Record Reviews
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  | CELLULA INTERNATIONAL ~ JAZZISSIMO
INDIES HAPPY TRAILS 632 (Barcode: 8595026663220) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2008
Trumpeter / composer / bandleader Laco DecziFind albums by this artist is one of the founding fathers of Czechoslovak Jazz. He has been active on the local scene since the 1960s, leading many excellent ensembles, which included the best local players and often also guest from abroad. The names of his ensemble changed often, usually being a variation on the Jazz CellulaFind albums by this artist motif (like Jazz CelulaFind albums by this artist, Cellula InternationalFind albums by this artist, etc.).
This album presents the ensemble in a quintet format, with two guest musicians from the USA: trombonist Sonny CostanzoFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave WecklFind albums by this artist (before his rise to fame) and two Czech players: guitarist Zdenek DvorakFind albums by this artist and bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist. This is a live recording in a Prague Jazz club. They perform three original compositions, two of which are by the leader, and two standards. The performances are excellent from start to finish and this is a first-rate document of the Jazz behind the Iron Curtain at the time. Wholeheartedly recommended!
Side Note
Since the 1950s Czechoslovakia had a highly developed Jazz scene, certainly in proportion to its population, which included many successful ensembles and even Big Bands, as well as Jazz clubs, festivals and publications, all this in spite of state censorship and political limitations. The similar situation existed since the 1960s as far as Rock (including Progressive Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion) was concerned, resulting in many excellent, interesting and innovative ensembles.
The music was relatively well documented by the three state owned record labels: SupraphonFind albums on this label (founded in 1927), PantonFind albums on this label (founded in 1968) and OpusFind albums on this label (founded in 1971 and based in Bratislava, created on the base of Slovak division of Supraphon). Following the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989, the state owned record labels were privatized, with Supraphon dominating the local market.
However, Supraphon was quite reluctant as far as exploring its vast back catalogue is concerned, and this is where the small independent Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records, a reissue label dedicated to the preservation of the recorded legacy of Czechoslovak music, owned and run by the devoted enthusiast / historian Jaromir KratochvilFind albums by this artist, founded in 2007, comes in. Over the years the label released a plethora of brilliant music, reissuing long deleted LPs and extensively exploring the archives in search of bonus material.
The quest of Indies Happy Trails is similar to what the GADFind albums on this label Records label, run by Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist, is doing for Polish music, with similar consistency and praiseworthy dedication.
| | Updated: 28/02/2020Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA / AKOUSTIC BAND ~ LIVE
CONCORD 888072172258 (Barcode: 888072172258) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is a 2CD live album by pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and his Acoustic BandFind albums by this artist trio with bassist John PatitucciFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave WecklFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Gayle MoranFind albums by this artist, Corea’s wife, is featured on one track. The album presents twelve compositions (one repeated twice), six of which are Corea originals and the other six are standards. Recorded in January of 2018, almost exactly four years ago (as of the time of writing), this was one of the last Corea’s albums recorded before his passing in 2021.
Among Corea’s enormous recording legacy, my favorites have always been his classic piano trios, regardless of the stylistic setting, starting with his early Avant-Garde trios, via Trio Music, Trilogy or Akoustic Band, those trios were always spectacular. I always felt that Corea felt the best in a piano trio setting and his most creative performances continuously emerged in that environment.
Corea and the Akoustic Band recorded three albums in the early 1990s and played some concerts in 2004 / 2005, which were filmed and released on video, and this final “reunion” of sorts came as a big surprise and joy of course, as hearing this sublime trio is always an exhilarating experience.
The choice of material is hardly surprising, combining both some of his favorite original compositions and standards that he loved to play. The unity, telepathic conversation, mutual admiration and respect between the trio members is obviously immediately apparent, from the onset of the music to the very last second.
Overall, this album immediately joins the ranks of the top classic piano trio Jazz recordings of all times, presenting an everlasting example of artistry, excellence and aesthetics rarely achieved, but forever admired. No serious Jazz records collection should exist without this album being a part of it, and hopefully the album stays in print long enough for everybody to grab a copy. It was already reprinted once, so please keep it this way. An absolute must!
| | Updated: 07/01/2022Posted: 07/01/2022 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE STERN ~ ALL OVER THE PLACE
HEADS UP 33186 ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2011 - 2012 Released: 2012
Some musicians simply can´t go wrong, and guitarist / composer Mike SternFind albums by this artist is certainly one of them. Decades of superb performances, composing and recording albums produced an incredible volume of music, which is always first rate and stays fresh, vibrant and eternally uplifting. This, his 17th album as a leader, is another of those wonderful albums that are simply perfect in what they are. It includes eleven new Stern original compositions, performed by an incredible all star band and guest artists, which reads like the who´s who of American Jazz and Fusion.
In time Stern managed to work out a formula, which works perfectly. His compositions combine great melodies with catchy licks and funky groove, but maintain incredibly high aesthetic standard and intelligent arrangements. The level of musicianship and stellar performances make the entire package irresistible. Stern´s Fusion is always an amalgam of the good old Blues roots with modern electric Funk and of course deep respect for the Jazz tradition.
The list of the performers on this album is really very long, so here are just a few of the better known names: trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Kenny GarrettFind albums by this artist and Bob MalachFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, bassists Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist, Will LeeFind albums by this artist and Dave HollandFind albums by this artist, drummers Dave WecklFind albums by this artist and Al FosterFind albums by this artist and many others. His wife, guitarist Leni SternFind albums by this artist, also makes a rare guest appearance.
Fusion enthusiasts and Stern fans alike need absolutely no encouragement to grab this gem immediately. If anybody on this planet is still unfamiliar with his music, perhaps now is the time to remedy the situation. This album smokes!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE STERN ~ BETWEEN THE LINES
WOUNDED BIRD 2835 (Barcode: 664140283527) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1996 Released: 2007
8th album (7th on Atlantic) by American guitarist / composer Mike SternFind albums by this artist, who has been one of the most prominent figures in the Jazz and Fusion fields for the last three decades. His virtuoso performances and excellent writing are a source of musical joy and his consistently superb standards serve as a model, followed by generations of young guitarist around the world. On this album Stern continues the path established by its predecessors, presenting a set of his excellent compositions performed by a superb group of musicians, which includes saxophonist Bob MalachFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff AndrewsFind albums by this artist, drummer Dave WecklFind albums by this artist and guest musicians. As usual, the compositions move between atmospheric ballads to up-tempo energetic excursions, performed with finesse and passion. This is classic Fusion and Stern´s guitar playing is simply overwhelmingly excellent, with great flow, emotion and technical virtuosity. A must for any Fusion enthusiast!
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE STERN ~ BIG NEIGHBORHOOD
HEADS UP 3157 (Barcode: 053361315726) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009
Guitar virtuoso Mike SternFind albums by this artist already proved his talents in the last three decades, being not only as an incredibly talented player, but also as a composer, bandleader and recording artists. What I admire about this great musician is his ability to maintain an incredible consistency and dedication to keep up a highly artistic standard. With this, his 16th album as a leader, Stern does it again, again all odds. Full of excellent new compositions (all of them his own) and brilliant instrumental work, this album is also a melting pot of ideas and musical directions. Stern invited many of his peers to take part in the recording and the final list of participants reads like a who´s who of modern Fusion: guitarists Steve VaiFind albums by this artist and Eric JohnsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, drummers Dave WecklFind albums by this artist and Terri Lyne CarringtonFind albums by this artist and even the entire trio of Medeski, Martin & WoodFind albums by this artist – and this is only a partial list. In spite of the multitude of participants, the album presents a remarkable consistency and makes perfect sense by any standard. There´s really no point in explaining again and again how good this stuff is – simply listen to it and you´ll know. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE STERN ~ UPSIDE DOWNSIDE
WOUNDED BIRD 1656 (Barcode: 664140165625) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1986 Released: 2007
American guitarist / composer Mike SternFind albums by this artist has been one of the most prominent figures in the Jazz and Fusion fields for the last three decades. His virtuoso performances and excellent writing are a source of musical joy and his consistently superb standards serve as a model, followed by generations of young guitarist around the world. Stern first came to the attention of the music lovers in the mid 1970s as the lead guitarist for the then current lineup of Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist. Later on he joined drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist and played on several of his exceptional Fusion albums, finally to be featured in the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist comeback ensemble in 1981. After two years with Miles, Stern let to join Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist and again participate in some revolutionary Fusion recordings, only to rejoin Miles in 1995 for another year. That year marked Stern´s first release as a leader, with his album "NeeshFind albums with this title" scoring enthusiastic reviews, but gaining little public attention as it was released on a small obscure label. In 1986 Stern signed with AtlanticFind albums on this label, subsequently releasing 10 excellent albums on the label until he left in 2001. This album is the Mike Stern´s 1st release on Atlantic, which remains to this day as one of the greatest classic Fusion albums of all times. With the help of keyboardist Mitch FormanFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bob BergFind albums by this artist, bassist Mark EganFind albums by this artist, drummer Dave WecklFind albums by this artist and several guest musicians (including Jaco Pastorius), Stern lies down a model for modern Fusion, with great melodies, superb guitar lead lines and rhythmic versatility. Constantly moving between atmospheric ballads and soaring neck-breaking races, there is not one dull moment on this album and it lost absolutely nothing of its initial impact. This is an absolute must for every Fusion enthusiast as well as guitar freak on earth. A must!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE STERN ~ WHO LET THE CATS OUT?
HEADS UP 3115 (Barcode: 053361311520) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
One of the pioneers of Fusion, Mike SternFind albums by this artist ranks this day among the best guitar players. Throughout his illustrious career, since his Miles DavisFind albums by this artist days and up to now, Stern released a long series of excellent solo album (this is his 15th release as a leader) and was very prolific as a sidemen taking part in hundreds of projects. His playing always borders elegantly between Fusion and Jazz, occasionally emphasizing one genre or another. This album presents a perfect mixture of both genres and includes players from both genres as well, such as Roy HargroveFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Chris Minh DokyFind albums by this artist – bass, Dave WecklFind albums by this artist – drums, Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist – bass and many others. Stern wrote all the music and plays some mighty guitar here, with traces of Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist sound, but overall quite original and technically brilliant. This is a true fun album and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all fusion-heads.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ VIVA CARLOS!: A SUPERNATURAL MARATHON CELEBRATION
MASCOT 7210 (Barcode: 8712725721024) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
5th Fusion tribute album produced by Jeff RichmanFind albums by this artist (see the earlier John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and Steely DanFind albums by this artist Fusion tributes). Sticking to the same formula, the producer sets up a “house band” (this time including Peter WolfFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Abe LaborielFind albums by this artist – bass, Dave WecklFind albums by this artist – drums and Luis ConteFind albums by this artist – percussion) and matches it with some of the best Fusion guitar players (this time Robben FordFind albums by this artist, Frank GambaleFind albums by this artist, Albert LeeFind albums by this artist, Pat MartinoFind albums by this artist, Mike SternFind albums by this artist and others). As the title suggests, the subject matter this time is the music of Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist. Since this formula worked out splendidly on the previous four albums, there is no reason to suspect that things would go wrong this time, and indeed they don’t. The only problem might have been the choice of material from the vast SantanaFind albums by this artist repertoire, but fortunately only the best tunes were selected, all of them from his early and most fruitful years. The various guitar players, rather then to imitate Santana’s guitar sound and special technique, play in their own individual way, taking the music places often quite different from the origin. The entire album works out beautifully as a whole and Fusion fans (and guitar freaks) should have a field day with this stuff.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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