her husband / pianist / composer Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, recorded with saxophonists Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist and Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist. Drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album was recorded by Hiseman at his London Temple Music Studios. The album presents twelve songs, all composed by Mike Westbrook with lyrics by Kate Westbrook. The album is a tribute to the relatively little known Swiss 18th Century painter Caspar WolfFind albums by this artist, and each of the songs relates to a specific painting by Wolf, hence the title. Musically the album is a continuation of the long tradition of Jazz albums created by the Westbrook couple, full of incredible music and brilliant lyrics, which are one of the British Jazz recorded legacy highlights. Kate’s intense perception of European Culture and Art is a unique phenomenon, which deserves to be admired in its all manifestations. The intimate lineup of vocals / piano and two saxophones emphasizes Mike Westbrook’s genius as a composer, and the delivery lacks absolutely nothing to create a full-fledged Jazz performance, including fierce soloing. The two saxophonist perform genius orchestral parts playing unisono or accompanying each other, with a breathtaking efficiency and genius. Overall, this is another masterpiece by the Westbrooks, who seem to be completely immune to time and its tides, ignoring fads and fashions and simply doing their own unique thing. Their legacy is a treasure chest of European culture, which is timeless and universal, always ahead of their time and contemporary. An absolute Godsend and a must to any serious music lover!

Updated: 10/08/2022Posted: 10/08/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

KATE WESTBROOK / MIKE WESTBROOK ~ THE SERPENT HIT WESTBROOK 001 (Barcode: 5060195515159) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is an album by the iconic British Jazz couple, vocalist / lyricist Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist. Kate is accompanied by a saxophone quartet: Andy TweedFind albums by this artist, Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, Karen StreetFind albums by this artist and Chris CaldwellFind albums by this artist and a drummer Simon PearsonFind albums by this artist. Mike wrote all the music, but surprisingly he does not take part in the performance. The album presents six original compositions, five of which feature lyrics by Kate and one is an instrumental. The album was beautifully recorded by the lamented Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist in his recording studio. The album´s artwork features a painting by Kate, which reveals another facet of her artistic activity. The music, which is based on a piece originally commissioned by the British Delta Saxophone QuartetFind albums by this artist (Of which Chris Caldwell is a member), is an amazing amalgam of Jazz and contemporary Classical Music with a pinch of Rock, beautifully melodic and at times even romantic. Kate´s lyrics, which are mostly morbid and bitter, create a strange contrast to the musical background, with the overall effect being extremely potent. The individual and collective performances by the members of the saxophone quartet are all superb, handling the difficult and multilayered compositions with ease and elegance and in perfect harmony. The drums, used sparingly, emphasize some rhythmic characteristics of the complex music and ornament the overall ambience during the down tempo parts. Kate´s lyrics deal with the Biblical notion of "original sin", which haunts humanity continuously over time and stands behind the major problems we face, both as individuals and societies, ultimately bound for destruction. Some of these ideas appear in her works consistently over the years. Overall this album is a true piece of Art of the highest level. The music, the lyrics and the artwork combined are a testimony of haute culture, which characterizes the legacy of the Westbrooks, which spans over several decades. This album completely slipped under my radar at the time it was released and I thank Mike Westbrook for graciously sending me a copy of this gem. If anybody else misses it in their Westbrook collection, the time to seal the gap is now!

Updated: 03/08/2018Posted: 03/08/2018

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MIKE WESTBROOK ~ FINE `N YELLOW GONZO 014 (Barcode: 5060230860428) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 British pianist / composer Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist seems to have found the fountain of youth. Now, at the end of his fifth decade as one of the most important European music makers, leader, prophet, innovator and magician, Westbrook continues to astonish his devotees with new music, alas less frequently than in the past. Accompanied by his faithful life and musical partner, wife, singer / lyricist Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist and a team of superb instrumentalists, Mike created this new album, which is dedicated to the memory of a couple of their friends and supporters Margery and John Styles, who are now both deceased. Obviously a work of love and deep gratitude, this new musical journey takes the listener through different chapters in the Styles´ life´s story, as told by Kate´s lyrics and ornamented by Mike´s music. Musically Mike uses the Blues as the basis for all his compositions on this album, which is somewhat unusual for him, although not entirely unexpected. The four musicians accompanying the Westbrooks on this album are reedmen Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist and Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve BerryFind albums by this artist and legendary drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, who also directed, engineered and mixed this album in his Temple Music studios. The production and sound quality are truly amazing, which adds to the overall pleasure and delight of listening to the music. Biscoe and Whyman solo beautifully, both on saxophones and clarinets, often interplaying and exchanging licks fiercely. Berry´s bass is both precise and inspired, gluing the music together and Hiseman´s drumming is outstanding, tasteful and incredibly musical above all. Listening to Hiseman´s contributions here one can really hear the difference between drumming and playing the drums. Mike plays some very nice keyboards parts in addition to his usual piano contributions. Kate´s vocal delivery is strong, clear and exquisite as usual with her theatrical trickery of twisting the vocals any way she pleases still amazing every time. Overall this is one of the best albums I´ve heard in a long time, a complete experience, both aesthetical and intellectual, as all good Art should be able to consist of. This one goes beyond any recommendation, being simply a masterpiece and an essential musical experience!

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MIKE WESTBROOK ~ GLAD DAY ENJA 9376 (Barcode: 063757937623) ~ UK ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 1997 Released: 1999 This is a 2CD album presenting the studio recording of the "Glad Day" Jazz & Poetry project, which combines the poems of celebrated British poet William BlakeFind albums by this artist with the music composed by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, recorded in November 1997 at C.T.S. Studios in London. The music was performed by vocalists Phil MintonFind albums by this artist and Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, with Mike Westbrook on piano, saxophonists Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist and Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve BerryFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave BarryFind albums by this artist. The Senior Girls Choir of Blackheath Conservatoire of MusicFind albums by this artist, directed by Lucy McAlaryFind albums by this artist appears on fire tracks and four guitarists appear on one track. The album presents twelve tracks, all composed by Mike Westbrook. Westbrook´s association with the poetry of Blake goes back to the early days of his career, with the release of the legendary album "Tyger (A Celebration Of William Blake)Find albums with this title" released in 1971, which remains criminally unreleased on CD to this very day. In 1980 Westbrook released another Blake related album called "The Westbrook Blake (Bright As Fire)Find albums with this title" and then in 1999 he released this studio version of "Glad DayFind albums with this title" as a 2CD album, which was followed by a live version “Glad Day LiveFind albums with this title”, filmed and recorded in 2008 and released in 2014 as a DVD / CD set. Ten of the twelve compositions included in the studio version are present on the live album. The poignant and truly revolutionary poetry of Blake challenged Westbrook to create some of his most magnificent work, combining the British traditions of Folk, Classical and Choral music with his Jazz inspirations. The result is one of the most inspiring Jazz & Poetry projects ever created. It offers a sublime balance between the lyrics and the instrumental parts, which compliment each other perfectly. The carefully selected group of musicians performing the music is absolutely perfect for the job. Mike Westbrook plays several deeply moving solo piano parts, as do all other musicians on their respective instruments. Steve Berry is equally proficient playing arco and rhythmic pulsations. The unusual instrumental setting works out magnificently. Minton and Kate Westbrook are as usual beautifully expressive, sensitive and elegant. The choir parts are delicate and modest, as required by this fragile sonic environment. In short this is simply a perfect piece of musical artistry from start to finish. For British Jazz lovers and Westbrook followers this is an absolute must of course. For music connoisseurs not familiar with his work (shame on you!) this is a perfect introduction to his musical world, accessible to every sensitive person on this planet.

Updated: 09/09/2024Posted: 09/09/2024

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MIKE WESTBROOK ~ LONDON BRIDGE IS BROKEN DOWN BGO 0788 (Barcode: 5017261207883) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1987 Released: 2008 The second phase of Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist’s illustrious career, which was initiated around mid-1970s and continues to this day, can be characterized by his gradual shift from the big orchestral formats to much more intimate assemblages, centered around himself and his wife Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist and including members from a steady core of musicians cooperating with them. Kate’s remarkable voice and even more remarkable personality added several new dimensions to the unique “Westbrook voicing” of musical ideas, which would become their trademark in years to come. Her extraordinary sensitivity, openness and passion for European literature and poetry and her ability to sing in French and German (in addition to English of course), combined with Mike’s sublime talent for composition, enabled them to create a vast body of work, which extends far beyond “music making” per se and transferred gradually into one of the most profound European expressions of Culture. Although deeply rooted in Jazz, their music encompasses many additional musical areas, ranging from cabaret and chanson to contemporary Classical music. Always meticulously researched and perfectly scored, the Westbrook projects are all masterpieces of contemporary Art, way beyond straightforward music creation. One can perhaps trace these tendencies to the Jazz & Poetry amalgamations common in the early 1960s, or even much earlier examples from Classical music, which combined musical ideas with literary sources. Mike and Kate are a complete cultural phenomenon; alas a radically rare one in our times, in complete contrast to most of the “musical“ ventures polluting our ears. The music included on this album is perhaps the most complex and ambitious project the Westbrooks have ever undertaken. Commissioned by the French Festival International de Jazz d’Amiens for the 1987 edition of the festival, it was premiered there and later recorded in Paris. The music is an extended work for two orchestras – Jazz and Symphonic – incorporating texts selected and written by Kate. The music and text were written and assembled over a period of four years (1983-1987) and inspired by the places, which the Westbrooks visited during their intensive touring voyages. The overall idea was to present a picture of Europe at the time, with its immense political, social and cultural complexity, focusing on four European Capitals (London, Prague, Berlin and Vienna) and the French Picardie Region. Westbrook’s Jazz “orchestra” was in fact a nonet, with him on piano, Kate on vocals, Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist on saxophones and clarinet, Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist on saxophones, Graham RussellFind albums by this artist on trumpet and flugelhorn, Paul NiemanFind albums by this artist on trombone, Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist on guitar, Steve CookFind albums by this artist on bass and Tony MarshFind albums by this artist on drums. The Mike Westbrook Orchestra and Le Sinfonietta de PicardieFind albums by this artist were both conducted by Alexandre MyratFind albums by this artist. The album was originally released in 1988 on VirginFind albums on this label as a four LP set (three and a half to be exact), but disappeared almost immediately from the shelves. Kudos to BGOFind albums on this label for reissuing this masterpiece and exposing this music to new potential listeners, nothing deserves a wider recognition than this cultural treasure. Beyond essential!

Updated: 28/07/2023Posted:

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ LONDON BRIDGE LIVE IN ZURICH 1990 WESTBROOK 011 (Barcode: 5052442022893) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1990 Released: 2022 This is an archival live album by British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, which presents a performance of the orchestral suite “London Bridge Is Broken DownFind albums with this title” at the Zurich International Jazz Festival in 1990, three years after the suite was premiered 1987 at the French Festival International de Jazz d’Amiens and later recorded in a Paris studio. The 2CD album presents twelve tracks, two of which last for well over twenty minutes The lineup on this recording is somewhat different and includes Mike Westbrook on piano, Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist on vocals and Mike Westbrook OrchestraFind albums by this artist with trumpeter Graham RussellFind albums by this artist, trombonist Paul NiemanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist and Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, tuba player Andy GrappyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, bassist Tim HarriesFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter FaircloughFind albums by this artist. The classical orchestra is the Docklands SinfoniettaFind albums by this artist conducted by Rupert BondFind albums by this artist. The musical content is almost identical to the studio recording, but naturally this live version offers the excitement, dynamics and natural differences between a studio recording and a live performance, which as expected is absolutely sensational. You can read my review of the studio album (by clicking on the link) for a detailed review of the music and its place in Westbrook’s extensive career. Overall, this is a brilliant piece of music, and in many respects a pinnacle in Mike Westbrook’s career as a composer and Kate Westbrook’s career as an interpreter of multilingual literary works within the Jazz idiom. The album is of course an absolute must in every serious British Jazz collection, and an essential part of Westbrook’s discography. Thanks for bringing this marvelous music out to light after thirty years of hibernation.

Updated: 28/07/2023Posted: 28/07/2023

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MIKE WESTBROOK ~ ON DUKE`S BIRTHDAY HATOLOGY 635 (Barcode: 752156063520) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 Released: 2007 This is a long overdue reissue of the superb album by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and his orchestra, paying tribute to the genius of Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, the great American Jazz composer. In contrast to most tribute albums, Westbrook does not present his interpretations or new arrangements of Ellington´s music, but composes completely new music himself, which relates to the many complex aspects of "Ellintonia" such as harmony and melody, in spirit rather than literally to his music. As usual in Westbrook´s case, the music is outstanding, as are the performances by his orchestra members, which includes his wife and musical companion Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist on flutes and voice, trumpeter Phil MintonFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, guitarist Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, drummer Tony MarshFind albums by this artist, and others. Westbrook´s followers know exactly what to expect from him as he never fails to amaze and surprise, other might perhaps finally discover him, as he is one of those well kept secrets, which once discovered stay with you for life. Grab it!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ THE CORTEGE ENJA 9587 (Barcode: 063757958727) ~ UK ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 1982 Released: 2011 This is a reissue of the monumental work by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and his 17-piece Orchestra, recorded in 1982, which features some of the most important British Jazz musicians active at the time, many of them Westbrook´s cohorts many years before and after the recording of this masterpiece. This of course includes his lifetime partner vocalist Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, and among others guitarist Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Phil MintonFind albums by this artist, trombonist Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Chris HunterFind albums by this artist and Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist and bassoonist Lindsay CooperFind albums by this artist; in short a dream team by all respects. Originally released as a 3 LPs set it was remastered and released here as a double CD. "The CortegeFind albums with this title" is a concept album, related to the funeral procession and all it symbolizes, in this case a procession accompanied by music, like the customary New Orleans Jazz funeral which goes back to the cradle of the Jazz idiom, but not stopping there of course, neither conceptually not musically. The lyrics, which are incorporated into the concept, which are poems written by celebrated European poets: Arthur RimbaudFind albums by this artist, Hermann HesseFind albums by this artist, Frederico Garcia LorcaFind albums by this artist, Giuseppe Gioachino BelliFind albums by this artist, John ClareFind albums by this artist and Pentii SaarikoskiFind albums by this artist (included in the album´s booklet both in their original language and in English translations, when appropriate), present an additional layer to the conceptual approach, which presents a three part cycle of life / death / after(life), with all the philosophical, aesthetic and even theological aspects involved. Of course listeners interested only the musical layer of this complex work, are perfectly free to enjoy it as such in the fullest. Mike´s and Kate´s musical universe was always an amalgam of music and poetry in one way or another, and their approach to music as simply one facet of what we call Culture, being inseparable from its other manifestations, has been very consistent. Their familiarity with the literary world in many different languages and originating from all across Europe is truly phenomenal, and as an avid connoisseur of European Culture myself, I have always admired the Westbrooks for what they were doing. Since the Jazz & Poetry idiom, which this work and many other works by the Westbrooks belong to, is my specialty (bordering on obsession some may say) it is plainly obvious that I absolutely admire this album since I first heard it and unwaveringly continue to do so. In Westbrook´s prolific recorded legacy this album serves as a turning point in many respects; although some of the albums recorded before "The Cortege" already included literary references, like those dedicated to the work of William BlakeFind albums by this artist ("Tyger (A Celebration of William Blake)Find albums with this title" from 1971 and "The Westbrook Blake (Bright As Fire)Find albums with this title" from 1980), the inclusion of literary contents from this point forward was about to become almost a modus operandi, both for the large scale orchestral and more intimate projects. Blake, of course, is not missing from this album and a rendition of his eternal "Jerusalem" is included herein. It is fascinating to make a comparison of the orchestral arrangements present on this album with Westbrook´s early orchestral works from the late 1960s and early 1970s, which clearly depicts his ever developing palette as a composer / arranger as well as his shift towards less dominant orchestral sound, which is rarely used in its full might on this album with subtlety and allusion playing a much more significant role. In many respects "The Cortege" embodies the spirit of European Jazz; it includes a grain of the Jazz tradition, but expands the idiom dramatically, incorporating contemporary European Classical Music elements, Folklore, Rock, Cabaret, and a myriad of other musical and non-musical ingredients. This transformation could be described by a mathematical analogy of expanding a singularity (a point) into a multi-dimensional space. In retrospect this album is one of the most important European Jazz (and beyond) recordings, which to this day has very few, if any, equivalents and which serves (or rather should serve) as a model of human ingenuity in the world of Art, which is sadly extremely rarely followed by anybody these days. I can hardly imagine any serious European Jazz connoisseurs who miss this epic album in their collections. In case anybody does miss it, this can be easily rectified, as this remastered edition of the album is still available. Don´t dare to think twice about it!

Updated: 28/03/2016Posted: 28/03/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend