Record Reviews
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  | HUGH HOPPER ~ JAZZLOOPS / THE STOLEN HOUR
EXPLORE RIGHTS MANAGEMENT 029 (Barcode: 5060105499616) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2001 - 2004 Released: 2023
This is a reissue / remaster of two albums by the iconic British Jazz / Fusion / Prog / Avant-Garde bassist / multi-instrumentalist / composer Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist. Recorded between 2001 and 2004 the albums present collaborations with many invited musicians, like saxophonists Elton DeanFind albums by this artist, Didier MalherbeFind albums by this artist and Simon PicardFind albums by this artist, vocalist / pianist Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, drummers Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, John MarshallFind albums by this artist and many other musicians. “JazzloopsFind albums with this title” presents eleven tracks and “The Stolen HourFind albums with this title” twelve tracks, all originals by Hopper.
The music is mostly Free-Jazz / Improvised Music oriented, but based on steady hypnotic loops and monotonic rhythms, and kept in an Ambient / Industrial mood, creating a highly unusual atmosphere and a drone-like feel. The contrast between the saxophone improvisations and the rhythmic background offer a magic effect, which takes a while to get into, but keeps the listener in constant state of sonic intoxication.
Hopper, who was the omnipresent hero of the Canterbury scene and played in dozens different groups, like Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, IsotopeFind albums by this artist, GilgameshFind albums by this artist, Soft HeapFind albums by this artist and many others and recorded a long list of legendary albums, was also an avid Jazz musician and played with the best British Jazz musicians over the years.
His later years (he died in 2009) were dedicated to recording many projects with different musicians, which were mostly only released posthumously. His collected recorded legacy is truly monumental and he deserves to be remembered as one of the key figures of the British Rock and Jazz Avant-Garde.
Overall, this is a most welcome reissue album, which brings back to life two important albums by Hopper, which were all but gone from the market and deserve to be heard by the young generation of listeners, who most probably never heard of their existence. Warmly recommended for lovers of nontrivial challenging music.
| | Updated: 21/04/2023Posted: 21/04/2023 | CD 2 Remastered 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!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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