Record Reviews
18 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | KEVIN AYERS ~ STILL LIFE WITH GUITAR
MARKET SQUARE 112 (Barcode: 806676000289) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1990 - 1991 Released: 2002
Legendary Canterbury hero Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist managed to keep his musical career aflame over the years by releasing splendid albums every now and then but staying away from the limelight. His ability to write well-crafted songs, which sound easy and simple, but are in fact often devilishly clever, earned him admiration and respect among his peers. This album was recorded when Ayers heard the debut album by Fairground AttractionFind albums by this artist, a short-lived UK Folk-Rock group, which blended many different genres into their music, from Folk and Country to Rock and Jazz, very similar to what Ayers used as his modus operandi. Ayers thought that it would be nice to record an album with the group and after pulling some strings his wish was granted. The cooperation obviously worked very well, as the resulting album is a blast from start to finish. Augmented by some of his regular musical collaborators, like guitarists Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist and Ollie HalsallFind albums by this artist, Ayers presents a great set of his unique songs. A special merit goes to the fantastic Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, whose bass playing drives the music and gives it an overall Jazzy feel. It’s great to have this little gem back in circulation and the many Ayers fans will surely rejoice.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS ~ AMARYLLIS
SUNBEAM 5027 (Barcode: 5051125502714) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
3rd and last album by Scottish duo Bread, Love And DreamsFind albums by this artist, which included singer David McNivenFind albums by this artist, who also wrote most of the material, and female singer Angie RewFind albums by this artist. The group started originally as a trio with another female singer Carolyn DavisFind albums by this artist and they recorded their debut album a year earlier. After Carolyn left to pursue a solo career, the duo engaged in an extensive recording project, which produced enough material for a double album. Unfortunately the record label (Decca) refused to issue a double album (originally intended to be called “Mother Earth”) and as a result the first of the two was released a few month earlier under the title The Strange Tale Of Captain Shannon And The Hunchback From GighaFind albums with this title, taken from the title of the epic song included on that album, and the second a few month later, again taking the title from the epic three-part suite present on this album. The duo was lucky to have some great musicians taking part in the recording sessions, namely Pentangle’s rhythm section of Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist on drums, as well as saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist from ColosseumFind albums by this artist. Some of the songs were also beautifully arranged and orchestrated. The resulting music is a prime example of British Folk-Rock with some Psychedelic influences as well. Although the original albums sold poorly at the time they were released, in time they achieved a legendary status among British Folk-Rock enthusiast and became rare collectors’ items. Having them back in circulation is a long-awaited dream come true and no Acid Folk fan can call his collection complete without these two albums.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS ~ THE STRANGE TALE OF CAPTAIN SHANNON AND THE HUNCHBACK FROM GIGHA
SUNBEAM 5047 (Barcode: 5051125504718) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
2nd album by Scottish duo Bread, Love And DreamsFind albums by this artist, which included singer David McNivenFind albums by this artist, who also wrote most of the material, and female singer Angie RewFind albums by this artist. The group started originally as a trio with another female singer Carolyn DavisFind albums by this artist and they recorded their debut album a year earlier. After Carolyn left to pursue a solo career, the duo engaged in an extensive recording project, which produced enough material for a double album. Unfortunately the record label (DeccaFind albums on this label) refused to issue a double album (originally intended to be called “Mother Earth”) and as a result the first of the two was released under this title, taken from the title of the epic song included on the album, and the second a few month later as AmaryllisFind albums with this title. The duo was lucky to have some great musicians taking part in the recording sessions, namely PentangleFind albums by this artist’s rhythm section of Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist on drums, as well as saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist from ColosseumFind albums by this artist. Some of the songs were also beautifully arranged and orchestrated. The resulting music is a prime example of British Folk-Rock with some Psychedelic influences as well. Although the original albums sold poorly at the time they were released, in time they achieved a legendary status among British Folk-Rock enthusiast and became rare collectors’ items. Having them back in circulation is a long-awaited dream come true and no Acid Folk fan can call his collection complete without these two albums.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN CAMERON ~ OFF CENTRE
VOCALION 8409 (Barcode: 765387840921) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005
British composer / arranger / pianist John CameronFind albums by this artist is mostly known to the world for his pioneering work as a composer of film scores and arranger of countless albums, but in the late 1960s he was also an active Jazz player and his quartet played many gigs at the time and also managed to record this album, which remains to this very day as one of my all time favorites. Unfortunately this is almost the solitary session, which allows us to hear John’s exquisite piano work, and therefore it has also an immense historic importance. The quartet also included three absolutely marvelous players: saxophonists and flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist (one of the greatest talents of the British Jazz scene who passed away at a tragically young age), extraordinary bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony CarrFind albums by this artist, who was a central figure on the British scene for many years. This album is special for many reasons, but I’ll mention just a few: first the absolutely brilliant compositions by John, with ingenious melodic lines and unusual time signatures – so typical of the British Jazz around that period; second the divine playing by Harold, whose flute work was second to none; third the level of musicianship displayed by all the players, which is absolutely stunning. Combined, all these factors contribute to making this album so special. Hearing it on CD for the first time, with the magnificent remastering by Michael DuttonFind albums by this artist, was a great experience and I’m delighted that this gem is available again to be enjoyed by the new generation of music lovers. Beyond essential!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ LIKE AN OLD FASHIONED WALTZ
ISLAND 315 (Barcode: 602498280232) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2005
3rd album and a beautifully melancholic collection of songs with gentle arrangements. This ulbum unveils a new aspect of Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist`s amazing talent with a slightly jazzy approach to some of the tunes, probably influenced by the presense of some great jazz musicians taking part in the recording, like Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist. The album stands the test of time with flying colors and remains a true gem of the British Folk-Rock movement.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANDY DENNY ~ LIKE AN OLD FASHIONED WALTZ (DELUXE EDITION)
ISLAND 602537002887 (Barcode: 602537002887) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2012
This is the third solo album by the British singer / songwriter Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, the undeniable Queen of the British Folk-Rock movement, which flourished from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s. Danny fronted the best Folk-Rock groups of the day, such as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and FotheringayFind albums by this artist and later concentrated on her splendid solo career, recording four excellent solo albums for IslandFind albums on this label Records. Her life and career was abruptly cut short by her tragic and untimely death at the age of 31.
This album is quite different from Denny´s previous work, less Folk-Rock oriented and with some gentle Jazz touches, an influence she absorbed from her father. Most of the material is original, but a few Jazz standards are also included. The overall atmosphere of the album is deeply melancholic and very introvert, nostalgic and somewhat dark, beautifully performed by her and a superb band, which includes many British Folk-Rock heroes, like guitarists Richard ThompsonFind albums by this artist and her husband Trevor LucasFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John BundrickFind albums by this artist, drummer Dave MattacksFind albums by this artist and others. Several notable British Jazz players also take part, like saxophonist Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist. Denny´s angelic voice and her unique vocal style are simply stellar. Several of the songs feature beautiful orchestral arrangements.
This new 2CD edition adds a plethora of bonus material, which includes outtakes, demos, alternate versions and previously unreleased live material, which is all worth its weight in gold. It’s a proper tribute to Denny´s remarkable talents and wonderful output she left us to enjoy forever. It is an absolute must to every Folk-Rock fan anywhere on this planet!
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ BREEZES OF PATCHOULI – HIS STUDIO RECORDINGS: 1966-1969
PARLOPHONE 5099992860520 (Barcode: 5099992860520) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1966 - 1969 Released: 2013
This marvelous Box Set collects all the studio recordings by the great British troubadour DonovanFind albums by this artist, recorded during his explosive years, which changed the shape of Pop and Rock music as we know it. It includes the five extraordinary studio albums: "Sunshine SupermanFind albums with this title", "Mellow YellowFind albums with this title", "The Hurdy Gurdy ManFind albums with this title", "BarabajagalFind albums with this title" and finally "A Gift From A Flower To A GardenFind albums with this title" which was originally a double LP. All these albums were released by EpicFind albums on this label in the USA and PyeFind albums on this label in UK, often out of sync and with different track lists, as a result of the usual music business BS that prevailed at the time.
These albums feature all original songs written by Donovan and were produced by the British producer Mickie MostFind albums by this artist. Some of the arrangements were written by the great John CameronFind albums by this artist and the list of supporting musicians reads like a who´s who of the British Jazz and Rock scene at the time: pianist John Cameron, flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist, guitarists Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, drummers Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist and Tony CarrFind albums by this artist and many others.
In addition to the five original albums on three CDs, this set includes a fourth CD full of bonus material, which wonderfully fills in and expands the picture of Donovan´s creativity. A well researched booklet with overview of Donovan´s career during those years is also included.
Donovan´s brilliant mixture of Celtic roots, Psychedelia, Jazz and Rock, spiced with his incredibly poetic lyrics, was an absolutely unique phenomenon in the Pop / Rock history and no other artist managed to create such a massive body of brilliant songs within such short period of time. His music is as much relevant today as it was at the time it was created and lost nothing of its beauty, vitality or artistic power over time. They certainly don´t make music like that any more!
The only regret, as far as this Box Set is concerned, is the fact that it does not include the brilliant live album "In Concert (The Complete 1967 Anaheim Show)Find albums with this title", which would have made this set even more perfect.
This is an absolutely essential piece of music history, which deserves an honorable place in any serious music collection!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 08/11/2016 | CD 4 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS
EPIC 773847 (Barcode: 886977384721) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2010
This excellent Box Set includes three studio albums, recorded between 1967 and 1968 and released on the Epic label, by the great British pioneer of Folk-Rock and later Psychedelia DonovanFind albums by this artist: "Mellow YellowFind albums with this title", "Hurdy Gurdy ManFind albums with this title", and "BarabajagalFind albums by this artist". Donovan´s unique talent fro writing superb melodies, his brilliant vocal delivery and his openness to new musical ideas made his one of the most important British musicians in the late 1960s. Supported by some of Britain´s best musicians at the time, like flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and many others, these albums are all absolute classics of the era. The albums are remastered and packaged in album replicas (mini-sleeves), housed in a cardboard box, and with the attractive price tag this is a tremendous bargain as well. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | INCREDIBLE STRING BAND ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES
RHINO 081227972530 (Barcode: 081227972530) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1966 - 1968 Released: 2012
This Box Set collects the first five (or rather four, since the fourth album was a double LP which was also released as two separate LPs in the US) albums recorded by the British Folk-Rock ensemble Incredible String BandFind albums by this artist and released between 1966 and 1968 on the ElektraFind albums on this label label. Originating from Glasgow, Scotland the band started as a trio playing acoustic Folk music and consisted of Robin WilliamsonFind albums by this artist, Clive PalmerFind albums by this artist and Mike HeronFind albums by this artist. Following the release of the first album Palmer left and the rest of the albums were recorded by the duo of Williamson and Heron. Legendary bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist guests on the second album which also features Williamson´s girlfriend at the time Licorice McCechnieFind albums by this artist. Licorice and Rose SimpsonFind albums by this artist, Heron´s girlfriend at the time, take part in the recording of the fourth (double) album.
The band recorded three more (one of them another double) albums for Elektra and then switched to IslandFind albums on this label Records, recording five more albums for the label before calling it a day in 1974. In total they recorded twelve incredible albums (two of them double) in the span of just eight years, a remarkable achievement by any standard. They also appeared extensively on the BBC, which produced several radio session compilations released later on CDs.
The albums included in this Box Set are a wonderful testimony of the rapid and wondrous development the Incredible String Band from a rather straightforward Folk trio to a Psychedelic, almost Avant-Garde Progressive Fork-Rock ensemble of incredible quality, almost unparalleled by any other act on both sides of the pond. The increasingly complex musical ideas and poetic lyrics are some of the finest examples of the great British Folk-Rock renaissance, which swept the Isles during the Golden Decade.
Folk-Rock fans, who don´t have these albums in their collection, will find this Box Set as absolutely essential, especially the younger music lovers, who missed listening to this superb music while it was happening in real time. The older ones might want to renew these experiences by giving the Incredible String Band another chance, as they were indeed incredible.
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 05/04/2024Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered 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 |
  | HAROLD MCNAIR ~ THE FENCE
HUX 095 (Barcode: 682970000954) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
Saxophonist / flautist / composer Harold McNairFind albums by this artist has been one of the greatest (and sadly unsung) heroes of the British Jazz scene. A brilliant instrumentalist he was one of the busiest studio musicians and took part in countless recording sessions, including those by famous Rock acts. He was a permanent member of DonovanFind albums by this artist’s group and recorded many albums with him. Of course he was also active on the Jazz scene, both as a leader and sideman. He recorded several albums, of which this is the last released while he was still alive, shortly before his life was tragically cut short by lung cancer at a ridiculously young age. His last eponymous album was released posthumously. This beautiful album was recorded with Harold’s musician friends and admirers, all great stars and Jazz heroes themselves: Keith TippettFind albums by this artist and Alan BranscombeFind albums by this artist on piano, Colin GreenFind albums by this artist on guitar, Rick GrechFind albums by this artist and Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist and Tony CarrFind albums by this artist on drums. Harold plays saxes and flute – my preferred instrument in his hands. The music has a slight Caribbean feel, and includes one original composition by Harold. It’s difficult for me to shed the nostalgic attachment to this album, as Harold has been one of my favorite musicians for a very time, but I think the albums stands the test of time beautifully and should be enjoyed by most Jazz loving people around the globe. Bliss!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PENTANGLE ~ THE ALBUMS
CHERRY RED BOX 41 (Barcode: 5013929104105) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1972 Released: 2017
This exquisite Box Set presents the reissues of all the six albums recorded by the first incarnation of the legendary British Folk-Rock group PentangleFind albums by this artist, which existed between 1967 and 1973 and recorded the following albums between 1968 and 1972: "The PentangleFind albums with this title" (released 1968), "Sweet ChildFind albums with this title" (released 1968 as a double LP), "Basket Of LightFind albums with this title" (released 1969), "Cruel SisterFind albums with this title" (released 1970), "ReflectionFind albums with this title" (released 1971) and finally "Solomon`s SealFind albums with this title" (released 1972). The first five of these albums were originally released on TransatlanticFind albums on this label Records and the sixth on RepriseFind albums on this label Records. All six albums were reissued on CD by CastleFind albums on this label Records between 2001 and 2003 in expanded versions, adding bonus tracks. This Box Set edition adds a plethora of additional bonus tracks, some of which appeared on the 4CD Box Set compilation "The Time Has Come: 1967-1973Find albums with this title" (released by Castle in 2007), but most are previously unreleased, which of course makes this Box Set even more desirable that it already is.
The original Pentangle lineup featured on these albums included the charismatic vocalist blessed with an angelic voice: Jacqui McSheeFind albums by this artist, two exquisite and virtuosic guitarists: John RenbournFind albums by this artist and Bert JanschFind albums by this artist and superbly Jazzy rhythm section: bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Terry CoxFind albums by this artist, which together were unparalleled to any other outfit at the time and presented a brilliant amalgam of British Folk, Rock and Jazz, spiced with virtuosic vocal harmonies and instrumental parts. The music is a mixture of superb original material and fabulous arrangements of traditional tunes, all spotlessly and wonderfully performed by the group´s members.
Pentangle basically established the rules of Folk-Rock, Prog-Folk, Jazz-Folk and similar sub-genres, for generations to come and all British Folkies from that time on tried to follow their steps, as the genre flourished between late 1960s and late 1970s. The competition was fierce with such excellent acts as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist and others, but Pentangle maintained the leading position until the band fell apart in 1973, only to return by the early 1980s, but that is another story altogether.
This Box Set includes hours of exquisite music, which although closely related to British Folk encompasses various other genres and is diverse, elegant, interesting and entertaining. I can hardly imagine any serious music collection not including this music and if someone does not already own these albums on vinyl or earlier CD reissues, this Box Set is the ultimate solution. An absolute must have by any standard!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 19/05/2018 | CD 7 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | PENTANGLE ~ THE TIME HAS COME: 1967-1973
CASTLE 0664 (Barcode: 5050159166497) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1973 Released: 2007
British Folk-Rock band PentangleFind albums by this artist was the finest representative of the Folk-Rock genre and their unique blend of Folk, Rock and Jazz enriched the music world immensely. With the combined talents of singer Jacqui McSheeFind albums by this artist, guitarists John RenbournFind albums by this artist and Bert JanschFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Terry CoxFind albums by this artist they were unbeatable and reached beyond anything the audiences were familiar with. The amazing vocal harmonies and the dazzling guitar duos, backed by the best rhythm section on the British Isles were a blast. The band went through two distinct “life cycles”, the first of which is documented on this lavish and beautiful Box Set. The music includes some studio tracks released on the band’s albums, but over 70 % of the tracks are previously unreleased and include singles, outtakes, soundtracks and a plethora of live recordings. The first 2 CDs cover studio material and the other two include live material (concert, radio and TV) and soundtracks. I can’t even imagine any Folk-Rock / Pentangle fan not having this beauty in their collection.
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 4 Box Set Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JIMMY WITHERSPOON ~ LIVE IN LONDON 1966
RHYTHM AND BLUES 066 (Barcode: 5060331752349) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Blues Fusion
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by the American Blues singer Jimmy WitherspoonFind albums by this artist recorded during his visit in London, accompanied by top British Jazz musicians. The album presents twenty tracks, recorded during three separate sessions. The majority (thirteen) of the tracks were recorded at the legendary London pub “The Bulls Head”, with Witherspoon accompanied by the saxophonist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist’s quartet with pianist Harry SouthFind albums by this artist, bassist Phil BatesFind albums by this artist and iconic drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist. On six additional tracks (two of which are instrumentals only) he is accompanied by saxophonist Peter KingFind albums by this artist and the same rhythm section as above. On one tack he is accompanied by the great Alexis KornerFind albums by this artist’s (who plays guitar) Blues IncorporatedFind albums by this artist with saxophonist Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist, pianist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Terry CoxFind albums by this artist. Except for three originals by Witherspoon, all the tracks are Blues / Jazz standards.
The music is all a natural mixture of Blues and Jazz, clearly emphasizing the proximity between the two genres. Witherspoon obviously feels very comfortable with his British companions, being used to work with Jazz musicians back home and the Brits are familiar with the repertoire, which altogether makes the music sound completely natural and easy-going.
There are no great surprises here, but the album is an excellent example of the diversity of the British Blues boom that exploded by the mid-1960s and declines almost as rapidly just half a decade later. That great movement included Blues, Jazz and early Rock musicians working shoulder to shoulder to create the British Blues, which took the American tradition of the genre a step further, adding a pinch of European aesthetics to the mixture.
Overall this is a nice reminder of how the music created by visiting American Blues singers / musicians sounded when they were accompanied by British musicians, which happened quite often at the time. For Blues and British Jazz enthusiasts this is definitely an album worth pursuing.
| | Updated: 16/07/2021Posted: 16/07/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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