Record Reviews

PHILIP CATHERINE ~ SEPTEMBER MAN EDEL CONTENT 4029759088806 (Barcode: 4029759088806) ~ BELGIUM ~ Jazz Recorded: 1988 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of a beautiful album by Belgian Jazz Guitar virtuoso / composer Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio which also includes Dutch bassist Hein Van De GeynFind albums by this artist and Italian (living in France) drummer Aldo RomanoFind albums by this artist. Together they perform ten pieces, three of which are original compositions by Catherine, one is an original composition by Van De Geyn and the remaining six are standards. Catherine recording career goes back to the early 1970s and he has always been one of the greatest European Jazz guitarist and my personal favorite. His unique touch and approach to the instrument, which amalgamates the Genius of Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist with modern Jazz and Jazz-Rock idioms, has been an inexhaustible source of superb musical achievements. This intimate album is his seventh release as a leader, and is often neglected even by his fans, but in many respects it presents him at his best, playing almost acoustically and supported amicably and skillfully by his partners. The guitar is up front here, which enables us to hear Catherine´s artistry in full, even in the most delicate moments. Clear traces of Reinhardt´s characteristics are of course present, but those are used out of respect and only as a small part of Catherine´s incredible palette. For guitar aficionados this album is a true treasure chest, which is fascinating from the first note to the very last. Catherine´s fans should enjoy the opportunity to get hold of this timeless gem, which was quite difficult to find before the reissue. All Jazz connoisseurs should find this a most welcome and worthy addition to their music library. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 02/04/2016Posted: 02/04/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LARRY CORYELL / PHILIP CATHERINE ~ SPLENDID WOUNDED BIRD 0153 (Barcode: 664140015326) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 2007 2nd album by this magnificent guitar duo: American Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist and Belgian Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, both established virtuosi with impressive record, who cooperate here to combine their talents in order to create a whole, which is even greater than the sum of its parts. Although both guitarists are mostly known for their activity in Jazz-Rock Fusion, this album presents them in a Jazz setting, partly acoustic and partly electric. The result is a beautiful conversation of two Masters, both technically and aesthetically awe inspiring. The music on this album was written by Coryell and Catherine, but they also play one Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist composition (on this track the German piano giant Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist appears as a guest) and a striking version of a Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist tune. Guitar enthusiasts will find this album essential listening, but it is most interesting to every Jazz lover. This album was unavailable for so many years and seeing it back in circulation is a great pleasure. This is surely one of the most essential guitar albums out there!

Updated: 18/07/2020Posted:

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

LARRY CORYELL / PHILIP CATHERINE ~ TWIN-HOUSE WOUNDED BIRD 0123 (Barcode: 664140012325) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007 1st album by this magnificent guitar duo: American Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist and Belgian Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, both established virtuosi with impressive record, who cooperate here to combine their talents in order to create a whole, which is even greater than the sum of its parts. Although both guitarists are mostly known for their activity in Jazz-Rock Fusion, this album presents them in completely acoustic setting, exchanging riffs, chords and ideas. The result is a beautiful conversation of two Masters, both technically and aesthetically awe inspiring. The music on this album was mostly written by Catherine, but they also play one Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist composition and a striking version of a Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist tune. Guitar enthusiasts will find this album essential listening, but it is interesting to every Jazz lover. This album was unavailable for so many years and seeing it back in circulation is a great pleasure. Enjoy!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DJANGO DELUXE / NDR BIG BAND ~ DRIVING MPS 4029759101857 (Barcode: 4029759101857) ~ GERMANY ~ Gypsy Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the 2nd album by the delightful Gypsy Jazz German Django DeluxeFind albums by this artist trio (solo guitarist Giovanni WeissFind albums by this artist, rhythm guitarist Robert WeissFind albums by this artist and bassist Jeffrey WeissFind albums by this artist), recorded with the brilliant German NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, conducted by Jorg Achim KellerFind albums by this artist and guests like guitarist Stochelo RosenbergFind albums by this artist and others. The album presents eleven tracks, four composed by Giovanni Weiss, one by Rosenberg, two are Jazz standards and the rest are from various sources. All the music was arranged by Keller and beautifully recorded at the NDR studio. The music is absolutely divine, a superb mixture of Gypsy Swing and Big Band arrangements, simply breathtakingly performed by all the musicians involved. Giovanni Weiss plays some incredible soli here and so do the guests and several of the NDR members. Of course the spirit and soul of Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist is strongly present for the entire duration and I can’t recall any other contemporary recording of this kind, which combines Gypsy Jazz and Big Band? For some strange reason the trio somehow disappeared following the recording of this album, which is simply inexplicable. I’d really love to hear more from them, but alas nothing seems to be available. Overall, this is an absolute bliss and joy of an album, obviously for Gypsy Jazz lovers, but honestly I can’t imagine any Jazz lover on this planet not loving this music to bits!

Updated: 16/02/2025Posted: 16/02/2025

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

MIKI GAVRIELOV / SWING DE GITANES ~ MIKI GAVRIELOV / SWING DE GITANES HIGH FIDELITY (Barcode: 7290013014375) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 Veteran Israeli bassist / vocalist / songwriter Miki GavrielovFind albums by this artist, who belongs to the first generation of Israeli Rockers (he was the bass player of the legendary ChurchillsFind albums by this artist), remains a central figure on the local scene. With hundreds of songs to his credit and cooperation with the most famous and revered Israeli artists (like Arik EinsteinFind albums by this artist), Gavrielov earned a well deserved reputation of superb songwriter. In parallel he re-discovered his ethnic background and incorporated many World Music elements in his music over the years. This superb album brings him together with the Israeli Gypsy Jazz trio Swing De GitanesFind albums by this artist, which for several years developed a unique style of acoustic Jazz in the tradition of Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist. The album presents new original music composed almost entirely by Gavrielov and performed by him with the trio and a few guest musicians. The cooperation works out splendidly and the result is a true little gem, which can be enjoyed by any music lover blessed by open ears and mind alike.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

STEPHANE GRAPPELLI ~ YOUNG DJANGO MPS 042281567223 (Barcode: 042281567223) ~ FRANCE ~ Gypsy Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 1984 This is a reissue of an album by the legendary French violinist / composer Stephane GrappelliFind albums by this artist (aged 71 at the time of the recording, dedicated to the music of Jazz icon Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist. The album is completely acoustic and features two brilliant guitarists: Belgian Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist and American Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, and Danish bassist Niels-Henning Orsted PedersenFind albums by this artist. It presents nine tracks, seven of which were composed by Grappelli and Reinhardt between 1934 and 1939, and one each by Catherine and Coryell. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and includes his liner notes. The sound quality, clarity and warmth of this album are truly exceptional. Grappelli and Reinhardt founded the Quintette du Hot Club de FranceFind albums by this artist in 1934, which is considered the first original European Jazz ensemble, which mixed many European musical traditions with Swing in a most unique way. That music can be heard here, in a somewhat updated form, performed by four outstanding virtuosi, and it still sounds absolutely stunning today. I have been privileged to meet all these musicians in person, but sadly only Catherine is still with us today. Overall, this is a sublime piece of music, which pays tribute to the sources of European Jazz with respect and stunning virtuoso performances. Music just doesn’t get much better than this often. Lovers of so called Gypsy Jazz should find this album indispensable of course. Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 25/01/2025Posted: 20/01/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

STEPHANE GRAPPELLI / DIZ DISLEY TRIO ~ VIOLINSPIRATION MPS 4029759097259 (Barcode: 4029759097259) ~ FRANCE ~ Gypsy Jazz Recorded: 1975 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of a little known album by legendary French violinist /composer Stephane GrappelliFind albums by this artist recorded with an excellent trio led by British (born in Canada) guitarist Diz DisleyFind albums by this artist, which also featured another British (born in Burma) guitarist Ike IsaacsFind albums by this artist and Swiss bassist Isla EckingerFind albums by this artist. Disley managed to persuade Grappelli to return to public performance playing music in the style of the original Hot Club de France and this quartet (with some lineup changes) was later called Hot Club of London. On this album they perform thirteen tunes, one of which is an original composition by Grappelli, another one is an original composition by Isaacs and the rest are standards. The album is a beautiful example of the Gypsy Jazz sub genre, and marks a rebirth of the tradition started by Grappelli and Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist in 1934, which can be considered as one of the first significant original European Jazz contributions to Jazz. Grappelli continued the revived tradition playing for years with Disley and then rejuvenating his group with the inclusion of the great British guitarist Martin TaylorFind albums by this artist. This beautifully recorded album remains as one of the finest examples of Grappelli´s virtuosity and the Gypsy Jazz tradition. The performances by all the participants are stellar and the music is simply forever young. As such, this album is an absolute must to all Gypsy Jazz lovers anywhere on this planet. Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 27/05/2018Posted: 08/07/2016

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ MAINZ 1963-1969 SWR JAZZHAUS 101726 (Barcode: 807280172690) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1969 Released: 2013 This album presents a delightful collection of early archival recordings by German guitarists / composer / bandleader Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, one of the most important pioneering European Jazz musicians, who is also often considered as one of the Godfathers of European Jazz-Rock Fusion. The music was recorded by the German Radio during four separate recording sessions that took place in 1963, 1967, 1968 and 1968. The first of these sessions is in a trio format and the rest are quartet recordings featuring vibraphone as the fourth instrument, which was Kriegel´s preferred format. A couple of guest musicians: flautist Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Gustl MayerFind albums by this artist are featured on the third and fourth sessions respectively. By the time the last session on this album was recorded, Kriegel was already a member of the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, an ensemble led by the American (resident in Germany) vibraphonist Dave PikeFind albums by this artist which led to his exposure. This was followed by Kriegel leading several ensembles and recording as a solo artist and also the creation of the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist by the late 1970 with other European Fusion musicians. Kriegel sadly died in 2003, aged only 60 at the time, an immense loss to the European Jazz scene. The material presented on this album gives a fascinating glimpse at the development Kriegel moved through in his early days, from playing quite traditionally on the first session, sounding like many American guitarist at the time (Joe PassFind albums by this artist, Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist) and playing standards, gradually changing his approach and reaching his personal style and phrasing and playing original compositions. From the very first moments it is quite obvious that Kriegel has something in him, which makes his playing unique. He is first and foremost a European Artist and even in the first sessions there are definite echoes of Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist in parallel to the American influences. Similarly to the BBC in Britain, the German broadcasting bodies (radio and TV) in the various regions (Federal States) are an endless source of recordings of local and international artists in all genres. Hopefully more projects like this one will see the light of day soon, as these treasures are definitely too important to lay forgotten. Overall this is an excellent album of great historic importance, especially for European Jazz fans, with great sound quality and superb material, which definitely deserves to be listened to. Well done!

Updated: 31/03/2021Posted: 30/01/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DJANGO REINHARDT ~ DJANGO REINHARDT ON VOGUE - COMPLETE EDITION (1934-1951) SONY 887254446927 (Barcode: 887254446927) ~ BELGIUM ~ Jazz Recorded: 1934 - 1951 Released: 2012 This superb Box Set contains all the music recorded by the legendary Belgian-born Romani (Gypsy) guitarist / composer Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist for the French VogueFind albums on this label label. Reinhardt lived near Paris since his early childhood and most of his musical activities were carried out in France and with French musicians. These recordings cover his entire career since the period he first discovered Jazz in the early 1930s and until his untimely death at the age of 43 in 1953. Reinhardt is considered to be the Godfather of modern guitar, in Jazz as well as in Rock. His playing influenced countless guitarists all over the years and is still considered exemplary today. He is also considered as a pioneer, who made the guitar a central instrument in Jazz. His close ties with the Gypsy folklore and his ability to incorporate it into his playing gave birth to the Gypsy Jazz subgenre, which enjoys tremendous popularity to this very day. But perhaps most importantly he was the first original European Jazz musician of fame and influence, who preceded the birth of European Jazz by three decades. Most of the music in this Box Set was recorded by the Quintette du Hot Club de FranceFind albums by this artist, which Reinhardt co-founded with French violinist and life-time collaborator Stephane GrappelliFind albums by this artist. This revolutionary and pioneering all-strings Jazz quintet demonstrated a completely new approach to Jazz improvisation and thanks to Reinhardt´s and Grappelli´s virtuosity achieved a worldwide following and admiration. Immediately after WW II Reinhardt visited the USA and managed to record with the Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist Orchestra and other American bands; these recordings are also included herein. The contents of this Box Set in undoubtedly some of the most iconic Jazz music ever recorded, which still universally reverberates in contemporary music regardless of genre. Reinhardt´s legend lives on, inspiring young musicians to pick up the instrument and create new sounds, which is exactly what Django would have wanted. Essential stuff for mental health!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

SINTI SWING QUINTET ~ BEI MIR BIST DU SCHON EDEL CONTENT 4029759080558 (Barcode: 4029759080558) ~ GERMANY ~ Gypsy Jazz Recorded: 1986 Released: 2012 This is a reissue (first time on CD) of the excellent album by the East German Gypsy Jazz ensemble Sinti Swing QuintetFind albums by this artist, which comprised of lead guitarists Fredi AnsinFind albums by this artist and Hans LauenbergerFind albums by this artist, rhythm guitarist Wilfried AnsinFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Alfred AnsinFind albums by this artist and violinist Bernd HuberFind albums by this artist. They perform fourteen Gypsy / Swing Jazz pieces, twelve of which are standards and two are originals by the band members. The music is kept strictly in the Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist / Stephane GrappelliFind albums by this artist Hot Club de FranceFind albums by this artist tradition. These familiar tunes serve as vehicles for the band members to show their virtuosi skills and the album does not disappoint in that respect (or any other respect for that matter). As a matter of fact this is one of the best Gypsy Jazz album recorded after the Godfathers of the genre no longer performed. The album is also excellently recorded and altogether is simply a joyful experience from start to finish. For Gypsy Jazz fans this is a great opportunity to discover a little known, but excellent album they should enjoy immensely. Side Note: As all the East European countries under the Socialist regime, East Germany, or DDR as it was known at the time, had only one state owned and controlled Music Company, which released most of its productions on the AmigaFind albums on this label label. Among the many Amiga releases the legendary "orange J" series was dedicated to Jazz recordings, many of which were licenses from the West, but others were original productions, mostly of Jazz made in DDR. Some of these releases, like the one described above, were absolute gems. Following the unification of Germany, the Amiga albums disappeared from the face of the earth and only in 2012 a German label reissued 15 Amiga Jazz albums on CD. They are all worth checking out!

Updated: 04/06/2016Posted: 04/06/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BARTOSZ SMORAGIEWICZ ~ HUSTLE & BUSTLE ARTISTS RECORDS ~ POLAND ~ Gypsy Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by the Polish ensemble led by clarinetist / saxophonist / composer Bartosz SmoragiewiczFind albums by this artist, which also includes violinist Marcin SkabaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Sebastian IwanowiczFind albums by this artist and bassist Piotr DomagalskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by the leader. The music is an updated version of early Gypsy Jazz ensembles going back to the legacy of Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist, with uses the tango and the waltz as departure points into improvisation, all kept within the melodic and harmonic conventions set up eighty years ago. The acoustic quartet lineup is also faithful to the tradition, although clarinet and violin are not the first association fans of Gypsy Jazz would come up with. Nevertheless the music is all coherent and well weaved, with plenty of excellent melodies and vitality, which are the core of this idiom. Some other musical traditions can be also found within this music, like Hassidic and Spanish motifs Smoragiewicz, who studied with my friend Leszek ZadloFind albums by this artist in Germany, is obviously a very proficient and talented player and his clarinet work is excellent. Skaba plays very nice violin parts and Iwanowicz, although slightly less present as a soloist, plays excellent accompaniment. Domagalski stands solidly in the background serving as the backbone of the quartet´s performances. Although on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, this is overall a very enjoyable album, which at the same shows a high quality of composition and performance and keeps the Gypsy Jazz tradition alive. Definitely worth investigation!

Updated: 03/04/2018Posted: 03/04/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ JAZZ ON VOGUE SONY 887254437727 (Barcode: 887254437727) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1947 - 1957 Released: 2013 This incredible Box Set collects 35 early Jazz albums released on the legendary French Jazz labels: Disques VogueFind albums on this label founded in 1947 and its subsidiary SwingFind albums on this label, which was originally established in Paris in 1937 by Charles DelaunayFind albums by this artist and passed to Vogue in 1948. The music was recorded during the first post WWII decade (1947-1957) and features both American Jazz artists, who visited France or lived in France at the time as well as European Jazz artists. Paris was at the time the European Jazz center, which corresponded splendidly with its status as the European intellectual center, which produced dramatic and groundbreaking developments in European Philosophy, Plastic Arts, Cinema, Literature and of course music. Most of these albums were originally released on 10-inch LPs, which had a time limit under half an hour, and therefore they are arranged here to span over 20 CDs, each well over an hour long. The music was beautifully remastered and sounds remarkably fresh and vibrant. The list of the performers reads like a who´s who of American Jazz at the time: Dizzy GillespieFind albums by this artist, Roy EldridgeFind albums by this artist, Sidney BechetFind albums by this artist, Mary Lou WilliamsFind albums by this artist, Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist, Lionel HamptonFind albums by this artist, Clifford BrownFind albums by this artist, Jimmy RaneyFind albums by this artist, Oscar PettifordFind albums by this artist, Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist, Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist, Lalo SchifrinFind albums by this artist and many others. The Europeans (French and Belgian in this case) are represented by Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist, Martial SolalFind albums by this artist, Bobby JasparFind albums by this artist, Henri RenaudFind albums by this artist, Rene ThomasFind albums by this artist, Andre HodeirFind albums by this artist, Barney WilenFind albums by this artist and many others. Stylistically the music spans quite a wide range of Jazz sub-genres, from New Orleans via Swing, Bee Bop, Cool and Early European Modern Jazz. Of course all of it is absolutely classic stuff as far as Jazz history is concerned and is essentially timeless. The most astonishing discovery, in retrospect, is the fact that the European musicians at that early stage already hold their ground opposite the Americans, showing early signs of a much more open-minded approach and a will to step beyond the American dominated Jazz conventions of the time. Many of these albums were never before released on CD; some of them are ultra-rare collectors´ items since decades. For example the three early Martial Solal releases (collected on CD number 6) are absolutely stunning examples of modern European piano trio recordings, which is decades ahead of its time, as are several other albums in this set. This is an essential collection for any serious Jazz connoisseur, which covers a huge void in many record collections. This box is worth its price (which is very reasonable) in gold and should serve as an example of how reissue projects should be produced. An absolute must!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 20 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend