Record Reviews

JOHN MAYER / INDO-JAZZ FUSIONS ~ INJA FMR 069 ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000 British violinist / composer John MayerFind albums by this artist invented the fusion between Jazz and traditional Indian music in the 1960s, when he and the brilliant saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist co-led an ensemble, which recorded a series of groundbreaking albums which fused the two musical genres, being one of the pioneers of Jazz-World Fusion. Unfortunately the ensemble ceased to exist when Harriott died tragically in 1973. From that time on Meyer continued his work mainly in the field of Classical music, but by the end of 1990s he formed a new ensemble called Indo-Jazz FusionsFind albums by this artist and recorded with them a series of superb albums until his death in 2004. The ensemble was a nonet and included Mayer on violin and eight young but extremely talented musicians, with his son Jonathan MayerFind albums by this artist on sitar, Harjinda MataruFind albums by this artist on tabla, James McDowallFind albums by this artist on flute, Carlos Lopez-RealFind albums by this artist on saxophone, David SmithFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Simon ColamFind albums by this artist on piano, David FosterFind albums by this artist on bass and Andrew BrattFind albums by this artist on drums. Mayer wrote most of the fantastic music performed by the ensemble, but the great Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist composed the title track of this album. The music is a direct continuation of the stuff the Mayer-Harriott group was doing, missing of course Harriott’s virtuosity, but nevertheless still formidable. Mayer’s beautiful melodies are perfect vehicles for the improvised passages and solos by the ensemble’s members and everything falls into place just flawlessly. One can hardly imagine a better cross-pollination between cultures and we should all be grateful to Mayer for pursuing this wonderful dream. Delightful!

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GARY WRIGHT ~ THE DREAM WEAVER / THE LIGHT OF SMILES / TOUCH AND GONE / HEADIN` HOME BGO 1334 (Barcode: 5017261213341) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 - 1979 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of the third to sixth albums by American vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Gary WrightFind albums by this artist, recorded after his return to the US following several years he spent in the UK. Wright was a founding member of the legendary Progressive Rock group Spooky ToothFind albums by this artist, where he was the lead singer, organ player and principal songwriter. Following the first breakup of the group Wright recorded his first two solo albums, and later re-united Spooky Tooth, which disbanded again in 1974. The four albums included here, recorded between 1975 and 1979, are newly remastered and offer an excellent sound quality. These four albums present a unique approach to Rock music, based mainly on extensive use of acoustic and electronic keyboard instruments, and the music included on the first three albums is performed entirely, except for the drum parts, using a plethora of keyboard instruments played by Wright and other keyboardists like David FosterFind albums by this artist, Bobby LyleFind albums by this artist, Peter ReilichFind albums by this artist and others. Only the last of the albums included here includes guitars and other instruments. Wright is an extraordinary songweaver and his wonderful songs are among the finest Classic Rock ever produced. Combined with his superb vocal qualities and virtuosic keyboard performances he is a true Master of the trade. His music is deeply influenced by Blues, Soul, Rhythm And Blues and Rock, which he manages to amalgamate into a completely personal songwriting style, which suits his theatrical vocal pyrotechnics ideally. Although his work with Spooky Tooth is perhaps in retrospect his most ambitious and rewarding, his solo albums offer a remarkable collection of Classic Rock, sadly almost completely forgotten today. This reissue is a splendid occasion to revisit this music for those who heard it originally at the time it was first released and for younger listeners a window of opportunity to discover true music, nothing like what passes as music today.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 13/08/2019

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend