Record Reviews

GEORGIE FAME ~ THE COMPLETE LIVE BROADCASTS I RHYTHM AND BLUES 065 (Barcode: 5060331752226) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1964 - 1967 Released: 2021 This is an archival 2CD album presenting the BBC broadcasts by the British vocalist / organist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist and his group The Blue FlamesFind albums by this artist. The first CD presents thirty-three tracks recorded between December 1964 and December 1965. The second CD presents thirty-one tracks recorded between February 1966 and July 1967, and includes four tracks recorded with the vocalist LuluFind albums by this artist and eight tracks recorded with The Harry South Big BandFind albums by this artist. Fame, my all-time favorite British vocalist, was quite a strange phenomenon on the burgeoning local Rhythm And Blues scene, which give birth to an immense number of groups like The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist and eventually the entire British Rock scene. While the majority of these musicians followed initially the Blues trail, Fame (and a few others) was much more involved with Jazz influences, which are clearly evident on the tracks present here. The Blue Flames included a three-man horn section with trumpeter Eddie ThorntonFind albums by this artist and saxophonists Peter CoeFind albums by this artist and Glen HughesFind albums by this artist, as well as Jazz drummer Bill EydenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Colin GreenFind albums by this artist, bassist Tex MakinFind albums by this artist and percussionist Speedy AcquayeFind albums by this artist. In time saxophonists Lyn DobsonFind albums by this artist and Johnny MarshallFind albums by this artist, trombonist Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist and drummers Mitch MitchellFind albums by this artist and Hughie FlintFind albums by this artist all played in Fame’s band. The material includes a mixture of Fame’s early hits (“Yeh Yeh” and “In The Meantime”) and less know material, all perfectly recorded and although in mono, sound brilliantly fresh, and considering the fact that this is the first time they can be enjoyed in full, this album is worth its weight in gold. Since I was convinced that I owned everything Fame has ever recorded, this was a huge surprise and the fact that a second volume of stuff is in preparation is even more exciting. Can’t wait! For Fame followers this stuff is absolutely essential and none of them would like to miss this (or the next volume) in their collections. Heaven on earth!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 12/08/2021

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

HAROLD MCNAIR ~ THE FENCE HUX 095 (Barcode: 682970000954) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007 Saxophonist / flautist / composer Harold McNairFind albums by this artist has been one of the greatest (and sadly unsung) heroes of the British Jazz scene. A brilliant instrumentalist he was one of the busiest studio musicians and took part in countless recording sessions, including those by famous Rock acts. He was a permanent member of DonovanFind albums by this artist’s group and recorded many albums with him. Of course he was also active on the Jazz scene, both as a leader and sideman. He recorded several albums, of which this is the last released while he was still alive, shortly before his life was tragically cut short by lung cancer at a ridiculously young age. His last eponymous album was released posthumously. This beautiful album was recorded with Harold’s musician friends and admirers, all great stars and Jazz heroes themselves: Keith TippettFind albums by this artist and Alan BranscombeFind albums by this artist on piano, Colin GreenFind albums by this artist on guitar, Rick GrechFind albums by this artist and Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist and Tony CarrFind albums by this artist on drums. Harold plays saxes and flute – my preferred instrument in his hands. The music has a slight Caribbean feel, and includes one original composition by Harold. It’s difficult for me to shed the nostalgic attachment to this album, as Harold has been one of my favorite musicians for a very time, but I think the albums stands the test of time beautifully and should be enjoyed by most Jazz loving people around the globe. Bliss!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALAN PRICE ~ BETWEEN TODAY AND YESTERDAY ESOTERIC 2694 (Barcode: 5013929479449) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1974 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of a wonderful album by the British singer / songwriter / keyboardist Alan PriceFind albums by this artist, mostly remembered as a founding member of the legendary British band The AnimalsFind albums by this artist. Price left The Animals in 1965 and embarked on a solo career, which lasted for many decades and produced many wonderful albums, of which these is one of the most notable. On this album Price sings and plays piano and organ, accompanied by guitarist Colin GreenFind albums by this artist and bassist Dave MarkeeFind albums by this artist and a superb orchestra / Big Band led by British Jazz veteran trombonist / arranger Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original songs, all by Price. This remastered edition adds two single versions of the songs from this album as bonus tracks. Price was a bona fide "working class hero" and the subject matter of the songs on this album touch upon the social and economic injustice experienced by the British working class, based on his childhood memories. He was often criticized by expressing his ideology, but never gave up doing so. Although primarily associated with Rhythm And Blues, his musical inclinations were always very close to Jazz and his Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist was a great example of creating brilliant early Jazz-Pop Fusion. He returned as often as he could to the Jazz influences in his recordings. But of course Price is first and foremost a superb singer with an idiosyncratic vocal ambience, which knows but a few parallels. He is also a brilliant songweaver and many of his songs remain to shine as anthems of the 1960s / 1970s to this very day. And he is a mighty organ player as well, still remembered from his performance on the iconic "The House Of The Rising Sun" (1964), which can be heard also from his playing on this album. Overall this is an absolute marvel and a must have for Classic British Pop fans, Price fans and all lovers of great music, which should not be forgotten. British Jazz lovers should be able to find some interesting aspects therein ;) Grab it while you can!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 10/04/2020

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend