Record Reviews

JAN HAMMER ~ OH, YEAH? WOUNDED BIRD 0437 (Barcode: 664140043725) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2006 2nd album by keyboards wizard Jan HammerFind albums by this artist, best known from his stint with the original Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist. Born in Czechoslovakia, Hammer left his native country after the Soviet invasion in 1968 (same as many other prominent Czech musicians) and emigrated to the US, where he attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston. He first played jazz (for Sarah VaughanFind albums by this artist) but joined MO, as he was more interested in the Jazz-Rock Fusion, which exploded in the early 1970s. His memorable contributions to the MO sound are classics to this very day. After the demise of the original MO Hammer recorded an album with fellow ex-MO member Jerry GoodmanFind albums by this artist (Like ChildrenFind albums with this title) and a year later released his first solo album (The First Seven DaysFind albums with this title) and formed the Jan Hammer Band with which he performed extensively. On this album Hammer continues the musical direction set by his debut, which is basically a funkier and rockier version of Fusion. The band includes another talented US violin player Steven KindlerFind albums by this artist and percussionist David Earle JohnsonFind albums by this artist (with whom Hammer also recorded a duo album) and resembles at times the MO sound. The only disappointing thing is the (fortunately rare) usage of vocals, which although quite OK, contribute little to the otherwise solid album.

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MIROSLAV VITOUS ~ MAJESTY MUSIC WOUNDED BIRD 4099 (Barcode: 664140409927) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2015 This is a reissue of the 4th solo album by Czech (resident in the US) bassist / composer Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist. Following his departure from Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, Vitous started a solo career playing with many of the most prestigious Jazz musicians over the years. This album was recorded with two Israeli musicians: saxophonist Jaroslav JakubovicFind albums by this artist (also of Czech origin) and vocalist / keyboardist Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist. Other musicians playing on the album included percussionist David Earle JohnsonFind albums by this artist, drummers Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist and Gerry BrownFind albums by this artist, electric bassist Francisco CentenoFind albums by this artist and a couple of others. The album presents ten tracks, seven of which were composed by Vitous, two by Jakubovic and one co-composed by them both. This is relatively a little known album by Vitous, despite the fact that it is one of his most interesting recordings, mixing elements of Fusion and World Music. The superb team of international musicians, and especially the presence of Rimona Francis and Jaroslav Jakubovic, make it completely unique in Vitous’ recording legacy. Overall, it is great to have this superb album on CD, and Weather Report fans should grab a copy instantly, before it disappears from the market like all other great reissues. I have no idea how I missed it till now?

Updated: 14/12/2023Posted: 14/12/2023

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