Record Reviews
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  | CIRCLE ~ PARIS-CONCERT
ECM 1018/19 (Barcode: 042284316323) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1971 Released: 1991
Circle was a short-lived quartet formed by US pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist at the high peak of his activity in the field of Free Jazz and improvised music with three other outstanding and legendary musicians also active in the same field: saxophonist Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist, British bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and drummer Barry AltschulFind albums by this artist. This live recording is the only document of the quartet´s performances and it is a remarkable piece of music in every respect. The music played on this album is a mixture of standards and original compositions by all the four musicians involved and presents a unique glimpse at the Free Jazz scene at the peek of its development. The performances are absolutely stunning from start to finish and the player´s virtuosity obvious at all times. Telepathic conversations, solos, duos, trios and the entire quartet playing chase each other constantly, creating an atmosphere of intellectual tension and anticipation. This is absolutely brilliant stuff, which has been one of my favorite albums for forty years now. A must to all Free Jazz listeners!
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILES DAVIS ~ LIVE IN EUROPE 1969: THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL.2
COLUMBIA 887254185321 (Barcode: 887254185321) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2013
Although it never reached the acclaimed status of the first and second legendary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintets, this was in fact the third quintet, with saxophonists Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist being the only link to the previous group and pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, British bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist being the "new boys on the block". Unfortunately, in contrasts to its importance as the interim vehicle, which served Miles during the period of his most radical transformation, this quintet never recorded in the studio, leaving behind only live recordings, most of which were never previously released and appear officially here for the first time.
After all this was the group that Miles toured with in 1969, after completing the seminal "In A Silent WayFind albums with this title" album and while he was recording the world-shattering "Bitches BrewFind albums with this title" tour de force. Shorter, Corea and Holland played on the former album and Shorter, Corea, Holland and DeJohnette played on the latter, so the links are obvious. The material herein presents two live appearances separated by a period of mere four months (July 1969 – November 1969), but musically the gap is enormous, with the earlier recording still anchored in the "In A Silent Way" mood, while the later are all "Bitches Brew" and beyond.
Miles cognoscenti will find here music, which is the closest to Free Jazz he ever played. Miles was never really part of the Free Jazz movement, going in different direction, which was his very own. But this quintet and Corea especially, were at the heart of the Free scene at the time. Corea used Holland and DeJohnette on his sublime "The Complete `Is` SessionsFind albums with this title" album, which was recorded at that exact time, and he and Holland will later form the A.R.C.Find albums by this artist trio and CircleFind albums by this artist quartet, both seminal Free Jazz ensembles. Miles gives Corea and the rest of the quintet space to stretch out, playing his parts splendidly as ever, even though it´s not exactly his "natural habitat", thus portraying him quite differently from the "iron fist" dominant leader status he was usually considered to be.
The music is sublime from start to end, completely untouched by time and filling a large gap in the recorded history of Miles Davis and his music, at its most pivotal period. The fact that we had to wait so long for this stuff to be released is beyond criminal, but as usual "better late than never" is the only solace. There are some slight sound imperfections, but considering this music was recorded live almost 45 years ago, this is completely meaningless. The DVD is sensational as well, both the audio and video contents, and constitutes a highly important document of the Miles Davis saga.
Of course this is an absolute must in any serious Miles Davis collection and hats off to ColumbiaFind albums on this label for keeping this legacy alive, even if the do it for the money. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 20/05/2018Posted: | 3CD+DVD 4 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | NORDIC CIRCLES ~ UNDER THE CLOUDS
AMP 009 (Barcode: 662578831020) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2016 - 2017 Released: 2017
This is the second album by the fabulous Norwegian Jazz project called Nordic CirclesFind albums by this artist, which creates an opportunity for established Jazz musicians to perform with the young and upcoming representatives of the genre, not limiting the project to Norway but including also musicians from other Nordic countries. The ad-hoc lineup of the ensemble is a sextet this time and includes Swedish pianist Lars JanssonFind albums by this artist, Norwegian vocalist Siril Malmedal HaugeFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Jesper BodilsenFind albums by this artist, Norwegian saxophonist Magnus BakkenFind albums by this artist, Norwegian guitarist Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist and Swedish (resident in Norway) drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist. Together they perform seven original compositions (four composed by Jansson and three by Bodilsen), one freely improvised piece and one composition by the Swedish songwriter Olle AdolphsonFind albums by this artist. The author of the English language lyrics to the songs remains undisclosed on the album´s packaging. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow studio in Oslo with the no less legendary Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist in charge of the sonic result, which as usual in such case is extraordinary.
The music is mostly deeply melodic, ranging from melancholic ballads to more energetic pieces, all of which are deeply influenced by the Nordic lyricism, which of course is the essence of the project. Even the improvised piece remains pretty disciplined and does not disturb the overall melodic and harmonic approach of the album as a whole.
The individual performances by the participating musicians are all absolutely stunning, as expected. The young lions play comfortably along with the veterans without any inferiority complexes and for the listener it is impossible to recognize the age differences. Jansson has a wonderful melodic approach and the music simply flows from under his fingers. Bakken and Young play some very uplifting solos and the rhythm section elegantly keeps the music on track, providing the pulse. But the most exciting surprise is the young vocalist, who performs melodic lines and vocalese with the same ease and elegance. Her vocal improvisations are definitely some of the most thrilling parts on this album.
Overall this is a wonderful example of melodic Nordic mainstream Jazz, full of moving lyrical content and exciting playing. Wonderfully put together and stunningly recorded, this is unadulterated delight from start to finish for a wide range of Jazz connoisseurs, especially those drawn to the icy Nordic atmosphere. Well done!
| | Updated: 01/10/2017Posted: 01/10/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | NORDIC CIRCLES ~ WINTER RAINBOW
AMP 002 (Barcode: 769923110752) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This is the debut album by a project called Nordic CirclesFind albums by this artist, which assembles ad-hoc ensembles featuring musicians from the Nordic countries and creates a meeting point between established Jazz players and young representatives of the genre. On this album the lineup consists of Norwegian trumpeter Tore JohansenFind albums by this artist, Swedish guitarist Per OrvangFind albums by this artist, Norwegian pianist Helge LienFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Anders LjungbergFind albums by this artist and Swedish (resident in Norway) drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions: three by Orvang, two by Thoren, one each by Johansen and Lien and one is an improvised non-credited piece. The music was recorded at the legendary Rainbow studio in Oslo with Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist in charge of the sound.
The music is typical Nordic Jazz, with beautiful melodic themes developing slowly, full of melancholy and mystique. The minimalistic and delicate arrangements add to the lyrical atmosphere. Even the freely improvised piece sounds melodic and completely in place with the rest of the material.
The performances of the quintet members are all stellar. Johansen "steals" the show with his beautiful trumpet tone and exquisitely balanced long solos, but Orvang and Lien also contribute exceptional statements. The rhythm section keeps the music moving forward, with the bass supporting the harmonic structures and the drums adding percussive ornamentations to the beat and tempo. There is a superb level of mutual understanding and respect and the music flows naturally and flawlessly, like mist over water.
Lovers of the Nordic sound should find this album delightful in every respect, both musically and sound wise, as the recording is exceptionally bright and clear, as always in the case of Kongshaug presiding over the knobs. Satisfaction guaranteed!
| | Updated: 20/10/2017Posted: 20/10/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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