Record Reviews

AMALGAM ~ OVER THE RAINBOW FMR 132 (Barcode: 649849981745) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2003 9th album by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble AmalgamFind albums by this artist, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist. On this album the lineup is a quartet, including guitarist Keith RoweFind albums by this artist, bassist Colin McKenzieFind albums by this artist and drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist, the last stable lineup of the ensemble before it disbanded in 1980 marking 13 years of activity. The music is written by Watts or is spontaneously composed and was recorded live. This album was originally released on the ArcFind albums on this label label, owned by Watts, and was unavailable for many years, which is now rectified by this CD issue. With the guitar and electric bass the sound of the band is close to Fusion, but with the extended improvisations, complete freedom of expression and virtuosity of the performers the music retains all of the qualities of Improvised Music remaining relatively accessible. This set includes visionary, complex and dense music, which is completely unique and unprecedented. Listeners looking for a total musical experience should look no further. This is classic and brilliant stuff in every respect!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AMALGAM ~ SAMANNA FMR 125 (Barcode: 649849981608) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 2003 6th album by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble AmalgamFind albums by this artist, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist. On this album the lineup is a quintet, including guitarist Dave ColeFind albums by this artist, bassists Pete CowlingFind albums by this artist and Colin McKenzieFind albums by this artist and drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist, which marks an extension of the quartet that recorded the previous album at beginning of the second phase of Amalgam, characterized by the dual saxophone – guitar frontline. The music is written entirely by Watts. This album was originally released on the tiny German independent VinylFind albums on this label label, and was unavailable for many years, which is now rectified by this CD issue. With the guitar and double electric bass the sound of the band becomes even more close to Fusion, but the extended improvisations and the virtuosity of the performers are still the same as always. This is again quite an accessible Amalgam album ever and easily enjoyed both by Jazz and Fusion adventurous music fans. This is still a classic and brilliant stuff as always!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AMALGAM ~ WIPE OUT FMR 111 (Barcode: 649849982445) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2007 10th and final recording by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble AmalgamFind albums by this artist, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist. On this album the lineup is a quartet, including guitarist Keith RoweFind albums by this artist, bassists Colin McKenzieFind albums by this artist and George LyleFind albums by this artist and drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist, the last stable lineup of the ensemble before it disbanded in 1980 marking 13 years of activity. The music is written by Watts or is spontaneously composed and was recorded live during Amalgam´s last British tour. This album was originally released on the legendary independent ImpetusFind albums on this label label as a 6 LPs set, and was unavailable for many years, which is now rectified by this CD issue. With the guitar and electric bass the sound of the band is close to Fusion, but with the extended improvisations, complete freedom of expression and virtuosity of the performers the music retains all of the qualities of Improvised Music remaining relatively accessible. This set includes three hours of visionary, complex and dense music, which is completely unique and unprecedented. Listeners looking for a total musical experience should look no further. This is classic and brilliant stuff in every respect!

CD 3 Recommend To A Friend

TREVOR WATTS ~ THE LANTERN TREE JAZZ IS BRITAIN 73 (Barcode: 5060774190791) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2000 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist, recorded with an ensemble that included saxophonist Marcus CumminsFind albums by this artist, pianist Gabriel KeeneFind albums by this artist, guitarist Geoff SapsfordFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Colin McKenzieFind albums by this artist, drummer Greg LeppardFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ali IaazaneFind albums by this artist. Two additional saxophonists Amy LeakeFind albums by this artist and Rob LeakeFind albums by this artist also take part in the recording. The album presents eleven tracks, all original compositions by Watts. The music is strongly oriented towards various World Music elements, and offers often a trance-like development, with a collective improvisation by the musicians, based on the basic themes composed by Watts. In many respects this music continues Watts’ fascination with World Music, which is omnipresent on many of his recordings since his early days on the scene, especially his interest in various rhythmic patterns, which is well documented on his recordings with his Moire MusicFind albums by this artist or Drum OrchestraFind albums by this artist ensembles. Wats has been present on the British Jazz scene since the mid-1960s, originally with the legendary Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which marks the origins of British Improvised Music, and still active at the age of eighty-five, is a remarkable life achievement, which deserves love and admiration. Therefore, every recording that documents his creativeness over the years is most welcome. Overall, this is another piece of British Jazz history, revealed by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, which builds up a remarkable volume of music documentation, which would have otherwise probably disappeared into oblivion. It is, as always, most welcome!

Updated: 01/02/2025Posted: 01/02/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend