Record Reviews
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  | NEIL ARDLEY ~ MIKE TAYLOR REMEMBERED
DUSK FIRE 103 (Barcode: 5065001032011) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2007
The short and tragic life of pianist / composer Mike TaylorFind albums by this artist, an eccentric genius fallen victim to mental illness / drug abuse, which proved self-destructive and led to his death at the age of 29, is surely worthy a script adaptation for a Martin ScorseseFind albums by this artist movie. Sometimes referred to as “the Syd BarrettFind albums by this artist of British Jazz”, Taylor had close ties with a relatively small group of musicians, like Graham BondFind albums by this artist and the members of his Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, which included Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist – soon to be founders of CreamFind albums by this artist. Many people will be surprised to learn that three songs co-written by Ginger and Mike appear on Cream’s Wheels Of FireFind albums with this title album (“Pressed Rat And Warthog”, “Those Were The Days” and “Passing The Time”). Another one of his superb songs – “Jumping Off The Sun” – was recorded by ColosseumFind albums by this artist and appears on several of their albums.
Although known intimately by very few people at the time, the legend lives on and periodically the flame of interest is rekindled among the modern British Jazz fans, like in the case of reissue of his only two existing recordings: PendulumFind albums with this title and TrioFind albums with this title. Even fewer people are aware of the spectacular tribute album recorded by Taylor’s musician friends three years after his death. Recorded under the musical direction of another British Jazz legendary figure, composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, who discovered Taylor’s genius immediately and scored some of his compositions for the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist when Taylor was still alive. Unfortunately the concert, which was to feature NJO and Mike’s trio never materialized, since Taylor (already very ill at the time) simply missed the gig. Nevertheless Ardley continued to use Taylor’s music as part of the regular NJO repertoire and suggested to Denis PrestonFind albums by this artist, owner of the legendary Lansdowne Studios in London, where most of the pivotal modern British Jazz was recorded, to produce a tribute album to Mike Taylor’s musical genius. Preston, who recorded the two Taylor albums, needed no persuasion and funded the complex and costly project with no hesitation, considering it a most appropriate gesture.
Ardley assembled a group of 20 musicians to record this project, sharing the scoring of the music for a large ensemble with others, who were close to Taylor and new him well, like Howard RileyFind albums by this artist, Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist and Dave GellyFind albums by this artist. One of the tracks is based on a previously unreleased Taylor quartet recording, with the ensemble overdubbed on top of the original recording, which makes Taylor’s participation in this project almost “in person” as well as “in spirit”. The list of the participating musicians reads like the who’s who of modern British Jazz and includes among others: Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and David HorlerFind albums by this artist on trombone, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist and Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Peter LemerFind albums by this artist and Alan BranscombeFind albums by this artist on piano, Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist on bass, Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist on drums and of course the divine Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist on vocals. I can’t think of a more appropriate tribute than this one, full of love, dedication and music genius by all the people involved.
Considering the fact that this album combines the genius of Taylor’s Jazz composition with the genius of Ardley’s Jazz scoring / arranging, we get (in mathematical terms) a genius squared result – a rare event indeed. Recommending this album would be somewhat similar to recommending someone to read some Joyce or see a van Gogh – completely superfluous. I’m sure you get the drift by now!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | GINGER BAKER ~ FALLING OFF THE ROOF
WOUNDED BIRD 2900 (Barcode: 664140290020) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1996 Released: 2006
2nd album by the Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist trio, which includes two jazz giants: Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist on guitar and Charlie HadenFind albums by this artist on bass. Baker is of course mostly known as a rock superstar for his role in the legendary CreamFind albums by this artist (also a drums / bass / guitar trio), but since the 1990s he returned to active duty as a jazz drummer, with a variety of projects in the jazz realm, this trio being one of them. Of course Baker always was a jazz drummer, long before he played for rock audiences. His work with the Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist in the early / mid 1960s is just one of the manifestations of his jazz background, but it even goes far back to the 1950s UK trad bands. Baker was always one of the most original drummers and generations of drummers studied his every beat. He is heavily influenced by African rhythms and he played and studied African percussion for many years. All this adds up to make him a most atypical jazz drummer, immediately distinguishable from any of his peers. The sound and the music are quite different from most guitar trios, to some extent due to Baker’s unusual approach to drums, but also due to the choice of the material. Only two standards (by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist and Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist) are present, all the rest of the music was penned by the trio members. The level is of course none less than exceptional, only to be expected from such distinguished players. This is a very interesting and different jazz album, worthy of investigation.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GINGER BAKER ~ WHY?
MOTEMA 148 (Barcode: 181212001488) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014
This is the final album by British drummer / composer / bandleader Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet format with American saxophonist Pee Wee EllisFind albums by this artist, bassist Alec DankworthFind albums by this artist and Ghanaian percussionist Abass DodooFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, three of which are Baker’s original compositions, one is by Ellis, two are standards, one is a traditional Nigerian tune and one is a composition by American trumpeter Ron MilesFind albums by this artist, composed especially for Baker.
Following an illustrious career in Rock, Blues-Rock and World-Rock music with Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist, Blind FaithFind albums by this artist and other acts, Baker returned gradually to Jazz, which was his initial playground in the early 1960s, when he played on the London’s Jazz scene and studied drums with the legendary Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist. Since the early 1980s he released a series of Jazz oriented albums, of which this was his last. He died in 2019 following a long period of illness.
The music is soaked in Baker’s deep involvement with African rhythmic traditions, which in fact dominated his entire career and made his to study African music, including a residence in Nigeria in the 1970s. The resulting Jazz-World Fusion is highly spiritual and intimate. The small format makes this album especially interesting, enabling every little nuance of Baker’s incredible drumming technique to be perfectly audible. Dankworth’s contributions herein are also marvelous.
Overall, this is an almost completely overlooked album by one of the greatest British / European drummers of all time, which definitely is worth exploring and deservers a proper place in any serious album collection. Listeners interesting in drums and especially in African drumming, should seek this little gem out.
| | Updated: 05/03/2023Posted: 05/03/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | GINGER BAKER / AIR FORCE ~ AIR FORCE
LEMON 022 (Barcode: 5013929762220) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2004
1st album by the legendary ensemble Air ForceFind albums by this artist, formed by drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist following the collapse of the two Rock super-groups he was a member of: CreamFind albums by this artist and Blind FaithFind albums by this artist. Baker formed the ensemble to pursue the music he was truly interested in, which included Jazz and African Music. He managed to persuade a large number of British luminaries to join forces in this ambitious project, creating a first of its kind Jazz-Rock-World Fusion ensemble. The list of the participants reads like a who´s who of the British music scene at the time and includes: Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist (organ and vocals) and Rick GrechFind albums by this artist (bass) – both ex-Blind Faith, Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Denny LaineFind albums by this artist, Chris WoodFind albums by this artist, the great Harold McNairFind albums by this artist and Baker´s revered teacher and legendary British Jazz drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist. The first album was recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall and was originally released as a double LP. The music is a wonderful mixture of Jazz, Rock and World Music, performed with passion and virtuosity. The lengthy tracks allow for extended instrumental improvisations and the two drummers have ample opportunity to engage in mighty duels. In retrospect the album is visionary and educational, allowing a glimpse at a time when musical dreams were realized. This pioneering effort is a wonderful legacy for generations to come and includes many unforgettable moments. Unavailable for decades, this CD reissue is a wonderful opportunity to get familiar with a piece of musical legacy, which remains untouched by time. Absolutely not to be missed!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GINGER BAKER / AIR FORCE ~ LIVE IN THE STADTHALLE OFFENBACH GERMANY 1970
VOICEPRINT / TMQ 055 (Barcode: 604388738120) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2010
This live recording is one of several releases based on the private archives of legendary drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, which finally see the light of day. Although not intended for a formal release and suffering from "bootleg" sound quality problems, the musical importance of this material is so significant, that it overshadows any technicalities and is essentially a Godsend. This album brings a live recording of Baker´s revolutionary Jazz-World Fusion ensemble Air ForceFind albums by this artist, which he founded following the demise of CreamFind albums by this artist. Air Force recorded only two albums during its short life-span, and any additional material by the band is invaluable. Baker assembled a formidable group of top British Jazz players of the period, augmented by African vocalists and drummers. The fact that this album features the talents of the legendary saxophonist / organist Graham BondFind albums by this artist is alone worth the price, but other great players are also present: organist / guitarist Ken CraddockFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Steve GregoryFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bud BeadleFind albums by this artist, bassist Colin GibsonFind albums by this artist and others. The material is similar to the material present on the two Air Force albums, but several surprises are heard here for the first time, like the group´s version of Cream´s "Sunshine Of Your Love". Most of the pieces include extended improvised parts, with the saxophonist taking solos in tandem. Definitely worth investigating, provided you´re not squeamish about sound quality.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BAKERLOO ~ BAKERLOO (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2468 (Barcode: 5013929456846) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2014
This is a reissue of the only album by the obscure British trio BakerlooFind albums by this artist, which comprised of guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Terry PooleFind albums by this artist and drummer Keith BakerFind albums by this artist. The original album presented seven tunes, five of which were co-written by Clempson and Toole (and Baker on one of them), one was a blues standard and one was an arrangement of a Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist composition (the same composition was also recorded by Jethro TullFind albums by this artist and released as "Bouree" on their second album "Stand UpFind albums with this title"). This remastered and expanded edition adds five bonus tracks, which are a B-side, a couple of alternate tracks and a couple of previously unreleased tracks.
The music is floating somewhere between Blues-Rock and early Progressive Rock, featuring brilliant guitar work by Clempson, who of course was about to join Colosseum soon after Bakerloo disbanded and achieve world fame. The fact that this album was dug up is primarily due to the fact that Clempson plays on it, although with all fairness it is a solid release worth being remembered. The last track on the original album is an extended piece which last for about fifteen minutes, which of course hints as to the Proto-Prog connection of the band and its music.
The British Blues Revival produced hundreds of bands similar to Bakerloo in the late 1960s, most of which tried to copy bands which already achieved fame and acclaim, like CreamFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Ten Years AfterFind albums by this artist and many others. Many of these bands never managed to make an album at all, many others recorded one album, like Bakerloo, which disappeared into the vaults of record labels, and are now occasionally rediscovered by reissue labels.
Guitar freaks will find this album highly exciting, as Clempson plays much more aggressively and prominently on this album than at any other point of his career, obviously due to the fact that he was the leading voice in this trio and there were no restrictions whatsoever. Some of his neck-breaking / hair-raising solos on this album are completely unrepeatable.
Overall this is a great trip down the memory lane and the remastered music sounds superbly fresh and is highly enjoyable, again emphasizing the fact that those were the most productive years in British (and worldwide) music scene, sadly long gone, albeit not forgotten. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 21/01/2017Posted: 21/01/2017 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BBM ~ AROUND THE NEXT DREAM
VIRGIN 724358367324 (Barcode: 724358367324) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1993 - 1994 Released: 2003
This is an expanded reissue / remaster of the only album by the short-lived British BBMFind albums by this artist trio, which comprised of three legendary figures: drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and guitarist / vocalist Gary MooreFind albums by this artist. The original album presented ten tracks and this edition adds four bonus tracks, two of which were recorded live and two others are outtakes. Most of the songs were co-written by Moore and Bruce, some with the help of Kip HanrahanFind albums by this artist and a couple of Blues standards are also present.
The sound and feel of the album is remarkably close to that of the iconic CreamFind albums by this artist, which is hardly surprising. The production is of course much more polished and the almost thirty years separating this trio from Cream made its impact, but overall the resemblance is remarkable, almost as if this could be the album Cream never recorded.
Moore plays some outstanding guitar here, obviously with a wink towards Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, and Bruce is in top form singing his heart out, as is Baker beating the hell out of the drums.
For some and incomprehensible reason this album was almost completely ignored at the time of its release in 1994, which proves that music went to the drain by that time, as it is an absolute classic example of the British Rock tradition and formidable Blues-Rock recording.
Overall, this is an absolute marvel of an album, completely neglected and deserving being remembered. It offers brilliant songwriting and superb instrumental performances completely absent from today’s Rock scene. An absolute must in any decent Rock record collection!
| | Updated: 19/03/2024Posted: 19/03/2024 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | BECK, BOGERT & APPICE ~ LIVE IN JAPAN 1973 / LIVE IN LONDON 1974
RHINO 603497833252 (Barcode: 603497833252) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2023
This Box Set presents two live concerts by the British / American Rock supergroup / power trio Beck, Bogert & AppiceFind albums by this artist, comprising of British guitarist Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and American rhythm section comprising of bassist Tim BogertFind albums by this artist and drummer Carmine AppiceFind albums by this artist, both members of the legendary groups Vanilla FudgeFind albums by this artist and CactusFind albums by this artist. The Box Set includes two 2CD sets, the first with the previously Japan only release of a live recording in Japan in 1973, and the second with the previously unreleased live concert at the Rainbow Theatre in London in 1974. The Box set is lavishly packaged and includes a hardcover book, tour book and a poster. The sound quality is absolutely sensational.
The short-lived trio recorded only one eponymous studio album and disbanded before the second album was completed. The material recorded for the second album remains unreleased. The trio was a classic example of the Rock supergroup phenomenon, which started with CreamFind albums by this artist and dominated the scene in the early 1970s. All three musicians where absolute masters of their trade and superb virtuosi, who continued to develop the Rock Improvisation idiom started by Cream. They co-wrote most of their original material, but included also new interpretations of songs originating from the outside of the group.
Despite their immense talents as instrumentalists, they lacked a lead singer of the scale of their instrumental powers and a composer, who would provide them with material, which would reflect their class, like Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, who filled both these functions in Cream. Nevertheless, they still remain as one of the most magnificent examples of Rock’s power trios and the material here is absolutely worth being revisited.
Overall, this is an essential piece of the Classic Rock puzzle, a sublime document of the Rock Improvisation idiom and obviously a great tribute to the legacy of these sublime musicians, two of which are sadly no longer with us. An absolutely essential part of any serious Classic Rock collection!
| | Updated: 11/11/2023Posted: 11/11/2023 | CD 4 Digibook Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLIND FAITH ~ LIVE IN LOS ANGELES
LONDON CALLING 5056 (Barcode: 5053792505616) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2020
The British supergroup Blind FaithFind albums by this artist existed briefly for just a few months in 1969, but remains an icon of Classic Rock to this very day. Guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist (ex-CreamFind albums by this artist), vocalist / keyboardist Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist (ex-TrafficFind albums by this artist) and bassist Rick GrechFind albums by this artist (ex-FamilyFind albums by this artist) recorded just one legendary album and then went on a short European tour followed by an American tour, and then disbanded.
This album is a new release of one of several bootlegs recorded during the a.m. tours, and is a bootleg of the bootlegs, as the cover work simply copes two earlier bootleg covers. The title is even more misleading, since Blind Faith never actually performed in Los Angeles, and this album presents the material recorded during their Oakland performance and other material, which of course was previously released.
But bootlegging apart, the music is of course fantastic, and even the sound quality is acceptable, considering the circumstances. Clapton’s lengthy guitar solos are a reminder of the Cream days, Winwood’s heartwrenching vocals and excellent keyboards playing are just right on, Baker is an unstoppable drumming machine and Grech, although low in the mix, is supporting amicably. In short there is everything a hardcore guitar freaks and Classic Rock addicts really love.
Overall, although there is nothing new here, if you don’t have an earlier copy of this bootleg, it is an essential piece of music history.
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.
Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.
The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.
Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
| | Updated: 04/04/2021Posted: 04/04/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLIND FAITH ~ LONDON HYDE PARK 1969
SANCTUARY 0090 (Barcode: 5050749500908) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005
Captured live in front of 100,000 (or more) people gathered in London’s Hyde Park, here is the world’s first “super group”, Blind FaithFind albums by this artist, playing their debut gig on June 7th, 1969. Surely a momentous occasion and a premiere piece of Rock’s history, this footage is seen here for the first time in its entirety. The group existed for just a very brief period of time and left as its legacy just one eponymous album, but its historical importance stretches way beyond that. Blind Faith was a proof that greatly talented musicians can work together, in spite of their different backgrounds and experiences, creating momentous music. The “super group” phenomenon would become ever so popular in the 1970s, but the pioneering effort that was Blind Faith would forever stay in our collective memory as one of Rock’s giant steps. The collective talents of guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, vocalist / keyboardist Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist, bassist Rick GrechFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist represented the formative years and experiences of British Rock in the 1960s. They played in some of the most important bands of the 1960s: Spencer Davis GroupFind albums by this artist, Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist, TrafficFind albums by this artist and FamilyFind albums by this artist – all icons and remarkable Rock achievers. The music they created together in Blind Faith is (especially in retrospect) quite surprising and different that anything done before. Anticlimactic and relaxed, it allowed them to take a much-deserved break from the emotional (and physical) extremities they all experienced with their former groups. The change is most evident and personalized by Clapton, who left behind the high-volume, heavy, fuzz saturated guitar style he used with Cream and dramatically changed it into a subdued, relaxed and laid-back guitar playing, which was to be his new “thing”, as evident on his recordings from that moment on. He was still one of the best players around, but simply not trying to prove it any more. Winwood’s vocals, dramatic and soulful as always, were of course the group’s trademark and here he reached maturity (in spite of his young age) for the first time. Baker’s drumming is inventive, as always, but again the relaxed atmosphere allows for his incredibly melodic playing to he really heard. Grech is solid and supportive all the way, with his elegance and sensibility at their best. But of course not everything is perfect here – the gig was played in the midst of the recordings for the album and the material is obviously still being in the “working” phase, with charming imperfection and numerous glitches. Nevertheless it does work charmingly and listening to this stuff almost 40 years later still gives me the shivers. What a teat! Dolby Digital Stereo Sound, 73 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRAHAM BOND ~ SOLID BOND
COLLECTORS` CHOICE 2000 (Barcode: 617742200027) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1963 - 1966 Released: 2009
If there ever was a quintessential Jazz-Rock album, which practically not only is the first recorded example of the genre, but also defines it unequivocally, this is it! The music herein was initially released as a double LP for the first time in 1970, but it consists of two sessions recorded earlier by the legendary British saxophonist / organist / vocalist Graham BondFind albums by this artist, the earlier one in 1963 and the later in 1966. These two sessions, diametrically different and yet completely unified in spirit, present a miniscule window into the time-space continuum, which enables us to take a peek at the most feverish period in British music, where invention and pioneering breakthrough were happening on a daily basis. The first of these two sessions is not only the first recording of the emerging Jazz-Rock genre but also the recording debut of one of its future heroes, guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist. The Graham Bond Quartet, captured live in London´s legendary Klooks Kleek club consisted of Bond (on sax), McLaughlin, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist on acoustic bass and Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist on drums. They played a unique brand of modern jazz, which combined the elements of Free Jazz, Swing and Rock (or Rhythm And Blues), basically inventing the Jazz-Rock Fusion on the fly. Although the music is predominantly Jazzy, Baker´s rhythmic approach, Bond´s phrasing and McLaughlin´s scales all included clear Rock innuendos. During the period separating the first session and the second one, Bond formed the Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, which recorded a couple of LPs in 1965 ("The Sound Of 65Find albums with this title" and "There`s A Bond Between UsFind albums with this title") and practically fell apart after Bruce and Baker left to form CreamFind albums by this artist. The second recording features another interim quartet with Bond (this time on organ), saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, Bruce (who double-gigged between Cream and some Jazz activities) and the young and upcoming drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. The music recorded during this session is already full-fledged Fusion, with Jazz being tightly incorporated with Blues, Rhythm And Blues and Rock, similar to the patterns perfected during the Organization days. Some of the material appears on the Organization recordings, other was new, but the overall quality is of course everlasting. Shortly after this recording Heckstall-Smith and Hiseman left Bond to join John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist and later formed the mighty ColosseumFind albums by this artist. In retrospect this album, although relatively little known by Jazz-Rock enthusiasts, is a holy grail of the genre and an essential piece of any serious music collection. Unavailable for years, the CD recent reissue is a major contribution to preservation of this superb musical achievement. Essential stuff!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRAHAM BOND / PETE BROWN ~ TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE
ESOTERIC 2042 (Barcode: 5013929714229) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2009
It was inevitable that the two British icons saxophonist / keyboardist / composer Graham BondFind albums by this artist and vocalist / trumpeter / lyricist Pete BrownFind albums by this artist would eventually find themselves in one band. After all they rubbed shoulders for over a decade before this album was recorded, both being members of a circle of musicians with many mutual friends like bassist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist (who co-wrote most of the CreamFind albums by this artist material with Brown, as well as all the material on his early solo albums and who was a member of the Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist (also members of the Organization) and several others. When they both found themselves out of job, getting together was the natural solution. The only album this band recorded is one of the wackiest – mind you in a most wonderful way – albums created at the time. Completely beyond any stylistic limitations Bond and Brown just seem to have a great time, playing and singing together accompanied by some superb instrumentalists. Expect the unexpected here, with Brown´s witty lyrics and Bond´s excellent keyboards work both on organ and acoustic piano. Sadly this album turned out to be Bond´s last studio recording before he perished in a terrible accident / alleged suicide two years later. With his death the British Jazz-Rock scene lost its original forefather. Definitely worth checking out and a must to all Bond and Brown fans.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | ARTHUR BROWN ~ MONSTER`S BALL
CLEOPATRA 2214 (Barcode: 889466221422) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022
At the remarkable age of eighty (he was born in 1942), British vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist still makes music more exciting than all the musicians, half or quarter his age, seem to be able to come up with these days. Amazingly, this is his second release in 2022 and the unstoppable energy and creativity knows no borders.
This time Brown abandons his usual formula of recording his own songs, and ventures into an insane world of covers of some Rock classics, all related to Halloween-like show about hell, fire, mayhem, monsters, zombies, etc., with a wink of course. The album presents thirteen (what else) songs, only three of which were penned by Brown, including a new version of his mega-hit “Fire” from 1968, but include also songs by CreamFind albums by this artist, Pink FloydFind albums by this artist and many other iconic Rock groups.
Brown is accompanied by an incredible gathering of Rock superstars: Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, Steve HillageFind albums by this artist, Carmine AppiceFind albums by this artist, Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, to mention but a few, all veterans of the scene who still prove they can kick a butt or two. The music rocks and is a great fun to listen to from start to finish, despite the potentially disastrous “various artists” gathering, which often fails miserably. Obviously Brown’s personality and incredible vocal power and producer Alan DaveyFind albums by this artist’s skills simply worked out.
Overall, this is an incredibly entertaining Classic Rock production, which works like magic and is able to offer quality music in the good old Rock idiom, which is almost completely absent from the scene these days. I really hope to be in Brown’s form when I get to be his age and in the meantime I can only recommend this great album to all of us geriatric people, who are the last survivors able to tell good music from trash.
| | Updated: 09/01/2023Posted: 09/01/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | PETE BROWN / BATTERED ORNAMENTS ~ A MEAL YOU CAN SHAKE HANDS WITH IN THE DARK / MANTLE-PIECE
BGO 489 (Barcode: 5017261204899) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2000
1st and 2nd albums by UK group Battered OrnamentsFind albums by this artist, led (on the first album only) by poet / musician Pete BrownFind albums by this artist. Brown was one of the most colorful and interesting figures on the UK scene in the 1960s, a part of a larger group of friends, which included Jazz, Rock and Avant-Garde musicians like Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist and even John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist. He took active part in the Jazz & Poetry experimental movement leading a group called First Real Poetry BandFind albums by this artist, which was combining elements of Blues, Avant-Garde Rock, Jazz and Jazz-Rock. Of course Brown is mostly remembered for his co-writing of many songs with Jack Bruce, which were part of the CreamFind albums by this artist repertoire, as well as on Jack´s early solo albums. Brown continued his musical adventured by forming the band Battered Ornaments with George KhanFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist on guitar, Charlie HartFind albums by this artist on organ and a great Jazzy rhythm section. The band recorded just one, absolutely brilliant album (the first of the two presented here), with Brown singing the lead vocals, something he tried to avoid but did anyway, and Heckstall-Smith playing on two tracks. The music is absolutely stunning, a great example of the early UK Jazz-Rock, which is completely different of course from the later Jazz-Rock Fusion that most US bands pursued. After recording the first album the personality clash and rivalry between Brown and Spedding resulted in Brown leaving the band (and forming immediately a new one called PibloktoFind albums by this artist). The band, now led by Spedding, recorded a second album, using material written by Spedding and Brown earlier. Although not as brilliant as the first, it is still a great example of early Jazz-Rock and includes basically the same lineup as the first album less Brown and Hart. Together these two albums are a must to any fan of the early British Jazz-Rock scene and include some of the most ingenious music ever made. A must!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PETE BROWN / PIBLOKTO ~ THINGS MAY COME AND THINGS MAY GO... / THOUSANDS ON A RAFT
BGO 522 (Barcode: 5017261205223) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2001
1st and 2nd albums by UK group PibloktoFind albums by this artist, led by poet / musician Pete BrownFind albums by this artist. Brown was one of the most colorful and interesting figures on the UK scene in the 1960s, a part of a larger group of friends, which included Jazz, Rock and Avant-Garde musicians like Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist and even John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist. He took active part in the Jazz & Poetry experimental movement leading a group called First Real Poetry BandFind albums by this artist, which was combining elements of Blues, Avant-Garde Rock, Jazz and Jazz-Rock. Of course Brown is mostly remembered for his co-writing of many songs with Jack Bruce, which were part of the CreamFind albums by this artist repertoire, as well as on Jack´s early solo albums. Brown continued his musical adventured by forming the band Battered OrnamentsFind albums by this artist, and later on when the band kicked him out, he formed Piblokto, recording two albums with that group. The band included guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, organist Dave ThompsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger BunnFind albums by this artist (later replaced by Steve GloverFind albums by this artist) and drummer Laurie AllenFind albums by this artist (later replaced by Rob TaitFind albums by this artist). The group was popular mostly in Europe (France especially), where they toured extensively. The music is absolutely superb, a mixture of Jazz, Rock, and Psychedelic influences, being a great example of the early UK Jazz-Rock, which is completely different of course from the later Jazz-Rock Fusion that most US bands pursued. Together these two albums are a must to any fan of the early British Jazz-Rock scene and include some of the most ingenious music ever made. A must!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | JACK BRUCE ~ BIRD ALONE
NEPTUNE 114 (Barcode: 5050693101527) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2001
What a delight it is to see (and hear) this piece of history being released. Any previously unknown piece of recording by Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, the legendary composer, singer and bass player and one of the most distinctive voices of our era. This album documents a live performance of the Jack Bruce Band in Denver in 1980. The band included Jack Bruce – vocals, bass & piano, David SanciousFind albums by this artist – keyboards & guitar, Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist (ColosseumFind albums by this artist) – guitar and Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist (Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist) – drums, a dreamy lineup by any standard. The repertoire of the concert spans the entire Jack’s career, from the CreamFind albums by this artist days and through his wonderful solo albums released in the 1970s. His unique voice is in top form and the performances are spirited and inspired. The sound quality might not be top notch, but considering that this is a soundboard recording, which was never intended for release, it’s not too bad. I wouldn’t hesitate even a fraction of a second if to get this one, as the historic importance of this recording surpassed by far any sound imperfections. A must to all Jack Bruce disciples!
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JACK BRUCE ~ LIVE AT ROCKPALAST 1980, 1983 AND 1990
MIG 90862 (Barcode: 885513908629) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1980 - 1990 Released: 2019
This Box Set presents a collection of live concert recordings by iconic British bassist / vocalist / songwriter Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, captured by the German TV program Rockpalast. The 5CD / 2DVD collection presents forty-three tracks, recorded on three different occasions, as described below. With a few exceptions all the songs were written by Bruce with lyrics by the poet Peter BrownFind albums by this artist.
CD1 & CD2 were recorded / filmed on October 19th, 1980 and the lineup includes Bruce, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, American keyboardist / guitarist David SanciousFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist.
CD3 was recorded / filmed on October 16th, 1990 and is a solo performance by Bruce playing piano and singing.
CD4 & CD5 were recorded / filmed on November 1st, 1983 and the lineup includes Bruce, Sancious and drummer Bruce GaryFind albums by this artist.
DVD1 includes the video material of CD1 to CD3 and DVD2 includes the video material of CD4 and CD5.
The music includes most of the songs Bruce recorded during his career and up to that time, including several going back to the CreamFind albums by this artist days. Although there are a few surprises here, each and every appearance by Bruce was completely unique, as his fans and followers are of course aware of. His incredible bass virtuosity is fully covered here, as are his vocal performances, and every minute of Bruce on stage is pure delight.
Overall, this is an incredible piece of archive material by one of the greatest Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion musicians of all time. Although the sound quality is a bit iffy at times, this monumental collection of Bruce’s live material is an absolute must to his followers. His unique power of expression remains unchallenged and his premature departure robbed us of his talent and personally a Friend for almost fifty years…
| | Updated: 04/03/2024Posted: 04/03/2024 | 5CD+2DVD 7 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JACK BRUCE ~ SHADOWS IN THE AIR
SANCTUARY 142 (Barcode: 5050749214225) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1999 - 2000 Released: 2001
This is the 12th studio album by the legendary British singer / multi-instrumentalist / songwriter Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, who sings and plays bass and piano. He is supported by several musicians, including several percussionists, and prominent guests, including guitarists Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Gary MooreFind albums by this artist and Vernon ReidFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen tracks, most of which were composed by Bruce with lyrics by poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, or co-composed with Kip HanrahanFind albums by this artist, who also co-produced the album. Six of the tracks are new versions of songs previously recorded by CreamFind albums by this artist and West, Bruce & LaingFind albums by this artist or appearing on his earlier albums.
The late recorded output by Bruce, which includes this album, its follower “More Jack Than GodFind albums with this title” and his final recording “Silver RailsFind albums with this title” are tragically little known and mostly ignored by his followers, despite the fact that they include some of his finest songwriting and playing. The songs are more introvert and lyrical, and offer beautiful melodies and as usual profound lyrics, reflecting the last phase of his life and career.
Overall, this is a brilliant, as always, album by one of the greatest vocalists / musicians / songwriters of all time, who never achieved the proper recognition simply because he never compromised and created music he believed in. Despite his fame as a Rock superstar, his true glory remains deeply hidden in his solo career and his deep affinity to Jazz.
| | Updated: 31/10/2023Posted: 31/10/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JACK BRUCE ~ SONGS FOR A TAILOR (EXPANDED EDITION)
POLYDOR 065603 (Barcode: 044006560328) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2003
1st album by one of the most creative figures of modern rock - Jack BruceFind albums by this artist. Recorded while the supergroup CreamFind albums by this artist was falling appart, Bruce created a true masterpiece featuring all his assets - great voice, superb bass playing and genious compositions. Add to this the lyrics by Pete BrownFind albums by this artist and the excellent cast of supporting musicians and you have in your hands one the best albums ever recorded.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JACK BRUCE ~ THE 50TH BIRTHDAY CONCERTS
MIG 90610 (Barcode: 885513906106) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1993 Released: 2014
This Box Set is a document of the two concerts organized in order to celebrate the 50th Birthday of British vocalist / bassist / composer Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, one of the greatest figures of Rock / Blues-Rock / Prog-Rock and Jazz-Rock. These concerts took place on November 2nd and 3rd of 1993 and were recorded and videoed for posterity. The Box Sets includes two DVDs which present the music played during the two nights (totaling in almost four hours of unadulterated Jack Bruce genius) and in addition it also includes a third DVD with an extensive collection of interviews with Bruce and his guests recorded at the time and a CD with another hour of music, which is not included on the two concert DVDs. In short about six hours of Jack Bruce, his music and his unique personality, which made his one of the most respected and admired musicians of the 20th Century.
Bruce invited a formidable stable of musicians / friends to come and play with him during these two days, a list of which reads like the who´s who of British Rock and includes: guitarists Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist and Gary MooreFind albums by this artist, drummers Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist and Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist, pianist / drummer Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist, organist Bernie WorrellFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist and Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, trombonist John MumfordFind albums by this artist and vocalists Gary "Mudbone" CooperFind albums by this artist and Maggie ReillyFind albums by this artist. Poet / lyricist / vocalist and a lifetime friend of Bruce, the incredible Pete BrownFind albums by this artist also makes an appearance. With such lineup the music is simply exploding with talent and incredible performances.
The music includes a selection of mostly Bruce originals, spanning from the glorious CreamFind albums by this artist days and through all the solo albums Bruce recorded after Cream disbanded. His brilliant compositions prove again that they are completely resistant to the passing of time, and present a fabulous legacy that will stay with us forever.
My personal favorite part of the concert is the last hour on the second DVD, which presents just the trio of Baker, Bruce and Moore, playing a series of Cream favorites, which is simply breathtaking and presents an "alternative" Cream vision, which is in every respect as exciting as the original group with Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist. The absence of Clapton is in fact a great disappointment and might have been a momentous occasion, but it was corrected twelve years later during the Cream reunion concerts in 2005.
Overall this is a package no lover of Classic Rock will consider to miss, especially in view of the fact that some of the people captured here are no longer with us (Heckstall-Smith, Moore and of course Bruce himself). Since nobody makes music like this any more, this stuff is even more important today for the sake of the new generation, in case it´s not completely lost yet.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 03/05/2016 | 3DVD+CD 4 Digipak Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JACK BRUCE / HR BIG BAND ~ MORE JACK THAN BLUES
MIG 80312 (Barcode: 885513803122) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2015
This is a sensational live recording by the legendary British vocalist / bassist / songwriter Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, presenting the veteran Artist accompanied by the German HR Big BandFind albums by this artist performing eleven of his wonderful songs, originating from the seminal CreamFind albums by this artist albums and his solo albums, many of which feature lyrics by Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, and presenting a sort of "best of" review of his career, although of course Bruce could have selected dozens other songs and those would have fitted the bill as well. The accompanying DVD presents this live recording expanded by the addition of two more songs performed at the time, which are not included on the audio CD.
The HR Big Band (from Frankfurt) is one of several German Big Bands, such as the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist (from Hamburg) or the WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist (from Cologne), which function side by side with the regional state broadcasting corporations active in Germany, being decentralized by law and remaining as one of the last bastions of independent publicly sponsored cultural organizations, adding a tremendous input into European Jazz in particular and European Culture in general. The musicians employed by these Big Bands have ideal working conditions and are free from economic struggles, which take a heavy toll on most freelance musicians. Also many projects, like the one documented on this album, would have never happened in a purely unsponsored commercial environment and the existence of these bands is simply a cultural miracle.
The HR Big Band, conducted by Jorg Achim KellerFind albums by this artist, who also wrote all the Big Band arrangements of Bruce´s songs, supports the guest amicably and elegantly, with obvious love and tremendous respect. Together they achieve an unprecedented effect, which is fresh and uplifting even for veteran Bruce followers. The Big Band sound and the splendid soloing by the Big Band members transform Bruce´s songs into a completely new dimension, present a different aesthetic perspective and emphasize the universality of his music. The presence of American Giant drummer Danny GottliebFind albums by this artist also adds to the overall result. Bruce is in absolute top form here, both as a vocalist and as an instrumentalist, delivering wonderfully lyrical interpretations of his songs and fiery soloing.
Bruce´s death in 2014 left an entire generation of his contemporaries struck with a tremendous feeling of loss and grief, once we realized that there would be no more new songs and none of the personal gestures, those who knew him experienced every time we met. Personally I always admired him both as a musical genius and a human being and in retrospect I sense that in spite of the fame and glory he enjoyed occasionally, he remains as one of the most underappreciated and misunderstood musicians of our time. His love of Blues, Rock and Jazz and the unique way he walked the tight rope between them separated him from most other musicians of his time. His pivotal role in the creation of the Jazz-Rock idiom would have sufficed for most, but for him it was just one of many achievements he managed to put on the pages of his life´s book.
This album is a wonderful opportunity to taste, feel and experience Jack Bruce at his best, doing what he loved, always uncompromisingly and true to himself at all times. The sound quality of the recording is near perfect considering the difficulty of recording a Big Band and the separation allows hearing the individual instruments in great detail. This is a great tribute to Bruce´s many talents and a piece of music history, of which he was a grand champion. "More Jack Than Blues" is a most appropriate epitaph to his life!
| | Updated: 25/04/2016Posted: 24/04/2016 | CD+DVD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ERIC CLAPTON ~ ERIC CLAPTON (DELUXE EDITION)
POLYDOR 877849 (Barcode: 602498396070) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2006
I still remember very well holding this album in my hands for the first time. It was 1970 and Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist was God! Clapton’s brilliant career, which developed in the late 1960’s from YardbirdsFind albums by this artist via John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist via CreamFind albums by this artist and finally Blind FaithFind albums by this artist created one of the mightiest Rock legends in all times, namely a Guitar Superstar (rivaled only by Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist).
Clapton’s debut album as a solo artist was probably one of the most anticipated albums in the history of Rock. As usual in such cases, when Clapton’s fans (which numbered in many millions around the world) got eventually to hear the album, their consternation had no limits. It is hard to imagine the scale of the metamorphosis that Clapton went through in just a few months (at least in the public eye), which led to this album. He tried to run away from the Guitar Superstar image with all his might and the album includes (almost) no guitar solos, surely nothing even near to his extravagantly long improvisations he used to perform (especially in Cream). Many fans were of course bitterly disappointed and dismissed the album as “Pop”.
The events that led to the album are as follows: During the 1969 Blind Faith US tour Clapton met Delaney BramlettFind albums by this artist and Bonnie BramlettFind albums by this artist, known as Delaney & BonieFind albums by this artist, who were their act openers. A close musical friendship developed between them and when the Blind Faith tour was over (and the group practically disbanded) Clapton joined the Bramletts’ group and toured with them. A brilliant live album was recorded in 1969 (“On Tour With Eric ClaptonFind albums with this title”) and when Clapton started the recording sessions for his first solo album he invited the Bramletts and their excellent band to serve as the backbone of his studio cast. The album was recorded in the late 1969 and early 1970 in the US and UK.
The result was a wonderful (and completely new) mixture of styles and genres, mostly rooted in American music, which included Blues, Gospel, Soul, Rhythm And Blues, Rock and Pop. This strange brew ;) worked exceptionally well and listening to this album without pre-conceptions is really great fun. Clapton delivers a lot of nice guitar licks (mostly in the background) and soulful vocals as well as a bunch of well-crafted songs (most were co-written with Delaney Bramlett). The supporting band is superb all the way and the result is a classic of the era. The new edition brings out a complete new mix of the album done by Delaney Bramlett, which is quite different from the originally released version mixed by the mighty Tom DowdFind albums by this artist, as well as a bunch of previously unreleased tracks. This is a splendid opportunity to find a space on your shelves for another classic.
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ DISRAELI GEARS
POLYDOR 531811 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
2nd album (recorded 1967) and certainly one of the most important and influential Rock albums ever recorded. Clapton, Bruce and Baker were all superb instrumentalist and their innovative approach to the Rock and Blues traditions fused together an entirely new musical style almost overnight. The usage of extended improvisation in Rock was completely revolutionary, as were the complex compositions. This is the music that shaped Rock (and Prog) in many years to come and no other musician since can claim that he wasn`t influenced by this music. An absolute must have!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ DISRAELI GEARS (DELUXE EDITION)
POLYDOR 981931 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
2nd album (recorded 1967) and certainly one of the most important and influential Rock albums ever recorded. Clapton, Bruce and Baker were all superb instrumentalist and their innovative approach to the Rock and Blues traditions fused together an entirely new musical style almost overnight. The usage of extended improvisation in Rock was completely revolutionary, as were the complex compositions. This is the music that shaped Rock (and Prog) in many years to come and no other musician since can claim that he wasn`t influenced by this music. This edition includes bothe the stereo and mono mixes of the album, as well as out-takes, demos and radio sessions. An absolute must have!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ FRESH CREAM (SUPER DELUXE EDITION)
POLYDOR 602557185515 (Barcode: 602557185515) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2017
This is a reissue / archival Box Set presenting the music recorded by the iconic British Rock / Blues-Rock band CreamFind albums by this artist and released on their debut album “Fresh CreamFind albums with this title”. The Box Set includes three CDs and one Blue-ray and is lavishly packaged with a hardcover book with an essay, song lyrics and many photographs.
CD1 presents mono mixes, which include the album (ten tracks), one outtake, three singles and two EPs with alternate mixes and alternate masters. CD2 presents stereo mixes, which include the album, three session recordings and seven previously unreleased alternate mixes. CD3 presents eleven outtakes, early versions and alternate mixes, all bar one previously unreleased and sixteen BBC recordings (only two previously unreleased), captured at four different sessions. The Blue-ray Disk presents the US mono and stereo versions of the album and the three additional tracks, all in 24/96 High Resolution audio.
Cream, the first supergroup, were obviously a groundbreaking musical step, which combined the Manfred MannFind albums by this artist bassist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist and Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, creating a true one of a kind monster, which was about to change Blues-Rock and Rock like no other group ever did before them. In many respects they still reverberate in every Rock album recorded since 1996, when they recorded the music included herein.
All three Cream members were geniuses in they own right of course, but it was Jack Bruce who wrote all the original material on this album together with the poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist (except one tune by Baker, which was mostly a drum solo), with the rest of the material being traditional Blues pieces. The combination of Blues with Rock riffs and heavy sound was of course the cradle of Blues-Rock as we know it.
Overall, this is one of the most revolutionary Rock albums of all time, which opened completely new opportunities of cross-genre pollination and the opened the Golden Decade of music, during which most of the music worth listening to was created. For Cream fanatics this is of course an essential piece of the puzzle, but most veteran Cream followers already have all the material here in one form or another. Nevertheless, this golden classic deserves to be treated with respect, today perhaps more so than ever.
| | Updated: 29/09/2021Posted: 29/09/2021 | 3CD+BD 4 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ GOODBYE
POLYDOR 531815 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
4th album (recorded 1968) and as the album suggests the group`s swan song. It includes the last 3 studio tracks they would ever record, especially the super classic `Badge` (co-composed by Eric Clapton and George Harrison) and one of the greatest anthems of the era. The other 3 tracks are recorded live and allow the musicians to stretch out and improvise - something they did better then any other of their peers. In just under two years Cream existed, they revolutionised the face of rock as we know it, opening it for endless possibilities and including elements of jazz-influenced improvisation rarely used in rock earlier. One can truly say they left the scene with a bang!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ GOODBYE TOUR LIVE 1968
POLYDOR 602577952999 (Barcode: 602577952999) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2019
This is an archival Box Set collecting four live shows by the iconic British supergroup CreamFind albums by this artist, recorded during the groups final American tour in October 1968 (Oakland, LA and San Diego) and the final UK concert at the Royal Albert Hall in November 1968. None of this material was previously released on CD. The 4CD set is lavishly packaged with a book full of great photographs and a lengthy essay by David FrickeFind albums by this artist.
Guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist managed to revolutionize Rock music during the short time they stayed together, pioneering everything that defines Rock by crystalizing its ingredients: riffs, Blues changes, power trio setting, extended soloing and most of all incredible inventiveness and stamina. Most of the original material in Cream’s repertoire was composed by Bruce, featuring lyrics by the poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, but they also played their interpretations of Blues standards.
But Cream were also way beyond what is commonly defined as Rock. Bruce and Baker pioneered Jazz-Rock Fusion a few years earlier when playing in groups led by Graham BondFind albums by this artist, and both had Jazz upbringing in them, which often came to the surface during their lengthy improvisations, which characterized their live performances. Clapton, who did not have a Jazz background, invented the Rock improvisation singlehandedly, opening the path to many great guitar players that followed in his path as Rock improvisers: Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist and others.
The music included in this Box Set is a wonderful opportunity to study the modus operandi Cream developed over time, and although the four concerts are based on a very similar set lists, each and every one of the four versions of the same tune are completely different in every aspect. There are subtle tempi changes, different dynamics, bass patterns and obviously each of the guitar solos is a world in itself.
Listening to the bass playing reveals the genius of Bruce, who was definitely the greatest virtuoso of the bass guitar in all times. Baker, who learned to play drums from the great British Jazz drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist, was also one of the most unique Rock drummers of all times and his drum soli are absolutely unique to this very day. This album is a great tribute to these two Giants, both sadly no longer with us.
Overall, the music this album presents, despite of being five and a half decades old, is still some of the finest Rock achievements in the entire history of the genre. There is no need to recommend this album to veteran Rock fans, but there a billions of people who never even heard one note of this, which explains why this world looks like it does :) My suggestion to the Jazz lovers among my readers would be to give it a listen and discover not only how it swings, but also where the sources of the Jazz-Rock Fusion Nile originate from.
| | Updated: 28/01/2022Posted: 28/01/2022 | CD 4 Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ LIVE CREAM
POLYDOR 531816 (Barcode: 731453181625) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 1997
5th album (recorded 1968), released after CreamFind albums by this artist disbanded. It includes material recorded at San Francisco`s Winterland and Fillmore East and presents the group at its full glory, stretching out and jamming with ferrosity and fire rarely present in music. The sound is superb, which is quite understandable as these recording were made by the best sound engineer in the US - Tom DowdFind albums by this artist (he also recorded Disraeli Gears). The album also includes a previously unreleased studio outtake from the Disreali GearsFind albums with this title sessions. A classic live recording and a must!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ LIVE CREAM VOLUME II
POLYDOR 531817 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
6th album (recorded 1968), released after the group disbanded. It includes tracks recorded at Oakland`s Coliseum Arena and San Francisco`s Winterland, captured and engineered by Tom Dowd, which means the sound is first class. What else can be said about this stuff except that every second of Cream ever captured on tape is worth having and this album is no exception. Just lay back and enjoy - music of the Gods!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ LIVE IN SWEDEN AND THE USA
LONDON CALLING BOX 4 (Barcode: 5053792300433) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2021
This is an archival Box Set collecting three live shows by the iconic British supergroup CreamFind albums by this artist, recorded in Detroit in October 1967 on CD1 & CD2, in Stockholm in November 1967 on CD3 and finally in San Diego in October 1968 on CD4. The material is taken from radio broadcasts and offers iffy sound quality. The material on the last CD was also released on the “Goodbye Tour Live 1968Find albums with this title” Box Set, in much better sound quality.
Guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist managed to revolutionize Rock music during the short time they stayed together, pioneering everything that defines Rock by crystalizing its ingredients: riffs, Blues changes, power trio setting, extended soloing and most of all incredible inventiveness and stamina. Most of the original material in Cream’s repertoire was composed by Bruce, featuring lyrics by the poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, but they also played their interpretations of Blues standards.
The music included in this Box Set is a wonderful opportunity to study the modus operandi Cream developed over time, and the time spans of just one year exhibits dramatic alteration in their stylistic approach and depth. The extended Rock improvisations that Cream pioneered, were a significant ingredient of their music, and went way beyond just long guitar solos played by other Rock guitarist, often bordering on early Jazz-Rock Fusion.
Listening to the bass playing reveals the genius of Bruce, who was definitely the greatest virtuoso of the bass guitar in all times. Baker, who learned to play drums from the great British Jazz drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist, was also one of the most unique Rock drummers of all times and his drum soli are absolutely unique to this very day. This album is a great tribute to these two Giants, both sadly no longer with us.
Overall, the music this album presents, despite of being five and a half decades old, is still some of the finest Rock achievements in the entire history of the genre. There is no need to recommend this album to veteran Rock fans, but there a billions of people who never even heard one note of this, which explains why this world looks like it does :) My suggestion to the Jazz lovers among my readers would be to give it a listen and discover not only how it swings, but also where the sources of the Jazz-Rock Fusion Nile originate from.
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.
Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.
The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.
Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
| | Updated: 01/02/2022Posted: 01/02/2022 | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ ROYAL ALBERT HALL LONDON MAY 2-3-5-6 2005
WARNER MUSIC VISION 70421 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
It takes titanium balls to on stage and try to reproduce a musical legend that happened almost 40 years earlier. Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist & Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist seem to have these and more, as they come out of this reunion effort with flying colors. Considering they are all in their 60`s now, the energy and sheer physical effort required must have been enormous. There is less fire and wild emotions here compared to the hay days, but perhaps that works in favor for the musicians and the listener - there is much refined and control, which were sometimes missing when they were young. The material spans the entire recording arsenal of CreamFind albums by this artist, from the debut album (Fresh CreamFind albums with this title) to the last studio recordings (GoodbyeFind albums by this artist) and any Cream fan can`t help but go through a deeply emotional state of bliss (I know I did) when listening to this stuff. Thank God and modern medicine for Jack`s successful liver transplant, which made all this possible. The DVD includes additional alternate takes and interviews with the musicians. Don´t even think twice!
| | | DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ ROYAL ALBERT HALL LONDON MAY 2-3-5-6 2005 (LIMITED EDITION)
REPRISE 49416 (Barcode: 093624941620) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
It takes titanium balls to go on stage and try to reproduce a musical legend that happened almost 40 years earlier. Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist & Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist seem to have these and more, as they come out of this reunion effort with flying colors. Considering they are all in their 60`s now, the energy and sheer physical effort required must have been enormous. There is less fire and wild emotions here compared to the hay days, but perhaps that works in favor for the musicians and the listener - there is much refined and control, which were sometimes missing when they were young. The material spans the entire recording arsenal of CreamFind albums by this artist, from the debut album (Fresh CreamFind albums with this title) to the last studio recordings (GoodbyeFind albums with this title) and any Cream fan can`t help but go through a deeply emotional state of bliss (I know I did) when listening to this stuff. Thank God and modern medicine for Jack`s successful liver transplant, which made all this possible. Don´t even think twice!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ THE FAREWELL CONCERT
BMG 864689 (Barcode: 743218646898) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2001
Although short-lived, British super-trio CreamFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly one of the greatest Rock phenomena in all times, influencing generation after generation of Rockers, decades after the last chord they played went silent forever. Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist created a complete new level of Rock expression, building upon the Blues tradition, turning the volume knob to the max and most importantly adding the element of improvisation, enabling them to extend the 3 minutes song format into half an hour epics. The combined talents of the trio amalgamated into a foray of ideas, mostly on the instrumental plateau. Bruce also contributed his extraordinary songwriting skills, which combined with the lyrics provided by poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist resulted in many Rock anthems, unsurpassed to this very day. Sadly on November 26th, 1968 Cream played their last concert together, announcing their intentions to disband shortly beforehand. The concert took place at London´s Royal Albert Hall with the BBC commissioning the filming of the event by director Tony PalmerFind albums by this artist. The result is an essential piece of music history, which every Rock fan on earth should see at least once, to comprehend the might and glory of this music. An edited version of the film was broadcasted on TV, but this DVD includes both the TV version and the full unedited version of the film. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 80 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ WHEELS OF FIRE
POLYDOR 531812 (Barcode: 731453181229) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 1997
3rd album by CreamFind albums by this artist is the peak of the groups legacy. Two separate albums present the group in the studio and live (for the first time). The studio album includes their best material so far, with superb Jack BruceFind albums by this artist / Pete BrownFind albums by this artist material (`White Room`, `Politician`) and some excellent interpretations of outside songs (`Born Under A Bad Sign`). The live album (although subtitled `Live At The Filmore` it was mostly recorded at San Francisco`s `Winterland`) is the first time a Rock group presents two 16+ minutes takes of on stage improvisations with extended instrumental solos by the virtuosi players. A Rock corner stone!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ TURNING TO CRIME
EAR MUSIC 4029759157151 (Barcode: 4029759157151) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is the 22nd studio album by the iconic British Rock / Prog band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist and their first album dedicated entirely to covers of Classic Rock songs by such legends as Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist, YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist and others. The lineup includes vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. A few additional musicians appear on selected tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, the last of which is a medley of five songs, so altogether the album includes covers of sixteen songs.
The album, recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, was put together by recording the five members of the band in separate studios and then pasted together by the band’s regular producer Bob EzrinFind albums by this artist, for whom this was the 4th DP album he produced.
Although Deep Purple created a plethora of great original songs during the fifty plus years of their existence, they were always superb interpreters of songs written by other songwriters, starting with their debut album. This album proves that they indeed are able to put new life into songs, which are mostly as old as the group, and that without damaging the original songs and often improving on them.
The instrumental abilities that come together on this album are absolutely convincing, which of course is no surprise to any music lover familiar with Deep Purple’s legacy, Gillan is still a mighty vocalist, losing just a bit of his upper range, which is all for the better. Sparkled with some British sense of humor and obvious love of the subject matter, they are simply unbeatable. Veterans, grandpas, dinosaurs and whatever they are called, they still easily kick the ass of any band half their age.
Overall, this is a superb Rock album, which combines tradition, great selection of material and sublime musicianship, which is way more than one dares to expect from any contemporary Rock music. The fans of the group need no convincing and the youngsters might just learn something from what it has to offer. Hats off are in order and hopefully see you all on stage one day soon, lads.
| | Updated: 05/08/2024Posted: 25/12/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEREK AND THE DOMINOS ~ LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS (DELUXE EDITION)
POLYDOR 600753314296 (Barcode: 600753314296) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2011
I guess there´s not much left to say about this iconic album, considering the oceans of words already spilled on the subject. Post CreamFind albums by this artist / Blind FaithFind albums by this artist guitarist / vocalist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist moved over the pond and embraced American music: Blues (which was always his primary love), Country and Rock And Roll. Playing with American musicians Clapton seemingly changed his approach from the highly improvisational, endless and incredibly loud solos he used to play with Cream, to concise, almost simplistic brief solo moments, lots of vocals and lots of melody. For some it was a "new" Clapton, but for people with keen hearing Clapton was still playing the Blues, same as he did in the YardbirdsFind albums by this artist years ago and same as he did with Cream, slightly disguised / Americanized but basically honest and consistent with his past. And then of course the presence of Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, the legendary guitar hero of the Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist and Southern Rock in general, which turns this album into what it truly is – a conversation between two Giants, which in Rock happens only once in a blue moon. So what do we have here: nice but not sensational music, mostly Blues based, superb guitar playing, great support from a great rhythm section and a lot of Magic, which turns this into one of the greatest Rock albums of all times. Of course it could have never been repeated and even if Duane did not meet his Maker soon after, this kind of miracle happens only once, so let´s be happy with what we have. The additional CD includes some great previously unreleased material, some live / some studio, including the sessions for the second, never finished album and other goodies. Did I say essential? Hell YES!
| | Updated: 01/06/2018Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GIBBS / GARY BURTON ~ FESTIVAL 69
TURTLE 503 (Barcode: 5013929580305) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2018
This is an archival release documenting a live concert by pioneering American vibraphonist / composer Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist supported by a Big Band led by British trombonist / composer / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist. The concert, which is presented on the first two CDs of this three CDs set, was recorded in November 1969 in Belfast. The third CD presents an earlier (February 1969) recording by the Big Band at the Lancaster University. Both recording were made prior to the release of the Michael Gibbs eponymous debut album in 1970.
The first CD presents five tracks performed by the Gary Burton Quartet, which included guitarist Dave PritchardFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill GoodwinFind albums by this artist, and one track with the quartet supported by the Big Band, which included trombonists Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and Gibbs of course, trumpeters Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Trevor BarberFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist and Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist and guitarist Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist. The second CD presents four tracks with the quartet supported by the Big Band and one final track just by the quartet.
The third CD presents the Big Band with a dreamy lineup of saxophonists John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist and Alan Skidmore, trumpeters Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Rodney TealFind albums by this artist, trombonists Chris Pyne and Gibbs of course, tuba player Dick HartFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, pianist Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist, bassist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist – a true Who´s Who of the British Jazz scene at the time. The Big Band performs eight original compositions by Gibbs (two combined into one track).
The Gibbs / Burton association goes back to their common Berklee School of Music days. Burton included many compositions by Gibbs on his albums in the 1960s, but for a variety of reasons they did not manage to record together until the "In The Public InterestFind albums with this title" album released in 1974. In fact almost all of the compositions by Gibbs appearing in this set were already previously recorded by Burton. Therefore this historic recording is another wonderful example of their lasting cooperation, and since it remained unreleased for five decades, it is even more significant.
Of course Burton always was a "strange bird" on the American Jazz scene and his aesthetic affiliations were much closer to the European Jazz, which was rapidly developing by the mid-1960s. The pioneering Jazz-Rock Fusion recordings by his quartet, especially those with guitarist Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, paved the way for the Fusion explosion by the end of the 1960. It is therefore not surprising, that Burton was able to appreciate the quality of Gibbs´ compositions in spite of their complex harmonic and rhythmic structures.
The Lancaster University recording is by no mean less interesting and presents the very early stage of Gibbs´ illustrious career as a band leader, parallel to his composing duties. The glorious days of British Jazz when the concept of a functional Big Band was still feasible were sadly rather short lived and therefore any document of the era is simply invaluable. The presence of Jack Bruce on bass, shedding his superstar post-CreamFind albums by this artist image just for the love of Jazz, that he always considered as very close to his heart, was far from sensationalism. In the short period of time, when Bruce was closely involved with the core British Jazz scene, including the recording of his superb "Things We LikeFind albums with this title" album, are truly worth remembering.
Overall this set is a splendid piece of the British Jazz at its creative peak, and as such is an essential part of every serious British Jazz collection. The sound, which is far from ideal, has been restored to the best ability of today´s sound technology and the set includes well researched and comprehensive booklet describing the background and circumstances of these recordings, which is very informative.
This set is the fifth release by the resurrected TurtleFind albums on this label Records, a Cherry RedFind albums on this label label dedicated to reissues and archive releases of historic British Jazz recordings, which unearth lost and forgotten musical treasures British Jazz connoisseurs simply can´t live without!
| | Updated: 28/06/2021Posted: 30/09/2018 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALEXIS KORNER ~ EVERY DAY I HAVE THE BLUES: THE SIXTIES ANTHOLOGY
GRAPEFRUIT 048 (Barcode: 5013929184800) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1961 - 1969 Released: 2018
This is a wonderful Box Set which presents on 3 CDs a retrospective anthology of the recordings made during the 1960s by guitarist / pianist / vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Alexis KornerFind albums by this artist, the Godfather of British Blues. Spanning the entire decade, these recordings were made with a plethora of British Blues, Rock and Jazz musicians, reading like a who´s who of the British Blues / Blues-Rock / Rock And Roll / Blues-Jazz and early Jazz-Rock Fusion, comprising of dozens of names, which passed through Korner´s legendary group Blues IncorporatedFind albums by this artist.
As bizarre as it might appear, Korner was a white Jewish boy, born in Paris, who arrived in the UK in 1940, escaping the Nazi persecution, and who in time almost singlehandedly reanimated the interest in the Blues on the local British scene, leading to a phenomenon called the British Blues Revival, which started by the mid-1950s and literally exploded by the mid-1960s, when it became the British Blues Boom. In retrospect this musical idiom proved to be one of the most fundamental cornerstones of British Rock, later spreading also to the European continent. Korner´s charismatic personality and influence were a decisive factor leading to the formation of such musical icons as Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, FreeFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist and countless others.
The material collected in this Box Set was available over the years on dozens scattered releases: LPs, singles, EPs, collections, etc. many previously never available on CD. Korner´s recorded legacy suffers from inconsistency and neglect and this Box Set is the first of its kind attempt to present the music in a coherent and logical configuration, showing the incredible diversity and the great talent of Korner as a musicians, songwriter and bandleader. The 3 CDs offer altogether sixty nine tracks, which are a comprehensive picture of Korner´s activity during the 1960s. Korner continued his career until his untimely death in 1984.
Overall the Box Set is full of magnificent music, presented in chronological order by date of recording, which in an absolute treasure chest and a historic document of the outmost importance. All the recordings were beautifully remastered and offer a first class listening experience. The Box Set includes an extensive booklet written by David WellsFind albums by this artist, which is informative and well researched, a true model for what all releases of this kind should offer those who buy the product.
Absolutely essential to all British Blues connoisseurs!
| | Updated: 16/02/2019Posted: 16/02/2019 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALEXIS KORNER’S BLUES INCORPORATED ~ BBC SESSIONS VOL.1 1962-1965
RHYTHM AND BLUES 097 (Barcode: 5060331753742) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1962 - 1965 Released: 2024
This is an archival album, which presents recordings by Alexis KornerFind albums by this artist’s Blues IncorporatedFind albums by this artist, made in early 1960s by guitarist / pianist / vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Alexis Korner, the Godfather of British Blues. These recordings were made with a plethora of British Blues, Rock and Jazz musicians, reading like a who´s who of the British Blues / Blues-Rock / Rock And Roll / Jazz and early Jazz-Rock Fusion, comprising of dozens of names, which passed through Korner´s legendary group over time.
As bizarre as it might appear, Korner was a white Jewish boy, born in Paris, who arrived in the UK in 1940, escaping the Nazi persecution, and who in time almost singlehandedly reanimated the interest in the Blues on the local British scene, leading to a phenomenon called the British Blues Revival, which started by the mid-1950s and literally exploded by the mid-1960s, when it became the British Blues Boom. In retrospect this musical idiom proved to be one of the most fundamental cornerstones of British Rock, later spreading also to the European continent. Korner´s charismatic personality and influence were a decisive factor leading to the formation of such musical icons as Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, FreeFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist, ColosseumFind albums by this artist and countless others. Korner continued his career until his untimely death in 1984.
The material collects recordings from six different sessions, a total of twenty-four tracks. The collective personnel taking part in these recordings includes, alongside Korner, vocalists Cyril DaviesFind albums by this artist, Long John BaldryFind albums by this artist and Herbie GoinsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist, Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, Nigel StangerFind albums by this artist, Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Bernie GeorgeFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Dave StevensFind albums by this artist, Johnny ParkerFind albums by this artist and Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, bassists Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, drummers Charlie WattsFind albums by this artist, Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, Ronnie DunnFind albums by this artist and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist. It does not get any better than this, does it?
Overall, this album is full of magnificent music, presented in chronological order by date of recording, which is an absolute treasure chest and a historic document of the outmost importance. Although the sound quality of some of the tracks, especially the early ones, is a bit shaky, the importance of the music sets everything aside. This is an absolutely essential release to all British Blues connoisseurs!
| | Updated: 02/10/2024Posted: 01/10/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOACHIM KUHN & JAN AKKERMAN ~ LIVE!
IN-AKUSTIK 868 (Barcode: 4001985008681) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2000
This is a reissue / remaster of a live album by a duo comprising of two legendary European musicians: German Jazz pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and Dutch Rock guitarist / composer Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist (co-founder of FocusFind albums by this artist). The album presents just two tracks, which are different interpretations of the same composition by Kuhn, recorded several weeks apart during the duo’s 1979 European tour, twelve and twenty-one minutes in duration respectively.
The music is a superb example of Improvised Music, which combines Jazz and Rock improvisation “under one roof”, which was quite popular in Europe the 1970s. Kuhn and Akkerman played together on various occasions earlier on, and the duo concerts were a culmination of their musical cooperation.
The idea to present two versions of the same composition, separated by just a few weeks of playing the tune repeatedly, shows how music develops as a result of being performed and shared intimately, especially so if improvisation is at the focus. The album is also a great document of Rock Improvisation, which is quite different from Jazz-Rock Fusion, and which goes back to the 1960s, especially to British Rock, which included Rock Improvisation (unrelated to Jazz), for example in the concert recordings of groups like CreamFind albums by this artist or ColosseumFind albums by this artist.
Overall, this is a fascinating and relatively little known album by two great musicians, who present inter-genre cooperation at its best. Both are virtuosos of their instruments, which is clearly evident herein, and the “Art of the Duo” idiom suits this beautiful album perfectly. Not easy to find by definitely worth finding a copy!
| | Updated: 16/08/2024Posted: 16/08/2024 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MANAL ~ EL LEON
SONY BMG 741539 (Barcode: 886974153924) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008
This is the 2nd album by the great Argentinean Blues-Rock trio ManalFind albums by this artist, which consisted of guitarist Claudio GabisFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Alejandro MedinaFind albums by this artist and drummer Javier MartinezFind albums by this artist. The group was one of the founders and pioneers of Argentinean Rock and was often referred to as the "Argentinean CreamFind albums by this artist" due to the stylistic similarity. The music, which was written mostly by Martinez, was performed with passion and a lot of technical skill. The guitar improvisations were quite Jazzy at times and always very imaginative. In retrospect this is a great gem, not only of the Argentinean scene but the entire early South American Rock history. Losing absolutely nothing of its magic and energy over time, this is till a great listen today, worthy of any serious album collection. A must!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MANAL ~ MANAL
SONY BMG 738049 (Barcode: 886973804926) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008
This is the 1st album by the great Argentinean Blues-Rock trio ManalFind albums by this artist, which consisted of guitarist Claudio GabisFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Alejandro MedinaFind albums by this artist and drummer Javier MartinezFind albums by this artist. The group was one of the founders and pioneers of Argentinean Rock and was often referred to as the "Argentinean CreamFind albums by this artist" due to the stylistic similarity. The music, which was written mostly by Martinez, was performed with passion and a lot of technical skill. The guitar improvisations were quite Jazzy at times and always very imaginative. In retrospect this is a great gem, not only of the Argentinean scene but the entire early South American Rock history. Losing absolutely nothing of its magic and energy over time, this is till a great listen today, worthy of any serious album collection. A must!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MAY BLITZ ~ MAY BLITZ / THE 2ND OF MAY
BGO 153 (Barcode: 5017261201539) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 1992
1st and 2nd albums by UK trio May BlitzFind albums by this artist, led by drummer Tony NewmanFind albums by this artist with singer / guitarist James BlackFind albums by this artist and bassist Reid HudsonFind albums by this artist, which appeared briefly on the scene in the early 1970s and disappeared without a trace after releasing these two albums. The albums are remembered chiefly for the fact that both were released on the legendary VertigoFind albums on this label label and in time became highly sought after collector´s items, but the music is also quite excellent, with many proto-Prog elements and early Heavy Rock characteristics, good songwriting (all original material) and solid instrumental work. In fact it is rather surprising, in retrospect, that the group did not become a popular act, as they have all the potential to do so, continuing the "power trio" tradition of CreamFind albums by this artist and many other vastly more successful groups. Of the three group´s members, Newman (who was already a veteran and previously member of the Sounds IncorporatedFind albums by this artist and Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist´s group, continued to reappear on the many recordings made throughout the 1970s. The other two simply vanished from the scene. In retrospect, these two albums are still very much worth investigating, especially for early Prog fans.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ BLUESBREAKERS WITH ERIC CLAPTON (DELUXE EDITION)
DECCA 984180 (Barcode: 602498418017) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2006
2nd album by John MayallFind albums by this artist and his Bluesbreakers, which features Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist as the lead guitarist and sadly the only album they recorded together at the time. Of course this is the definitive white blues album of all times, with an incisive impact not only on Clapton’s stairway to the “Godly” status of Emperor of all guitar players, but also on the entire music scene, basically establishing the electric Blues (and later Blues / Rock) as the natural and legitimate next step from American-born acoustic blues. This album influenced (and still influences) generations of guitar players of all genres and changed the face of music probably more than any single album did beforehand. It is pretty ironic (at least in retrospect) that Clapton left the YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, accusing the band of becoming to “commercial” following the release of the “For Your Love” single (which by the way was quite revolutionary and groundbreaking as it is), to pursue a “pure” blues oriented music with Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, only to leave a few month later to form CreamFind albums by this artist, which became one of the most successful Rock bands in history. Life is full of surprises! Nevertheless during his stint with Mayall, Clapton managed single-handedly to shape the future of Rock, producing some of the most memorable sounds ever. Speaking of sound, Clapton’s US-made Gibson Les Paul combined with the British Marshall amplifiers produced a sound so unique that it was to be imitated by hordes of axe players around the world for decades. Of course Clapton’s feel for the blues is undeniable, and his interpretation of the twelve bar music form, mixed with his rock background, created an embryo of a new musical Hydra. Mayall was of course ecstatic to have Clapton in his band, only to be utterly devastated when Clapton announced his departure soon after this album was recorded. Fortunately Mayall soon recovered and followed suit with another guitar hero – Peter GreenFind albums by this artist. This (long overdue) edition of this groundbreaking album collects virtually absolutely everything Mayall and Clapton managed to record together. The First CD includes both the original mono mix of the album and the stereo mix, which was done only three years later (1969). The second CD includes a plethora of singles, outtakes, BBC sessions and live recordings, many of which see the light of day for the first time. I am not a great fun of the “If you had to select only one single album…” idea, but this one does come as close to the idea as it is humanly possible. If you don’t own this album, this probably is the greatest hole in your collection (not to mention your music education). Hopefully not for long.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ LE DEJEUNER SUR L`HERBE
DUSK FIRE 110 (Barcode: 5065001032981) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2014
This is the second and also the last formal album by the seminal British Jazz Orchestra called New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist or NJOFind albums by this artist for short. Directed by the legendary composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist the NJO was probably the most important singular British Jazz ensemble, which shaped the way British and European Jazz developed in the late 1960s.
Despite the fact that the number of people, who are familiar with this epic recording, will hardly fill up an average British pub, it is still one of the best and more importantly revolutionary Jazz albums of all times, certainly as far as British Jazz is concerned. The fact that the album, which was released on LP in 1969 and almost immediately after disappeared from the shelves, had to wait for 45 years for its debut CD reissue confirms its anonymity and obscurity. And yet for the handful of British Jazz enthusiasts it always was the magnum opus of the British Jazz resurgence, when the music emerged for the first time as a truly new Art form, related to but fully independent from the American Jazz tradition.
Why "new"? The origin of the name is not entirely clear but NJO was new indeed; it included a new generation of British Jazz musicians, which arrived on the scene mostly in the 1960s and had very little in common with the older "swing" generation, which completely dominated the British scene up to that period, and which was entirely immersed in the American tradition, strengthened by the presence of American bands in Britain during the WWII period. Several Jazz Big Bands and orchestras were active on the British scene since the 1920s and well into the 1960s, some quite excellent and even extraordinary, but those limited the artistic scope to imitating the trends originating across the big pond. The list of British composers / bandleaders includes Ted HeathFind albums by this artist, Syd LawrenceFind albums by this artist, John DankworthFind albums by this artist and numerous others.
By the time this album was recorded the NJO was about five years old. In 1965 it recorded its debut album called "Western Reunion London 1965Find albums with this title", which beautifully sums up the first phase of its activity, when the orchestra performed mostly new arrangements of American standards, but the overall sound of the band was already quite unique and stunning. This album was recorded by the second incarnation of the NJO, which included Jack BruceFind albums by this artist on bass (who was already a member of CreamFind albums by this artist at the time), with the regular bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist taking the position of the album´s producer. The rest of the band included: trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Harry LowtherFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, trombonists John MumfordFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist and Tony RussellFind albums by this artist, tuba player George SmithFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, Dave GellyFind albums by this artist, Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist and Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist.
The album presents eight compositions, five of which are originals composed by NJO members or other British Jazz musicians / composers of the new generation; those are Neil Ardley, Howard RileyFind albums by this artist, Mike TaylorFind albums by this artist, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist and Michael Gibbs. Two modern American Jazz standards, one by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and another one by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist are also present, but their arrangements are stunningly removed from the original versions known to most Jazz listeners. The remaining composition is by the French composer of Polish / Jewish origin Alexandre TansmanFind albums by this artist, whose composition receives another highly unusual treatment.
The album emerges triumphantly as a masterpiece of composition, arrangement, performance and intelligent music making, all those on top of its being a first of its kind and a beacon for generations to come. Many other superb Big Band / Orchestral British Jazz recordings will follow (Michael Gibbs, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and others), but as great as they were, none of them achieved the same primordial perfection, which marked the birth of British Jazz as documented herein.
If anybody wanders about the album´s title (and the title of the opening track) and its humorous sleeve design, Google it up, oh ye ignoramuses, or preferably visit the Musée d´Orsay in Paris and look for the original ;)
With the recent parting of Jack Bruce, whom I was honored and lucky to know in person, the reissue of this album is a small solace in his memory and in memory of a generation almost gone…
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | PROCOL HARUM ~ NOVUS
EAGLE 659 (Barcode: 5034504165922) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017
This is the twelfth studio album by the seminal British Classic Rock group Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, one of the last active representatives of the great music wave that started over five decades ago. It is separated by fourteen years from the band´s previous studio album "The Well`s On FireFind albums with this title". Although the only founding member of Procol Harum still present on this album is vocalist / pianist Gary BrookerFind albums by this artist, the sound and the musical style of the group remain pretty stable over time. The piano / Hammond organ double keyboards dominated sound, which has been the group´s trademark over time, is here and so are Brooker´s unique dramatic vocals. The Hammond is handled by Josh PhilipsFind albums by this artist, the bluesy guitar by Geoff WhitehornFind albums by this artist, the bass by Matt PeggFind albums by this artist (son of the legendary Dave PeggFind albums by this artist) and the drums by Geoff DunnFind albums by this artist. The album offers eleven new songs, almost all co-composed by Brooker and Philips. This is the first album by the band which features lyrics by the poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist (of CreamFind albums by this artist and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist fame) after decades of working with the poet Keith ReidFind albums by this artist.
Musically the album does not break any new ground, but it stays, as already mentioned above, faithful to the band´s tradition to produce highly melodic lyrical and even melancholic songs, which often amalgamate elements of British Folk and some Classical Music influences. Brown´s lyrics are perhaps less ominous and mysterious, but they are full of his whimsical metaphors and dry British humor, which is all for the best. The songs vary in their intensity and expressiveness, but the best of them are certainly up to par with the great legacy of Procol Harum at its best.
Overall it is mostly "more of the same", which in the case of a band like Procol Harum is quite a compliment. I had a great fun listening to these songs and the idea that someone is still able to write music like this is a lifesaver. Not everything has to change in time, and for Classic Rock fans staying in the past means staying alive. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 27/01/2019Posted: 27/01/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ WARSZAWA 1980
GAD 022 (Barcode: 5901549197280) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2014
This is a live recording by the legendary Polish Jazz-Rock band SBBFind albums by this artist, capturing the group at the very last stage of the first phase in the group´s history, after they recorded the last studio album of that first phase ("Memento Z Banalnym TryptykiemFind albums with this title"). In many respects this recording is very special, not only because it finds the group in top form, but since it presents the short-lived double lead guitar lineup, with guitarist Slawomir PiwowarFind albums by this artist (ex-ParadoxFind albums by this artist, ex-Niemen AerolitFind albums by this artist) playing alongside guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist, bassist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. It also marks Skrzek returning to the role of bass player, after years of concentrating on playing just the synthesizers.
The addition of Piwowar was a much needed new blood transfusion for the band, filling it with new energies and revitalizing its show, but sadly did not save it from falling apart soon after. SBB, which of course exists to this very day (see side note below), is one of those phenomenal bands, which state almost everything they have to say on their first two / three albums, and everything recorded later is in one way or another musically based on the initial statement. The band, comprising of incredible musicians, had the advantage of being able to simply improvise freely for hours on end, quite in the same way early improvising bands like CreamFind albums by this artist or Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist did earlier on. Therefore an addition of another improvising musician, with superb instrumental skills, was exactly what the group needed at that time.
As the album´s liner notes state, this Warsaw concert from April 1980, is definitely one of the best moments ever captured on tape by SBB. The sound, the energy, the inspiration are all there, contributing to this momentous occasion. The guitar exchanges between Anthimos and Piwowar are of course the pinnacle of the event, and guitar fans will definitely find them brilliant in every respect. But in fact the entire group plays simply superbly, with Skrzek playing his synthesizers less aggressively and very melodically, which balances the guitar solos perfectly. And of course Piotrowski, who is surely one of the best Fusion drummers on this planet, keeps this music together, with precision and incredible power.
Overall this is probably the best archival live SBB album ever released, and iconic piece of Polish music history. Thanks to GADFind albums on this label Records for making this available to all of us, which, as usually in their case, is beautifully packaged, remastered and presented.
Side Note: In April 2015 I had the pleasure to attend a concert by SBB, which took place in a very unusual concert hall, which is situated 320 meters under the surface in an old coal mine called Guido, in the Silesian town of Zabrze. This phenomenal cultural temple hosts both classical and popular music concerts in a completely unique acoustic ambience and cultural atmosphere. SBB played in their classic Skrzek / Anthimos / Piotrowski trio format to a packed audience, mostly older fans that followed the group since its inception. Nor surprisingly they played mostly their old material, which seemed to delight the audience. And a good time was had by all (me with tears-filled eyes of course included)!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE TAYLOR ~ PENDULUM
SUNBEAM 5034 (Barcode: 5051125503414) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 Released: 2007
Pianist / composer Mike TaylorFind albums by this artist was the most enigmatic figure on the British Jazz scene in the 1960s. His genius was almost completely unknown to most and just a handful of close friends / musicians had the opportunity to work with him and hear his music. His eccentric personality, which bordered on the mentally unstable and his tragic death at a ridiculous young age cut his career short, leaving a legacy of just two albums, of which this is the first.
Anybody listening to this album will surely realize that this is one of the most daring and earliest modern British Jazz recordings and it parallels (in time and complexity) to the most advanced Avant Garde Jazz experiments happening across the Atlantic. Taylor’s unprecedented and unconventional approach to music was so ahead of its time that it’s truly mind-boggling.
The quartet playing on this recording includes Taylor on piano, Dave TomlinFind albums by this artist on soprano saxophone, Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist on bass and Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist on drums (the last two were of course to form the band ColosseumFind albums by this artist a few years later). The sound of the quartet is somewhat similar to John ColtraneFind albums by this artist’s legendary quartet, but Taylor plays quite differently than McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist of course. The music includes three Jazz standards (on what used to be Side A) and three original compositions by Taylor (on Side B).
The treatment of the standards is an absolute hair-raising experience, with Taylor de-composing / de-structuring the original harmony and re-assembling the pieces together in a completely new way. His original compositions are awesome as well, exposing a new musical universe. The entire album is a knockout from start to finish and listening to it over 40 years after it was recorded should still produce Goosebumps on every sensitive listener’s skin.
BTW people unaware of Jon Hiseman’s early Jazz days should check out his recording with another great British pianist Howard RileyFind albums by this artist on Howard’s debut album DiscussionsFind albums with this title. Taylor was about to record only one more album, called simply TrioFind albums with this title, with Jon Hiseman and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist on bass (Bruce was very much involved with the British Jazz scene before his adventure with CreamFind albums by this artist – see Jack’s debut album Things We LikeFind albums with this title), who was a friend of Taylor, as were the other members of the Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist. Also it’s really strange that Taylor’s fate was in many ways similar to that of Bond’s, both ending their lives in a suicide / accident, following a long period of mental instability. This album is a central piece of the puzzle forming the birth of modern British Jazz and no serious follower of that scene can afford not to have this album in his collection. Beyond essential!
| | Updated: 06/06/2021Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TEN YEARS AFTER ~ WOODSTOCK 1969
CHRYSALIS 5060516096329 (Barcode: 5060516096329) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2024
This is an archival live album by the great British Blues-Rock group Ten Years AfterFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist / vocalist Alvin LeeFind albums by this artist, and including keyboardist Chick ChurchillFind albums by this artist, bassist Leo LyonsFind albums by this artist and drummer Ric LeeFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded on August 17, 1969, the third and last day of the iconic Woodstock festival. The album presents seven tracks (one false start), six of which remained unissued for 50 years, except for the “I’m Coming Home” track, which appeared in the Woodstock movie and original compilation, and which brought the group instant international fame. The remaining six tracks were previously released only as part of the humongous 38CD Box Set, called “Woodstock - Back to The Garden: The Definitive 50th Anniversary ArchiveFind albums with this title”, released in 2019. The remastered and restored sound quality is excellent.
Ten Years After were one of the many British Blues-Rock groups, which sprung out of the British Blues Revival in the 1960s, and thanks to the incredible talent of their leader, who still stands out as one of the greatest guitar players of all time, achieved a wide following worldwide. By the time they played the Woodstock concert, they recorded three albums: the eponymous debut, the live “Undead” and the brilliant “Ssssh”. The set includes songs from all these albums and one song, which was previously unrecorded. Their material included some original compositions, but also classic American Blues standards, which was the accepted modus operandi of all Blues-Rock bands.
Alvin Lee was one of the earlies great Rock Improvisers, and his guitar soli are a textbook example of the idiom. He was able to expand and build up on a simple melody, taking the music into stratospheric heights and creating hyperbolic structures, similar to the work of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist during the CreamFind albums by this artist days and other brilliant musicians at the time. Attentive listeners will easily discover the likeness of his guitar phrasing to that used by Jazz guitarists at the time. His tragically premature death in 2013 at the age of sixty-eight robbed the world of one of the greatest guitar heroes.
On a personal note, the Woodstock memories by the surviving band members, which are quoted in the album’s booklet, are quite identical to mine as a witness of the event, especially the helicopter rides to and from the festival site and the primeval conditions, which at the time did not bother me at all, considering the significance of the momentous experience.
Overall, this is a brilliant piece of music, which lost nothing of its magnificence over time, and is an absolute music to all Blues-Rock lovers, and TYA devotees, who are still out there, unless of course you have already spent the BIG BUCKS (now worth between 2 and 5 K) buying the a.m. Woodstock Box Set.
| | Updated: 24/09/2024Posted: 24/09/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOWNSCREAM ~ BIG CITY ICONS
PERIFERIC 011 (Barcode: 5998272701518) ~ HUNGARY ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997
The only album by this group led by After CryingFind albums by this artist pianist Csaba VedresFind albums by this artist. As expected, this is every bit as good as the early After Crying stuff and a must to all their followers. Beautiful instrumental music using piano, cello (the Hungarian specialty it seems), bass, drums and trumpet. In short, don`t even think twice!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROBIN TROWER ~ AT THE BBC 1973-1975
CHRYSALIS 5099907071324 (Barcode: 5099907071324) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1975 Released: 2011
This is a collection of BBC radio recordings by the British guitarist / composer Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist and his power trio which also included vocalist / bassist James DewarFind albums by this artist and drummers Reg IsidoreFind albums by this artist or Bill LordanFind albums by this artist. The album presents five radio sessions and a concert, which cover the material included on the first three albums by Trower and the trio: "Twice Removed From YesterdayFind albums with this title", "Bridge Of SighsFind albums with this title" and "For Earth BelowFind albums with this title", altogether thirty tracks on two CDs. All the tracks were composed by Trower or co-composed by him and Dewar, and two were co-composed by him and vocalist Frankie MillerFind albums by this artist (see below).
After recording five albums with Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, of which he was a founding member, Trower left the group to join forces with Scottish vocalist Frankie Miller, ex-Stone The CrowsFind albums by this artist bassist James Dewar and ex-Jethro TullFind albums by this artist drummer Clive BunkerFind albums by this artist to form the short lived band JudeFind albums by this artist. After Jude broke up Trower decided to form a guitar power trio, which became his modus operandi for many years to come.
Trower´s guitar playing was often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, especially his early trio output heard on this album, but although some stylistic similarities can be clearly heard, Trower always had his very unique idiosyncrasies that set him apart from all other guitarist of the period. They do however share their deep love for the Blues, which profoundly influenced their approach to the instrument.
The music included here is a classic example of British guitar power trio idiom, which started with CreamFind albums by this artist, Jimi Hendrix ExperienceFind albums by this artist and Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist´s TasteFind albums by this artist in the late 1960s, and which Trower proudly and very ably continued in the 1970s.
There is no need to emphasize the historic importance of this material, and although the sound quality is a bit muddy at times, the depth and ingenuity of the music is simply stunning. This is an absolute must to the many Trower fans and guitar aficionados the world over!
| | Updated: 20/10/2023Posted: 25/05/2019 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROBIN TROWER ~ THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1973-1983
CHRYSALIS 5060516091263 (Barcode: 5060516091263) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1983 Released: 2019
This Box Set presents all ten studio albums recorded by British Rock guitarist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist for the ChrysalisFind albums on this label Records label: "Twice Removed From YesterdayFind albums with this title", "Bridge Of SighsFind albums with this title", "For Earth BelowFind albums with this title", "Long Misty DaysFind albums with this title", "In City DreamsFind albums with this title", "Caravan To MidnightFind albums with this title", "Victims Of The FuryFind albums with this title", "B.L.T.Find albums with this title", "TruceFind albums with this title" and finally "Back It UpFind albums with this title". All these albums feature the guitar power trio format, with slight personnel changes; Trower plays the guitar of course, vocalist / bassist James DewarFind albums by this artist plays and sings on most of the albums except the two collaborations with Jack BruceFind albums by this artist ("B.L.T." and "Truce") and drummers Reg IsidoreFind albums by this artist (who plays on the first two album and "Truce") and Bill LordanFind albums by this artist (who plays on all the other albums except "Back It Up"). A few additional musicians are also involved, like American bassist Rustee AllenFind albums by this artist of Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist fame who plays on "In City Dreams" and "Caravan To Midnight". Almost all the material on these albums was written or co-written by Trower with a few exceptions.
After recording five albums with Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, of which he was a founding member, Trower left the group to join forces with Scottish vocalist Frankie MillerFind albums by this artist, ex-Stone The CrowsFind albums by this artist bassist James Dewar and ex-Jethro TullFind albums by this artist drummer Clive BunkerFind albums by this artist to form the short lived band JudeFind albums by this artist. After Jude broke up Trower decided to form a guitar power trio, which became his modus operandi for many years to come.
Trower´s guitar playing was often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, especially his early trio output, but although some stylistic similarities can be clearly heard, Trower always had his very unique idiosyncrasies that set him apart from all other guitarist of the period. They do however share their deep love for the Blues, which profoundly influenced their approach to the instrument.
The music included here is a classic example of British guitar power trio idiom, which started with CreamFind albums by this artist, Jimi Hendrix ExperienceFind albums by this artist and Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist´s TasteFind albums by this artist in the late 1960s, and which Trower proudly and very ably continued in the 1970s.
There is no need to emphasize the historic importance of this material, and although the sound quality is a bit muddy at times, the depth and ingenuity of the music is simply stunning. This is an absolute must to the many Trower fans and guitar aficionados the world over!
Side Note
I can´t imagine what Chrysalis Records were thinking when they decided not to include in this Box Set the only live album Trower recorded for them, entitled simply "Robin Trower Live!Find albums with this title". With the inclusion of that album this Box Set would have become "The Complete Robin Trower Chrysalis Recordings", which beyond any doubt almost all people who bought this Box Set would have preferred! The live album was already released as part of the budget "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" series (two volumes), which in turn left out "Back It Up". So the fans and collectors got screwed for the second time! There is no limit to stupidity and meanness!
| | Updated: 01/06/2019Posted: 01/06/2019 | CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | VELVET NIGHT ~ VELVET NIGHT
FALLOUT 2083 (Barcode: 5051125208319) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008
Only album by the obscure US proto-Prog band Velvet NightFind albums by this artist, which managed to record this little gem before disappearing from the scene. Fronted by female lead singer Lynn BoccuminiFind albums by this artist, the band included also five excellent players and managed to create a full and relatively heavy (for that time) sound, with an overall effect sounding somewhere between Jefferson AirplaneFind albums by this artist and Vanilla FudgeFind albums by this artist. The material includes both original material and a few covers, which (as opposed to most cases) are excellent and quite different interpretations of the originals, especially the great tribute to CreamFind albums by this artist, which covers four of Cream’s classic songs. Organ, guitar, sax / flute and good lead vocals – all the necessary ingredients for early 1970s classic sound are here, recorded at the legendary NY Record Plant studios, this is a great trip down the memory lane well worth investigating.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | WEST, BRUCE & LAING ~ LIVE `N` KICKIN`
ESOTERIC 2072 (Barcode: 5013929717220) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2008
3rd and last album by the short-lived Anglo-American super-group West, Bruce & LaingFind albums by this artist consisting of guitarist Leslie WestFind albums by this artist and drummer Corky LaingFind albums by this artist from the American band MountainFind albums by this artist and British bassist / vocalist / songwriter extraordinaire Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, of CreamFind albums by this artist fame. The group came together after both the first incarnation of Mountain and the Jack Bruce Band fell apart and was almost a "natural" choice of participants, considering the many parallels between Mountain and Cream, both stylistically and personally via Mountain member and Cream producer Felix PappalardiFind albums by this artist. This live recording is a great document of the level of energy involved in the group´s performances and the virtuosity of its members. Bruce´s bass playing is simply spectacular, as are his vocals and he is especially strong on his own compositions. People who like Cream´s live recordings, with expanded song versions, will enjoy this stuff immensely and the younger people can hear what Rock was all about, when it was truly rocking.
Visitors' Comments
Dr. Rafael Augusto Lara Palmeros
This one is WBL´s “swang song”, the last albumn in the short life of this extraordinary supergroup. Recorded live in Orpheum Theater, in Boston, Masachusetts, the band includes four tracks: “Play with fire”, is a Stone cover and is reminiscent of the “Why Dontcha” cut “Love is worth the Blues”, “The doctor” the live version of one of the studio tracks on their debut albumn.”Politician!” is a good track and “Powerhouse sod” is a version with an absolutely mind bending bass solo by Jack.
I think that this work sholuld have been originally released as two-albumn set, incluiding “November song”,”Sifting sand”,”Out of the fields”, “Polution woman” and others. Four stars of five.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WEST, BRUCE & LAING ~ WHATEVER TURNS YOU ON
ESOTERIC 2075 (Barcode: 5013929717527) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008
2nd album by the short-lived Anglo-American super-group West, Bruce & LaingFind albums by this artist consisting of guitarist Leslie WestFind albums by this artist and drummer Corky LaingFind albums by this artist from the American band MountainFind albums by this artist and British bassist / vocalist / songwriter extraordinaire Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, of CreamFind albums by this artist fame. The group came together after both the first incarnation of Mountain and the Jack Bruce Band fell apart and was almost a "natural" choice of participants, considering the many parallels between Mountain and Cream, both stylistically and personally via Mountain member and Cream producer Felix PappalardiFind albums by this artist. This studio recording is a great document of the level of energy involved in the group´s performances and the virtuosity of its members. Bruce´s bass playing is simply spectacular, as are his vocals and he is especially strong on his own excellent compositions co-created (as usual) with poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist. People, who like Cream and Mountain recordings, will enjoy this stuff immensely and the younger people can hear what Rock was all about, when it was truly rocking.
Visitors' Comments
Dr. Rafael Augusto Lara Palmeros
First of all, this item is a great release from Esoteric Records. Whatever turns you on is the second and last studio albumn for the excellent Blues-Rock supergroup West, Bruce and Laing. This studio recording is one of the most underrated albumns in the History of Blues-Rock. The musicians playing a marvelous music with a great performance by Bruce´s bass - I think that is Bruce finest bassplayer ever- (´Rock´n Roll machine, ´Back fire´,´Sifting sand´, ´Like a plate and the wonderful ´November´s song´), Leslie and Corky shine on some Mountain-like heavy Blues rockers like ´Rock´n Roll Machine and ´Backfire´. On other hand, ´Sifting sand´is a beauty song with one of those powerful West gospelvocals They are a real, great combination for Bruce and the music is well-played, strong and beautiful, but it really is Jack´s albumn. Time to re-valute this lost masterwork from a supergroup. Excellent!!! and a must for a Blues-Rock fan!!!. Five stars or more
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | LESLIE WEST ~ GOT BLOOZE
PROVOGUE 7155 (Barcode: 8712725715528) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
Legendary guitarist Leslie WestFind albums by this artist is best known as the leader of MountainFind albums by this artist, America’s answer to the UK power trio CreamFind albums by this artist. Mountain recorded a series of excellent albums in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which were loud and powerful (often being quoted as one of the forefathers of Heavy Rock), but also quite sophisticated. West’s unique tone and approach to the guitar, heavily based in the blues tradition, stays to this very day as one of the icons of the formative years of electric guitar. A famous anecdote tells that if one places West in a room with another 99 guitar players, just one note played by him will be immediately recognizable. Since the mid-1970s West recorded sporadically, with none of the albums leaving any significant impact on the scene, but his 2000s output marks a revival of his powers. West returned to what he does best – playing the blues in his unique manner, which has but a few competitors. West formed an excellent group with two formidable blues / rock veterans: Tim BogertFind albums by this artist (Vanilla FudgeFind albums by this artist, CactusFind albums by this artist, Beck, Bogert & AppiceFind albums by this artist) – one of rock’s most respected bass players and Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist (John MayallFind albums by this artist, Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist) – one of blues-rock most respected drummers. Together they storm through a program, which includes many blues standards, but sounds fresh and vital like never before. West also pays tribute to his ex-partner Jack BruceFind albums by this artist by including his superb composition “Politician” on this album. For blues-rock fans this is an absolute must!
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  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ THE BEST BAND YOU NEVER HEARD IN YOUR LIFE
ZAPPA 3881 (Barcode: 824302388129) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1988 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 55th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1991. The 2CD album presents twenty-eight tracks, which include mostly original songs by Zappa, but also several covers of classic Rock songs, including “Stairway To Heaven” (Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist), “Purple Haze” (Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist), “Sunshine of Your Life” (CreamFind albums by this artist) and others, which is relatively a rare event on Zappa’s albums. The music was recorded live during Zappa’s 1988 tour, which was sadly his last. It is one of three live albums recorded during this tour, together with “Broadway The Hard WayFind albums with this title” and “Make A Jazz Noise HereFind albums with this title”.
The lineup that recorded the music includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist and Mike KeneallyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Robert MartinFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Walt FowlerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bruce FowlerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Paul CarmanFind albums by this artist, Albert WingFind albums by this artist and Kurt McGettrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist. It reflects Zappa’s love of orchestral arrangements, which of course were meticulously conceived and brilliantly executed by this excellent team. The undertones of a Broadway show, which this album presents, are a pinnacle of Zappa’s mastery and a cruel twist.
With passing time, Zappa’s cynicism and radical criticism of American politics, organized religion, show business and general stupidity became more bitter and plain painful at times. His idea to shake his audiences, had sadly little effect, as we can see with the world getting worse and stupider consistently. The absurdity of the beautiful melodic songs crafted by Zappa, which were accompanied by his toxic lyrics is absolutely amazing. However, as we all know, protest songs never managed to make a dent in the way our world is being conducted, especially so in America – Woody GuthrieFind albums by this artist, Pete SeegerFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist and eventually Zappa, all failed miserably – a magnificent failure it was indeed!
Overall, although thirty-three years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever.
Side Note
Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| | Updated: 22/09/2022Posted: 10/12/2021 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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