Record Reviews

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ A NEW SERIOUS MUSIC RHYTHM AND BLUES 076 (Barcode: 5060331752615) ~ UK ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 1967 - 1969 Released: 2021 This is an archival album by seminal British pianist / composer / bandleader Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist. The album presents two BBC sessions, the first captured on July 23, 1967 which includes five original compositions by Garrick, performed with trumpeter Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist and Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, bassist Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. Each of the music tracks in preceded by a spoken introduction by Humphrey LittletonFind albums by this artist. The second session, captured on October 10, 1969 includes six original compositions by Garrick, performed by trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Don RendellFind albums by this artist and Themen, Goode, Tomkins and vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and with poetry readings by poets John SmithFind albums by this artist and Jeremy RobsonFind albums by this artist. Each of the music tracks in preceded by a spoken introduction by Garrick, which results in the album having no less than twenty-two tracks. During the period between these two sessions Garrick was living a “double life”, dividing his time between the Don Rendell / Ian Carr QuintetFind albums by this artist and his own ensembles, producing some of the most significant new British Jazz, of which he was one of the most important architects, especially so as a composer. His astonishing diversity, which includes “straightforward” (well never really straightforward) Jazz, Free Jazz, Jazz-Choral music, and the Jazz & Poetry explorations, like those portrayed by the second session included here, made him a key figure of the new British Jazz, crystalizing at the time. The music, although captured over five decades ago, is still a full blow in the face to those unfamiliar with Garrick’s multi-layered musical universe. I have been incredibly fortunate to hear Garrick perform live during that period and the long conversations we had together, after the music was over, about music (and poetry) with the baby-faced, always smiling Garrick are forever implanted in my mind. Music lovers interested in that period of Garrick’s activity should try and revisit all the fabulous recordings he made then, like “Poetry And Jazz In ConcertFind albums with this title”, “October WomanFind albums with this title”, “PromisesFind albums with this title”, “Black MarigoldsFind albums with this title”, “Jazz Praises At St Paul`sFind albums with this title”, “The Heart Is A LotusFind albums with this title”, which have been reissued by VocalionFind albums on this label or Garrick’s own Jazz AcademyFind albums on this label label. Any serious British Jazz collection is not complete with these titles missing. Overall this is a milestone album, with previously never released material, which is worth its weight in gold. Although the sound quality of the second session included herein is somewhat distorted at times, this can be easily forgotten in view of the historical importance of the music. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 08/08/2021Posted: 08/08/2021

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ JAZZ PRAISES AT ST PAUL`S JAZZ ACADEMY 11 (Barcode: 5036098005783) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2005 British pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist’s Jazz escapades were always anything but conventional. His participation in the Jazz & Poetry sessions held in the mid 1960s was already a sign of his unusual approach to Jazz, which Garrick considers as part of an overall cultural / artistic milieu. This album is another daring step forward in expanding the confined borders of Jazz by mixing it with liturgical music, something Garrick was to return to several times during his career. The sheer audacity of Garrick’s notion to perform Jazz inside a cathedral, playing the organ as a part of a Jazz ensemble was staggering at the time, and only thanks to the open-mindedness and liberal atmosphere prevailing in Britain at the time such project was eventually successfully executed. The music was recorded live at the St Paul’s Cathedral, featuring Garrick’s sextet (Garrick – organ, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist – saxophone, clarinet and flute, Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist – saxophone, clarinet and flute, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist – trumpet and flugelhorn, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass and John MarshallFind albums by this artist – drums) with a large choir. Although recorded under Spartan conditions with just one microphone (mono) suspended over the performers, the sound is remarkably clear and well balanced. With the cathedral’s natural echo the music sounds even more devotional than initially intended. Miraculously it just all works out perfectly. Released originally as a double LP on the obscure AirboneFind albums by this artist label, it has been a priceless collector’s item for decades, only to become available again on Garrick’s own record label. This is a remarkable piece of British Jazz history.

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ MR SMITH`S APOCALYPSE VOCALION 8433 (Barcode: 765387843328) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007 Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been an icon of British Jazz for the last five decades. His exquisite touch on the keyboards, deep lyricism and unparalleled inventiveness as a composer characterize his entire legacy over time, which has very little rivalry or precedence. This album presents Garrick realizing a most ambitious work, which combines the elements he was always interested in: Jazz, poetry and liturgical music. It is an expansion of the idea of his earlier album PraisesFind albums with this title and presents a full cantata for Jazz sextet (Garrick – organ, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Don RendellFind albums by this artist – flute, clarinet and sax, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist – flute, clarinet and sax, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass, Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist – drums), four soloists (including Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and the poet John SmithFind albums by this artist, who wrote the poems which serve as the libretto) and a large children’s choir. The entire ensemble was called Garrick`s FairgroundFind albums by this artist for the sake of the album. The music is majestic, as expected for the occasion, but not without humorous moments, typical of Garrick’s intelligent twists and turns. It might sound a bit odd to a typical Jazz listener, but anybody loving good music should enjoy this tremendously. This reissue adds to the original album the ultra-rare single, which was released at the time to promote the album. Overall a rare and pioneering work, ages ahead of its time and one reflecting the scope of Garrick’s talent and musical contribution. A must!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ OCTOBER WOMAN VOCALION 8413 (Barcode: 765387841324) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 Released: 2005 Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been an icon of British Jazz for the last five decades. His exquisite touch on the keyboards, deep lyricism and unparalleled inventiveness as a composer characterize his entire legacy over time, which has very little rivalry or precedence. Garrick first came to prominence on the London Jazz scene in the early 1960s, when he took part in the series of Jazz & Poetry concerts organized by poet Jeremy RobsonFind albums by this artist (for more details please read the Poetry And Jazz In ConcertFind albums with this title album description). The quintet, which recorded this album, was established as a result of these concerts, when the Michael Garrick Trio (Garrick – piano, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass and Colin BarnesFind albums by this artist – drums) were joined by two exceptional players - saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist – the first black musicians on the London Jazz scene. Both Harriott and Keane were virtuoso players and their contributions were instrumental in shaping the exceptionally high level of musicianship, which characterized the entire generation of Jazz players at the time. The music, all composed by Garrick, is also incredible – beautifully crafted and full of lyricism and intrinsic beauty. There are very few Jazz composers around who can write such clever and delightful tunes, often based on very simple basic ideas. This music just has a kind of natural flow, which makes everything fall into place in a most inherent way. This reissue adds to the original album an ultra-rare EP recorded by the quintet, called AnthemFind albums with this title, where the composer combines Jazz with sacred / liturgical music. Using an organ and choir to create the connection between the two musical entities, the musicians create an amazing amalgam of the two. Considering the time this recording was done, Garrick certainly proves he is prepared to challenge any convention head on and come out a champion. Overall an outstanding album of rare beauty, an absolute must to any Jazz lover on this planet.

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ POETRY AND JAZZ IN CONCERT VOCALION 8416 (Barcode: 765387841621) ~ UK ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 1964 - 1966 Released: 2006 The love affair between the two Art Forms: Jazz music & Poetry, goes back to the late 1950s, when American writers / poets of the Beat Generation (Jack KerouacFind albums by this artist, Allen GinsbergFind albums by this artist and others) discovered the “intellectual proximity” between their writing and the process of creating Jazz music, as represented by the founding Fathers of Bee Bop (Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist, Dizzy GillespieFind albums by this artist and others). However, although the poets were frequent patrons of the burgeoning NY Jazz club scene, actual poetry readings combined with Jazz performances were pretty rare and sporadic. Only when the Jazz & Poetry concept crossed over the Atlantic to Britain (and later the rest of Europe) the movement reached a full swing and enjoyed immense popularity with the poets, musicians and the audiences. The intellectual crowds in London and the rest of Britain attended Jazz & Poetry concerts in huge numbers through the early and mid-1960s, but towards the end of the decade the enthusiasm diminished. British poet Jeremy RobsonFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist were largely responsible for the movement’s popularity. Garrick, a graduate in English Literature, had a great sensitivity to the literary works and managed to compose music, which suited the words perfectly. This album, released originally in 1964 as two separate LPs (Vol.1 & 2) documents a typical Jazz & Poetry concert. Recorded “live” in a studio, the applause and the audience’s reaction to the poetry faithfully reproduce the atmosphere of a performance hall. The Jazz quintet (Garrick – piano, Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist – sax, Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist – trumpet, John TaylorFind albums by this artist – bass and Colin BarnesFind albums by this artist – drums) provides the music and four poets (Adrian MitchellFind albums by this artist, Dannie AbseFind albums by this artist, Jeremy Robson and Laurie LeeFind albums by this artist) read their poems, creating a wonderfully intellectual encounter, where the sum of the two Arts is actually better than their individual contribution. This new addition adds an ultra-rare EP of Jazz & Poetry recorded a couple of years later, featuring the Michael Garrick quintet (with Ian CarrFind albums by this artist – trumpet and Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass replacing their respective counterparts in the earlier quintet) and Jeremy Robson, called Before Night/DayFind albums with this title. This is a timeless masterpiece and an everlasting food for sensitive souls – brilliant!

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted:

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ PROMISES VOCALION 8440 (Barcode: 765387844028) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2008 Following the release of “October WomanFind albums with this title”, British pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist and his quintet were asked to record a new album soon after. Unfortunately the original quintet member, trumpeter Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist, left UK to join the Kurt EdelhagenFind albums by this artist’s radio Big Band in Germany – one of the best Jazz Orchestras on the continent – where he was to stay for the next four years. Garrick swiftly recruited a replacement, turning to his “half boss” (in the Don RendellFind albums by this artist / Ian CarrFind albums by this artist quintet) trumpeter Ian Carr to step into Keane’s shoes with a few days notice just before the recording. Since his writing was becoming more complex and elaborate, Garrick also expanded his quintet into a sextet with the addition of saxophonist / clarinetist Tony CoeFind albums by this artist. Legendary saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, bassist Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Colin BarnesFind albums by this artist, the original quintet members, completed the lineup. The album includes all original music, composed by Garrick, with the exception of one arrangement of a George GershwinFind albums by this artist tune. Of the 10 tracks present, 7 are played by the sextet and 3 by a piano trio, where bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist replaces Goode. The music is absolutely marvelous, with Garrick’s writing reaching maturity and self-confidence. The performances are stellar, with Harriott playing perhaps more beautifully than on any other album. The entire album is complete uninterrupted musical bliss from start to finish and a remarkable example of early European Jazz of the highest quality. Even the most dedicated Garrick followers will have to admit that this is definitely one of his best achievements, a magic moment captured for posterity for us to enjoy and revere. Essential stuff!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ THE HEART IS A LOTUS VOCALION 8400 (Barcode: 765387840020) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005 Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been an icon of British Jazz for the last five decades. His exquisite touch on the keyboards, deep lyricism and unparalleled inventiveness as a composer characterize his entire legacy over time, which has very little rivalry or precedence. This album presents Garrick leading a sextet (Garrick – piano and harpsichord, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist – flute, clarinet and sax, Dave GreenFind albums by this artist – bass, Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist – drums and the divine Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist – vocals) and on several tracks the ensemble is expanded to a nonet with the edition of Don RendellFind albums by this artist – sax, Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist – flute, clarinet and sax and Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist on second bass. Norma’s vocal parts – both when singing lyrics and improvising, using her voice as an instrument – are absolutely stunning and completely innovative. Her presence brings the music to another dimension, adding colors and enhancing the overall effect tremendously. She would become a permanent member of Garrick’s group for a while and their recordings together are some of the best moments of the British Jazz of that period. As usual, Garrick wrote all the music and this time also the lyrics used here. His formal education was after all English Literature, and hence his sensitivity to language and poetry and his writing abilities are no surprise. Beautifully melodic and yet constantly challenging, this is a superb album, which sound today every bit as great as it did at the time it was recorded. A must!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ TROPPO VOCALION 8444 (Barcode: 765387844424) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2009 Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been a pivotal figure in the British Jazz for over five decades and his recorded legacy over the years is an enormous source of inspiration and an example of intelligence, finesse and dedication. By the mid-1970s the British Jazz revolution was all but complete and the scene´s decade of glory was also nearing its end, with record sales declining. Therefore this album was to be the last recording Garrick made for the ArgoFind albums on this label label, a subsidiary of DeccaFind albums on this label. His ambition to push the music beyond the well established boundaries, with the music becoming more complex in the process, was a key factor in the company´s decision to cease the fruitful cooperation, which lasted for a decade and produced some of Britain´s best and most important Jazz masterpieces. Following the initial release of this album Garrick would almost completely stop releasing albums for over two decades, until he finally established his own independent Jazz AcademyFind albums on this label label and his output appeared there regularly since, to the delight of his many fans, myself included. The group playing on this recording consists mostly of Garrick´s long time cohorts and the British Jazz scene´s lions: Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist on trumpet and violin, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist on flute and sax, Don RendellFind albums by this artist on flute and sax, bassists Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. The divine vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist was also an integral part of his band and her performances here are truly sensational. The album was recorded just a few weeks after the death of Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, Garrick´s dear friend and music-making partner and the album includes a tribute to his genius. This has always been one of my favorite albums and surely one of British Jazz everlasting masterpieces, which remains an essential listening to this very day. Absolute must!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MICHAEL GARRICK / SHAKE KEANE ~ RISING STARS TRUNK 041 (Barcode: 666017241425) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 Released: 2011 The tiny British TrunkFind albums by this artist Records label (owned by Jonny TrunkFind albums by this artist) is an endless source of discovery for a serious collector, specializing in unearthing ultra rare (or rarer) recordings and bringing them back to light. For specialist in British Jazz Trunk Records have some incredible offers, like the lost album by pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist, called "MoonscapeFind albums with this title". This album offers another Garrick gem, the impossible to find "A Case Of JazzFind albums with this title" EP, recorded at the same year and performed by the Garrick quartet with trumpeter Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist, bassist Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Bobby OrrFind albums by this artist, which is a superb example of the early Garrick as well as the early British modern Jazz. In addition, another EP, which was never released commercially, includes four tracks by Keane, two recorded with a choir and two with an Orchestra, both highlighting his incredible tone and feel, unparalleled by any other British player since. Together these eight tracks are a wonderful document of the era and an indispensable part of any serious British Jazz collection!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOE HARRIOTT ~ MOVEMENT / HIGH SPIRITS VOCALION 8486 (Barcode: 765387848620) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1964 Released: 2012 It´s always a great pleasure to see reissues of legendary albums, which have been unavailable for years, suddenly appear on the market out of the blue, making a dream come true for music lovers, who anxiously hoped for them to be finally available on CD, rather than mortgaging their homes in order to get an insanely expensive fifty years old vinyl. This is certainly true as far as these two albums by the British Jazz saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist are concerned. Harriott, born in Jamaica, was one of several West Indian musicians, who arrived on the British scene, like trumpeter Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist, who became his close musical partner and plays on these two albums as well. By the early 1960s Harriott emerged as the most advanced pioneer of the new Jazz explorations, including Free Jazz, one of the first British musicians to embrace the concept of Free Form spontaneity in composition and performance. His absolutely incredible virtuosity as a player allowed him to achieve results unparalleled by any of his peers on the British scene at the time. His quintet included also pianist Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist, bassist Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Bobby OrrFind albums by this artist, some of the finest British Jazz players at the time. Four members of this quintet (excluding Smythe of course) were also members of the various ensembles led by pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist at the same time. "MovementFind albums with this title", the first of the two albums included here, is a natural follow up to the two albums recorded earlier by Harriott: "Free FormFind albums with this title" and "AbstractFind albums with this title", which were full fledged Free Jazz releases. It includes nine original compositions, seven by Harriott and two by Garrick, which range stylistically between modern mainstream pieces and Free Form pieces, a rather unusual approach. The Free Form pieces are perhaps the most advanced Harriott´s excursions in that direction, but their overall impact of somewhat softened by the more conventional pieces present here. Nevertheless this is a brilliant piece of modern Jazz and an absolute milestone recording of the modern British Jazz legacy of that period. "High SpiritsFind albums with this title" is quite a surprise as it is completely "conventional", with the quintet playing modern Jazz arrangements of the themes composed for the musical show of the same name, which was being staged In UK and USA at the time. Here the listener gets the opportunity to hear Harriott, Keane and Smythe playing perfect solos, showing their respective talents. The overall performance is simply perfect in every possible meaning of the word, clearly showing that by that time European musicians could play Jazz as well as their American contemporaries, if not better. Considering the fact that Harriott´s recorded legacy is relatively limited, this new edition is simply a godsend. Beautifully remastered by Michael J. DuttonFind albums by this artist this reissue offers for the first time ever the stereo mixes of these two albums, never previously released, which is one more reason to grab them immediately without hesitation. Pure musical gold!

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOE HARRIOTT ~ THE RAKE`S PROGRESS – AT THE BBC RHYTHM AND BLUES 084 (Barcode: 5060331752882) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1961 - 1966 Released: 2022 This is an archival album presenting three sessions recorded by the BBC with the Jamaica born legendary British saxophonist / composer Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist and his quintets in 1961, 1964 and 1966, altogether seventeen tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Harriott (for undisclosed reasons the order of the sessions on the CD is not chronological). The 1961 quintet includes trumpeter Les CondonFind albums by this artist, pianist Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist, bassist Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist. The 1964 quintet includes trumpeter Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist, Smythe, Goode and drummer Bobby OrrFind albums by this artist. The 1966 quintet includes trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, pianist Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist, Goode and drummer Alan GreenFind albums by this artist. The music faithfully represents the dramatic development of Harriott’s music in the early 1960s, moving between Bebop and Free Jazz, and eventually resulting in a completely individual form of Free Improvisation, which was distinctly different from the American Free Jazz, which was being created across the pond. The five albums Harriott recorded between 1960 and 1964: “Southern HorizonsFind albums with this title”, “Free FormFind albums with this title”, “AbstractFind albums with this title”, “MovementFind albums with this title” and “High SpiritFind albums with this title” (in particular the mid three) are absolutely fundamental classics, being one of the earliest modern British Jazz recordings, signaling the revolution which will shake and reshape the local Jazz scene in the years to come. Although the recording is in Mono, the sound quality is excellent and every note of the music is perfectly audible. The choice of material is rather conservative, probably considering the fact that the BBC broadcasts were not entirely directed to the small minority of Free Jazz listeners. Harriott’s albums were rather harshly criticized by the Jazz “establishment” at the time, as usual with forward thinking Artists, who were simply light-years ahead of the music critics at the time. Overall, every note of music recorded by Harriott is of course absolutely worth hearing, and since the material included on this album was, as far as I know, not released previously anywhere, it is worth its weight in gold. Warmly recommended to all British Jazz fans anywhere on this planet.

Updated: 29/09/2022Posted: 29/09/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JOE HARRIOTT ~ THREE CLASSIC ALBUMS REAL GONE JAZZ 499 (Barcode: 5036408174529) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1959 - 1962 Released: 2015 This is a reissue of the first three albums by British (born in Jamaica) saxophonist / composer Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, one of the pivotal figures of modern British Jazz. These albums were recorded with the absolute crème de la crème of the aspiring new wave of British Jazz musicians, who were transforming the Jazz idiom at the time. They include trumpeters Hank ShawFind albums by this artist and Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist, pianists Harry SouthFind albums by this artist and Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist, bassist Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummers Bobby OrrFind albums by this artist and Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist. Percussionist Frank HolderFind albums by this artist guest on several tracks. The sequence of these three albums, recorded over a period of about three years, is perhaps the most important example of the birth of the revolutionary modern British Jazz in the early 1960s, which was about to spread shortly also to the rest of the Continent. The first album "Southern HorizonsFind albums with this title" (recorded between May 1959 and April 1960) is seemingly a straightforward Bebop date, but a more advanced listener will find some highly unusual twists and turns, somewhat related to the work of Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist, which already take this album beyond Bebop and into a more adventurous area Harriott was already developing in his head. The second album "Free FormFind albums with this title" (recorded in November 1960), which despite its title is not about the commonly conceived Free Jazz idiom, takes a dramatic leap forward, even beyond what Coleman was doing at the time, creating the European equivalent of Free Form, which was much more subtle and sophisticated in many respects and based on amalgamation of chord structures, tonality, rhythmic diversity and contemporary European Classical influences with the Jazz tradition. The result is presented on this album in full bloom, and constitutes perhaps the "Big Bang" of European Jazz. The third album "AbstractFind albums with this title" (recorded between November 1961 and May 1962) is a full blown Free Form masterpiece, which to this day is one of the strongest examples of primal modern British Jazz, which has almost nothing to do with American Jazz tradition and breaks all possible barriers and limitations, opening a new prospect for things to come. In spite of his genius, or perhaps because of it, Harriott would die in 1973 as a lonely, forgotten and destitute man, ravaged by illness, after almost four years of inactivity. His music and his pivotal contribution to British Jazz was sadly almost completely ignored for decades and even today he is known only to a selected group of admirers. Any serious Jazz connoisseur, who is not familiar with these albums, should rectify this unforgivable neglect ASAP, as there would not be British / European Jazz as we know it without Joe Harriott´s contribution. Absolutely essential! Side Note The Real Gone JazzFind albums on this label label releases hundreds of album collections, which include usually between three to eight original albums in a two to four CDs sets. Most of these albums were recorded and released in the 1950s and early 1960s. These collections provide the track lists and lineups of the original albums, but no recording information, liner notes and any background information whatsoever. The label takes advantage of the copyright law in UK, which limited the length of the copyright protection of recorded works to 50 years, after which recorded works become public domain. In 2013 UK implemented a correction of the copyright law extending the protection of recorded works to 70 years (like the rest of Europe), but the correction does not apply retroactively, which means that recordings which entered the 50 years rule prior to January 1, 2013 (i.e. recorded before January 1, 1963) remain public domain. There are two great advantages to these releases: they are really inexpensive and they bring back to life many albums not reissued previously on CD, which means it would cost a collector an arm and a leg to get a copy of them. Many of these albums are absolute gems and essential pieces of Jazz history. The disadvantages are: the lack of proper information, original cover art, combining tracks of several original albums on one CD and the sound quality, which depends on where the label gets the source material. From my experience most of the releases have quite excellent sound quality but I have not listened to all of them and some people have complained about it.

Updated: 27/05/2018Posted: 26/03/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

JOE HARRIOTT / JOHN MAYER ~ INDO-JAZZ SUITE RHINO 081227960148 (Barcode: 081227960148) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1966 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of one of the most groundbreaking and revolutionary British Jazz albums, a debut recording by the ensemble that comprised of Jazz and Classical Indian Music players, which resulted in the birth of Jazz-World Fusion. The Jazz players, led by legendary saxophonist / composer Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, a pioneer of British Free Jazz and again here of the British World-Jazz Fusion, included also trumpeter Eddie BlairFind albums by this artist (although most sources say Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, but I have the original LP), pianist Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist, bassist Rick LairdFind albums by this artist (although most sources say Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist, but I have the original LP) and drummer Allan GanleyFind albums by this artist. The Indian players included violinist / harpsichord player / composer John MayerFind albums by this artist, sitar player Diwan MotiharFind albums by this artist, tambura player Chandrahas PaigankarFind albums by this artist and tabla player Keshav SatheFind albums by this artist. The double quintet (or tentet) is completed by Classical flautist Chris TaylorFind albums by this artist. Together the ensemble performs four original compositions, all by Mayer. I have already written extensively about this music so I´ll only reiterate that it is completely unique, insanely ahead of its time and heroically pioneering, combining two idioms that seemed to be completely separated from each other. Thanks to Mayer´s superb compositions and his understanding of European music, he was able to amalgamate the Jazz improvisations and the Indian ragas and other traditional forms, despite the disparity in melody, harmony and above all rhythmic patterns between these two idioms. The result is simply divine and honestly, despite many attempts to replicate this amalgam by other musicians over the time, nothing sounds as natural, elegant and aesthetically perfect as this music. It is worth to ponder why this seemingly impossible blend worked out so well; the answer of course requires the understanding of the cultural and social atmosphere that existed in Britain in the mid-1960s, but especially so in London, which became the cultural center of the world with musicians from the British Commonwealth flooding the London scene and bringing with them their own musical traditions: Caribbean, Indian, African and others. All these cultures were embraced and absorbed without reservations of phobias, a natural, voluntary multiculti music being created in the process in Pop, Rock and Jazz. The music on this album and the further recordings by the [AJoe Harriott and John Mayer Double Quintet} are a wonderful example of that brief, but enchanted period of the British Music history. This album is an absolutely essential recorded document of the development of British and later European Jazz, which deserves to be listened to and studied by every music student in the world. This is music of everlasting value and its message of human tolerance, acceptance and unity is a beacon of hope, especially in the Dark Age we are living in now.

Updated: 20/05/2016Posted: 16/05/2016

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

SHAKE KEANE ~ THAT`S THE NOISE VOCALION 8408 (Barcode: 765387840822) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 Released: 2005 Trumpeter / composer Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist was born in St Vincent (West Indies) and emigrated to Britain in the early 1950s. His superb tone and total control of his instrument was immediately recognized and the local music scene immediately absorbed him, providing plenty of opportunities for him to play in a variety of styles. By the end of the 1950s Keane almost completely to playing Jazz and became one of the spearheading figures of the British modern / free Jazz. He was a member of the pioneering group led by saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, with whom he recorded some of the most pivotal early European free Jazz. He was also a member, together with Harriott, in the groups led by pianist Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist. Keane’s prime interest was actually in poetry and literature, which gave him his nickname, as short for Shakespeare. Playing with Garrick, he participated in the Jazz & Poetry scene, which of course was only appropriate for his field of interest. Keane left Britain in the late 1960s, first to Germany and later returning to his native island, where he became a government minister of culture. He continued his literary work and published works of prose and poetry. A few years before his death in 1997 he returned to his musical activities and even recorded new albums. Strangely enough, in the midst of his activity in the Avant-Garde Jazz field, Keane recorded a few solo albums, which present another side of his musical personality. These albums could be considered as belonging to the “lighter” side of Jazz, where Keane mostly played adaptations of Pop songs of the period. This album is one of these, and although at the time it was criticized as being a “sell-out”, in retrospect it is a real gem. Keane does use a set of Pop songs (BeatlesFind albums by this artist, Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, DonovanFind albums by this artist and others) as the basis, but the clever and unusual arrangements and his phenomenal improvisational skills turn these songs inside out and the overall effect is truly spectacular. A couple of his original compositions are also included and one more by his partner Joe Harriott. He leads a splendid sextet with Bob EffordFind albums by this artist – sax, Olaf VasFind albums by this artist – flute, Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist – piano, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass and Bobby OrrFind albums by this artist – drums (Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist plays piano on three tracks), which plays elegantly and effortlessly. I had a real ball listening to this uplifting music. Easy Jazz? Perhaps, but who cares, when it sounds as good as this.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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JOHN MAYER ~ ETUDES / RADHA KRISHNA FIRST HAND 01 (Barcode: 5060051618222) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1969 - 1971 Released: 2008 This magnificent album finally brings back to life two great recordings by the legendary violinist / composer John MayerFind albums by this artist, a pioneer of Jazz-World Fusion. Mayer’s revolutionary ensemble, called Indo-Jazz FusionsFind albums by this artist, recorded four superb albums in the 1960s, which were first of a kind attempts to combine Jazz with Indian music. EtudesFind albums with this title, recorded in 1969, was the fourth and last album in this series, and although recorded without the participation of saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist (another legendary British Jazz figure), who was a co-leader of the ensemble for several years, it is a direct continuation of the work done on the first three albums. The new ensemble includes some of Britain’s best Jazz musicians at the time: Mayer - violin, Chris TaylorFind albums by this artist – flute, Ian HammerFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist – saxophone & clarinet, Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist – piano, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass and John MarshallFind albums by this artist – drums with three musicians playing traditional Indian instruments – sitar, tanpura & tabla. The music offers a slightly different overall structure, as it resembles a classical suite in five movements (Rondo, Capriccio, Serenade, Toccata & Saraband), utilizing structures used often in Classical music. Mayer was of course classically trained and a master of cross-pollination between genres. The overall effect of the music is absolutely stunning, still fresh and moving as it was at the time of the recording. Radha KrishnaFind albums with this title, recorded a couple of years later with a similar lineup expanded by a string trio and singers, is a further step into showcasing Mayer’s work as a composer of contemporary Classical music, which he will develop in the years to come. Based on an ancient love story from the Hindu mythology, the two parts suite flows gently and beautifully presenting the characters and the events with musical themes. Although more classically oriented, it still uses the Jazz elements, especially in the solos performed by the players. This is a beautiful piece of music, which should be enjoyed by every true music lover. Having two such wonderful recordings together on one album is a true blessing for which we should be grateful to John’s son Jonathan MayerFind albums by this artist, who released this album on his new record label. I can not think of a better tribute he could have paid to his father’s memory. A double masterpiece!

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