Record Reviews
23 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | EGG ~ THE CIVIL SURFACE
ESOTERIC 2003 (Barcode: 5013929710320) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2007
3rd and last album by the brilliant British trio EggFind albums by this artist, which comprised of keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, bassist Mont CampbellFind albums by this artist and drummer Clive BrooksFind albums by this artist, recorded almost three years after the group disbanded following the release of their previous album. Unfortunately the reunion proved to be short lived, and this was to be their last recording together. Egg was an archetypal representative of the Canterbury scene and their sound, dominated by Stewart´s keyboards, is one of the genre´s most recognizable aural icons. In between recording the second and this, the third album with Egg, Stewart played keyboards with Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, another seminal Canterbury band, contributing his incredible talent to the success of that ensemble. The album is a superb example of the Canterbury essence – strange haunting melodies, quirky rhythmic patterns and incredible virtuosic instrumental performances, spiced on top with a good measure of British humor. There is not one weak moment here from start to finish and the music stand its ground honorably, in complete disregard to the time passing by. A few notable guest musicians take part in the recording, including members of Henry CowFind albums by this artist (fellow VirginFind albums on this label label recording artists at the time) and guitarist Steve HillageFind albums by this artist. This album is an absolute must to every Canterbury fan!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | HATFIELD AND THE NORTH ~ HATFIELD AND THE NORTH (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2139 (Barcode: 5013929723924) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2009
1st album by the legendary Canterbury group Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, probably the most iconic and unsurpassed masters of the genre. Comprising of keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, with guests like reedman Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist (Henry CowFind albums by this artist), vocalist Robert WyattFind albums by this artist and others, they recorded what is considered to be the ultimate Canterbury masterpiece. The album represents everything that the genre stands for: brilliant melodies, strange harmonies, superb musicianship, quirk rhythmic patterns and a good dash of British humor. It is difficult to pinpoint why this album and its follow up turned out to be the genre´s icons, but the fact that they are the first thing that come to mind when Canterbury is mentioned speaks for itself. Whatever the reasons, this is an absolute classic album, which lost nothing of its intrinsic beauty and musical perfection over time. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HATFIELD AND THE NORTH ~ THE ROTTERS` CLUB (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2140 (Barcode: 5013929724020) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2009
2nd album by the legendary Canterbury group Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, probably the most iconic and unsurpassed masters of the genre. Comprising of keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, with guests like Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist, Mont CampbellFind albums by this artist, Lindsay CooperFind albums by this artist and Tim HodgkinsonFind albums by this artist, they recorded what is considered to be the ultimate Canterbury masterpiece. The album represents everything that the genre stands for: brilliant melodies, strange harmonies, superb musicianship, quirk rhythmic patterns and a good dash of British humor. It is difficult to pinpoint why this album and its predecessor turned out to be the genre´s icons, but the fact that they are the first thing that come to mind when Canterbury is mentioned speaks for itself. Whatever the reasons, this is an absolute classic album, which lost nothing of its intrinsic beauty and musical perfection over time. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ FISH RISING (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373415 (Barcode: 094637341520) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2007
1st album recorded while Steve HillageFind albums by this artist was still a member of GongFind albums by this artist. After recording with Gong the entire “Radio Gnome Invisible” trilogy, Hillage decided it was time to start a solo career, where his music would be featured more prominently, with this album being the first step in that direction. In Gong Hillage met his life-long partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, who would become his musical collaborator and they both composed all the music and the entire concept of this album. Most of his Gong cohorts participate, but Hillage added the great Dave StewartFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Lindsay CooperFind albums by this artist (from Henry CowFind albums by this artist) on bassoon, to create a much more sophisticated sound and instrumentation. The material consists mostly of 3 long (2 over 14 minutes) suites and a few shorter pieces. The overall sound and style of the album is still very much Gong related / influenced and can be considered as another Gong off-shot project (which many Gong fans do), but Hillage’s individuality is certainly already present and it will come to full fruition starting with the next album. In retrospect this album manages to keep at its extraordinary qualities well and is still fresh and exciting, adding another Canterbury classic album to the list.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | HUGH HOPPER ~ HOPPER TRINITY BOX
CUNEIFORM 240 (Barcode: 045775024028) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007
2nd album by Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist (and the first release after he left Soft MachineFind albums by this artist), released originally on the tiny Norwegian Compendium label (same label that originally released Henry CowFind albums by this artist’s ConcertsFind albums with this title and other weird but wonderful music). Musically the album belongs very strongly to the Soft Machine experimental Jazz-Rock of the ThirdFind albums by this artist, FourthFind albums with this title, FiveFind albums with this title & SixFind albums by this artist period (when Hopper was still a member of the group). Hopper enlisted eight great musicians (Mark CharigFind albums by this artist, Elton DeanFind albums by this artist, Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, Gary WindoFind albums by this artist and others), all members of the flourishing Canterbury scene and UK Jazz circles (members in groups like Brotherhood Of BreathFind albums by this artist, GilgameshFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, IsotopeFind albums by this artist, Keith TippettFind albums by this artist Sextet, etc), who make up the duos, trios, quartets and quintets that play on this album. He wrote all the music, except one track, which was composed by Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist. This album is considered Hopper’s most consistent release ever and sounds as fresh today as when it was first recorded. For all Canterbury scene and SM fans this is an absolute must and it’s a great joy to see this album available again. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | KHAN ~ SPACE SHANTY
ESOTERIC 2046 (Barcode: 5013929714625) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2008
Only album recorded by the short-lived Canterbury group KhanFind albums by this artist, which was fronted by guitarist Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and included keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist (who was a member of EggFind albums by this artist, another Canterbury group, at the time), bassist Nick GreenwoodFind albums by this artist and drummer Eric PeacheyFind albums by this artist, which turned out to be the first major exposure of Hillage´s considerable talents as a guitarist and composer. Later on Hillage joined GongFind albums by this artist and then released a series of excellent solo albums, but here he unveils his superb guitar work for the first time, playing a series of tunes he composed. The music is typical Canterbury mixture of Rock, Jazz and Psychedelic influences, beautifully executed and full of wit and inspiration. Stewart´s keyboards work is excellent as always and the entire album retains its original charm untouched by the passing time. The album was one of the most sought after collectors´ items for many years until reissued on CD and is considered a classic Canterbury release. A must to all Canterbury fans!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | LONDON TROMBONE QUARTET ~ SOME OF OUR BEST FRIENDS
ASC 011 (Barcode: 5029716000239) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995
This is the only album by the British Jazz ensemble called London Trombone QuartetFind albums by this artist, which consisted of four trombonists: Pete BeachillFind albums by this artist, Richard EdwardsFind albums by this artist, Mark NightingaleFind albums by this artist and Dave StewartFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded with some top British Jazz musicians active at the time: pianists Pete SabertonFind albums by this artist, John HorlerFind albums by this artist and Dave ArchFind albums by this artist, bassists Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist, Geraint RobertsFind albums by this artist and Laurence CottleFind albums by this artist, drummers Ian ThomasFind albums by this artist and Dave BryantFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist, Pete HurtFind albums by this artist, Andy MacintoshFind albums by this artist, Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist and Dave O`HigginsFind albums by this artist, guitarists Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist and John ParricelliFind albums by this artist, percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Gerard PresencerFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions by Beachill (3), Sultzmann (2), and one each by Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Arch, Nightingale, Colin TownsFind albums by this artist, Dick WalterFind albums by this artist and Saberton.
Although Wheeler did not play on this album, one of his tunes was recorded. This is one of Wheeler’s recordings, which remains almost completely obscure and does not appear in most of his discographies. I was very lucky to get it from Kenny’s private collection.
The music is a marvelous example of modern British Jazz, based on excellent original compositions and performed by the crème de la crème of British Jazz musicians active in the 1990s. The trombone quartet was quite a unique ensemble of course and they offered very unique arrangements featuring the trombone at the focus, proving the possibilities of the instrument in the hands of great musicians.
Overall, this is an excellent British Jazz album, performed by first class musicians, which is absolutely worth digging for to discover the splendid music and superb performances by the entire team.
| | Updated: 06/04/2023Posted: 06/04/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PHIL MILLER / IN CAHOOTS ~ CONSPIRACY THEORIES
CRESCENT 08 (Barcode: 604388693726) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004
Legendary guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist and his In CahootsFind albums by this artist ensemble have been active on the Canterbury / Jazz scene since the 1980s, constantly changing lineups but always producing music of the highest quality. A vehicle for presenting Miller’s intricate and highly sophisticated compositions, the ensemble’s recorded legacy through the years – both studio and live – is a great example of European Jazz. This album was recorded by an extended version of the ensemble involving twelve players, where each track was recorded by a different lineup ranging from quintet to an eleven-piece band. The players include Miller – guitar and guitar synthesizer, Simon PicardFind albums by this artist – tenor saxophone, Didier MalherbeFind albums by this artist – soprano saxophone and flute, Annie WhiteheadFind albums by this artist – trombone, Simon FinchFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Peter LemerFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Doug BoyleFind albums by this artist – guitar, Fred BakerFind albums by this artist – bass, Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist – bass, Dave StewartFind albums by this artist - percussion and Mark FletcherFind albums by this artist – drums. Legendary vocalist Barbara GaskinFind albums by this artist sings on one tune. All the music, except one tune by Lemer and Baker each, was composed by Miller and is as usual exceptional. Highly recommended!
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  | PHIL MILLER / IN CAHOOTS ~ SPLIT SECOND
CRESCENT 10 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1988 Released: 2008
Legendary guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist and his In CahootsFind albums by this artist ensemble have been active on the Canterbury / Jazz scene since the 1980s, constantly changing lineups but always producing music of the highest quality. A vehicle for presenting Miller’s intricate and highly sophisticated compositions, the ensemble’s recorded legacy through the years – both studio and live – is a great example of European Jazz. This album presents a series of studio recordings from the 1980s with a stellar lineup, which includes Miller – guitar and guitar synthesizer, Elton DeanFind albums by this artist – alto saxophone and saxello, Steve FranklinFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Fred BakerFind albums by this artist – bass and Pip PyleFind albums by this artist – drums on four of the eight tracks and the other tracks are collaborations with Canterbury heroes Dave StewartFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist – vocals, Barbara GaskinFind albums by this artist – vocals and John MitchellFind albums by this artist – keyboards and percussion. Most of the music was composed or co-composed by Miller and is as usual exceptional, as are the performances. This is a reissue of the original edition of this album from 1988, which is now a rare collector´s item. Highly recommended!
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  | NATIONAL HEALTH ~ NATIONAL HEALTH
ESOTERIC 2129 (Barcode: 5013929722927) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2009
1st album by the exquisite band National HealthFind albums by this artist, which was the last of the great original bands and the centerpiece crown jewel of the Canterbury scene, as it combined all the elements that made this musical excursion so unique and important, crystallizing a decade of development and constant search for new forms of musical expression. Formed by keyboardist / composer Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, who previously led such cornerstone Canterbury ensembles like EggFind albums by this artist and Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, combining musicians of the last and another sublime ensemble GilgameshFind albums by this artist, which also recently fell apart. After several personnel changes, the band stabilized as a quartet, including in addition to Stewart guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist, bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, all veterans and immensely gifted players. The album also includes guest contributions of other Canterbury luminaries, like Alan GowenFind albums by this artist (keyboards), Amanda ParsonsFind albums by this artist (vocals), Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist (flute) and others. Overall National Health was an ideal tool to deliver the intricate melodic content of Stewart´s compositions, spiced with lengthy jazzy improvisations, which could go on for several minutes and allow ample opportunity for the players to stretch out, probably more that in any earlier Canterbury ensemble. There is never a dull moment here, with ideas chasing ideas at all times and the listener is drawn into the music completely. This album is a timeless masterpiece and an essential cornerstone of any serious record collection!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | NATIONAL HEALTH ~ OF QUEUES AND CURES
ESOTERIC 2130 (Barcode: 5013929723023) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
2nd album by the exquisite band National HealthFind albums by this artist, which was the last of the great original bands and the centerpiece crown jewel of the Canterbury scene, as it combined all the elements that made this musical excursion so unique and important, crystallizing a decade of development and constant search for new forms of musical expression. Formed by keyboardist / composer Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, who previously led such cornerstone Canterbury ensembles like EggFind albums by this artist and Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, combining musicians of the last and another sublime ensemble GilgameshFind albums by this artist, which also recently fell apart. After bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist left the band following the recording of the debut album, he was replaced by bassist John GreavesFind albums by this artist from Henry CowFind albums by this artist, another Canterbury icon. The album included several guest musicians, among them the superb trumpeter Phil MintonFind albums by this artist and overall it fallowed the same lines as the debut. Overall National Health was an ideal tool to deliver the intricate melodic content of Stewart´s compositions, spiced with lengthy jazzy improvisations, which could go on for several minutes and allow ample opportunity for the players to stretch out, probably more that in any earlier Canterbury ensemble. There is never a dull moment here, with ideas chasing ideas at all times and the listener is drawn into the music completely. This album is a timeless masterpiece and an essential cornerstone of any serious record collection!
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  | CREEPY JOHN THOMAS ~ TRIPPIN` LIKE A DOG AND ROCKIN` LIKE A BITCH: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS
GRAPEFRUIT 084 (Barcode: 5013929188426) ~ AUSTRALIA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1971 Released: 2020
This is a Box Set reissue release of the entire recording legacy by the obscure Australian born guitarist John ThomasFind albums by this artist. His music career started as a member of the Australian band The FilesFind albums by this artist. Thomas left Australia for Europe in 1967 and moved between Germany and UK, first forming the band RustFind albums by this artist and later recording two albums under the Creepy John ThomasFind albums by this artist moniker. All these three albums are included in this Box set, the Rust album “Come With MeFind albums with this title” (1969) and the two CJT albums “Creepy John ThomasFind albums with this title” (1969) and “Brother Bat BoneFind albums with this title” (1971). There are no bonus tracks but the music was remastered and the Box Set includes a comprehensive and well researched booklet, as usual with all GrapefruitFind albums on this label releases.
The music is a delightful mixture of Rock, Psychedelia Blues-Rock, which, as everything else recorded at that time, still sounds vibrant and lost nothing of its charm. Thomas plays some great guitar licks throughout and the material is definitely worth being re-discovered.
Following these recordings Thomas was a member of The Edgar Broughton BandFind albums by this artist and played with Dave StewartFind albums by this artist and Annie LennoxFind albums by this artist, slowly disappearing from the limelight, although he still plays with his Blues band.
Overall this Box Set is a lovely opportunity to discover some pretty obscure music, which thanks to the recording technique was preserved for posterity and is now available again. As usual, since they don’t make music like this anymore, it is a breath of fresh air, despite the fact that it is over five decades old. Warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 26/08/2021Posted: 26/08/2021 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | KENNY WHEELER ~ KAYAK
AH UM 012 (Barcode: 5017771001223) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1992 Released: 1992
This is a criminally little known album by the celebrated British Jazz trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, released on the short-lived and sadly forgotten Ah UmFind albums on this label Records, owned by Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist. Wheeler leads a splendid ensemble, which comprises of the absolute crème de la crème of the British Jazz scene at the time: saxophonists Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist and Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, French horn player John RookFind albums by this artist, trombonists Dave HorlerFind albums by this artist and Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and American drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist. Trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and pianist John HorlerFind albums by this artist are added on the four last tracks only. The album presents seven Wheeler originals, the last four of which create a suite. All the music was recorded during a one-day session, which is absolutely amazing considering the complexity of the arrangements, but of course all these musicians were absolute Masters of the trade.
The music is obviously absolutely brilliant, as everything Wheeler ever created and most of it was never recorded by Wheeler again with other ensembles. He briefly describes the origin of all the compositions on the album in the liner notes, one of which is a wonderfully crafted tribute to Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist´s compositions, a rather unlikely connection, but nevertheless true.
The playing is of course also magnificent from start to finish, with plenty of wonderful solos by the participants and a superb ensemble performance, typical of British Jazz at its absolute best. The music was also excellently recorded with wonderful separation and perfect sound quality, which of curse enhances the listening pleasure even more.
Overall this is lost perfect gem which deserves a proud place in any serious British Jazz collection, and although quite difficult to come by these days, it is by all means worth the effort needed to hunt for it. Essential Kenny Wheeler!
Side Note
British composer / arranger Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist founded the short-lived Ah UmFind albums on this label label in 1989, which existed until 1993 and released a total of sixteen albums with some of the top British Jazz musicians of that period and a few American guests, which remain as of the finest recordings of that period. For some inexplicable reason all these albums are almost completely obsolete today, despite their excellent musical value, which is a shame, as they all deserve an honorable place in any decent British Jazz collection.
| | Updated: 11/02/2025Posted: 16/03/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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