Record Reviews

DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ BLOODLINES DCT 2000 (Barcode: 660355351228) ~ CANADA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a huge team of over two dozen musicians, including some BS&T cohorts: trumpeters Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist and Tony KlatkaFind albums by this artist, trombonist Dave BargeronFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Fred LipsiusFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mike SternFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary FooteFind albums by this artist, drummer Brian DelaneyFind albums by this artist and many others. The album presents twelve songs, all of which were written by Clayton-Thomas. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the second of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album is the closest in style and sound to the album recorded with BS&T. The songs are beautifully arranged in the Brass Rock style and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb instrumental performances from start to finish. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride. My copy is autographed and includes a ticket stub from the concert where he signed the album. Overall, this is an absolutely sublime example of David Clayton-Thomas as a vocalist and songwriter, one of the greatest talents to emerge on the American (well Canadian) scene in all time. Absolutely classic and indispensable in every collection of his recordings, but admittedly very difficult to find.

Updated: 08/06/2023Posted: 08/06/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GEORGE GRUNTZ ~ EXPO TRIANGLE MIGROS 6170 (Barcode: 7617028117660) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1998 - 2000 Released: 2000 This is a brilliant album by Swiss pianist / composer / bandleader / activist George GruntzFind albums by this artist, which presents a collection of musical works connected to the EXPO exhibition in 1964, which originated a meeting between Gruntz and the Swiss composer Rolf LiebermannFind albums by this artist, which developed into a long lasting friendship until Liebermann’s death in 1999. The album presents two extended pieces performed by the George Gruntz Percussion EnsembleFind albums by this artist, a trio which comprises of Gruntz on piano and two drummers: Fabian KuratliFind albums by this artist and Raphael WollFind albums by this artist. Also included is a Symphony for Jazz Ensemble, composed by Lieberman and performed by the George Gruntz Concert Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, a Big Band comprising of famous European and American Jazz musicians, including trumpeter Marvin StammFind albums by this artist, trombonist Dave BargeronFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Chris HunterFind albums by this artist and bassist Mike RichmondFind albums by this artist among others. Finally, the original piece composed by Liebermann for the EXPO 64 and performed by 156 office machines is also included. The music is a stupendous blast of Genius and European “out of the box” approach to music, which exploded in the 1960s, taking music in general, and Jazz music in particular, into another dimension altogether, as this album brilliantly demonstrates. Gruntz (who died in 2013) was one of the great heroes of European Jazz, a total musician who could play Classical music and Jazz with the same proficiency and his revolutionary ideas as composer and activist advanced the status of Jazz in Europe to the level of Art. Overall, this unique album presents some little known aspects of the wide range of activities George Gruntz was involved with, and is a perfect tribute to this great Artist, whom I had the pleasure to meet many times. He was also blessed with a great sense of humor, which is also evident on this album. Jazz listeners, who are sure they have already heard everything, this album is a proper wakeup call.

Updated: 17/08/2024Posted: 17/08/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GEORGE GRUNTZ / CONCERT JAZZ BAND ~ GLOBAL EXCELLENCE TCB 21172 (Barcode: 725095211727) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is a fabulous album by the Swiss pianist / composer / bandleader George GruntzFind albums by this artist and his Concert Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, which for many years was the best European Jazz Big Band / Orchestra. Gruntz was one of the great Godfathers of European Jazz and his many activities and contributions over the years advanced the Jazz idiom immensely. This album presents eight compositions, four of which were composed by Gruntz, three others were composed by members of his orchestra and one is a traditional Turkish melody. Gruntz wrote the arrangements and orchestrations of all the pieces. Among the musicians playing on this album one can find trombonist Dave BargeronFind albums by this artist, drummer Danny GottliebFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Marvin StammFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Chris HunterFind albums by this artist, bassists Mark EganFind albums by this artist and Mike RichmondFind albums by this artist, a. m. o. The music, although kept within the mainstream Big Band setting, in incredibly innovative and original, clearly pointing out the many differences between American and European Big Band approach. The arrangements and orchestrations are complex and convoluted, constantly changing the dynamics and tempi, with less emphasis on the individual solos and more dedicated to the overall orchestral sound and interplay. The inclusion of the Turkish tune is typical of Gruntz openness towards World Music, which he displayed many times throughout his career. Same applies to the inclusion of the tune composed by Russian trumpeter / composer Alexander SipiaginFind albums by this artist, which shows the great respect Gruntz always felt towards Jazz originating in Eastern Europe. Overall this is a monumental piece of Big Band music, at its finest and most sophisticated form, which should be truly enjoyed by all connoisseurs of that Jazz sub-genre. For young musicians, especially those studying composition and arrangement, this is an open book of how things should be done. Although Gruntz is sadly no longer with us, his wonderful music lasts and his extensive recorded legacy is a treasure chest of musical gems. Not to be missed!

Updated: 08/06/2023Posted: 25/09/2016

CD 1 Oversampling Recommend To A Friend

GEORGE GRUNTZ / CONCERT JAZZ BAND ~ TIGER BY THE TAIL TCB 26702 (Barcode: 725095267021) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is a fabulous album by the Swiss pianist / composer / bandleader George GruntzFind albums by this artist and his Concert Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, which for many years was the best European Jazz Big Band / Orchestra. Gruntz was one of the great Godfathers of European Jazz and his many activities and contributions over the years advanced the Jazz idiom immensely. The album was recorded in the US, and presents a mixed American / European lineup, with some of the finest Jazz musicians on the planet. The album presents eight compositions, four of which were composed by Gruntz and another four by members of the Big Band. Gruntz wrote the arrangements and orchestrations of all the pieces. Among the musicians playing on this album one can find trombonist Dave BargeronFind albums by this artist, drummer Danny GottliebFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Marvin StammFind albums by this artist, Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist and Franco AmbrosettiFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Chris HunterFind albums by this artist and Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist, Israeli bass guitarist Arie VolinezFind albums by this artist, a. m. o. The music, although kept within the mainstream Big Band setting, in incredibly innovative and original, clearly pointing out the many differences between American and European Big Band approach. The arrangements and orchestrations are complex and convoluted, constantly changing the dynamics and tempi, with less emphasis on the individual solos and more dedicated to the overall orchestral sound and interplay. Although Gruntz is sadly no longer with us, his wonderful music lasts and his extensive recorded legacy is a treasure chest of musical gems. Not to be missed! Overall, this is a monumental piece of Big Band music, at its finest and most sophisticated form, which should be truly enjoyed by all connoisseurs of that Jazz sub-genre. For young musicians, especially those studying composition and arrangement, this is an open book of how things should be done.

Updated: 05/03/2025Posted: 05/03/2025

CD 1 Oversampling Recommend To A Friend