Record Reviews

JORGE PESCARA ~ GROOVES IN THE TEMPLE VOICEPRINT BRASIL 114 ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Jorge PescaraFind albums by this artist is a young Brazilian bass player. With the technique worthy of Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist and the sublime feel for the groove, he is a sensation in every respect. On this, his debut album, he is supported by virtually every great Brazilian jazz master, including Dom Um RomaoFind albums by this artist, Luiz BonfaFind albums by this artist, the legendary Eumir DeodatoFind albums by this artist and many many more. The album took 4 years of careful recording and the result is exceptional. The music, mostly written by Pescara, includes also tunes by Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist and Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, showing his rock roots as well. Definitely groovy!

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WEATHER REPORT ~ LIVE IN BERLIN 1971 GAD 271 (Barcode: 5903068124884) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2023 This is a sensational 2CD live archival album by the legendary Fusion supergroup Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, captured soon after the release of their eponymous debut album just a few months earlier. The lineup includes Austrian keyboardist Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, Czech bassist Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist, American drummer Alphonse MouzonFind albums by this artist and Brazilian percussionist Dom Um RomaoFind albums by this artist, who replaced the founding member, also Brazilian percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, on three of which the quintet is expanded into an octet with the presence of Swedish trombonist Eje ThelinFind albums by this artist and British saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and John SurmanFind albums by this artist. This particular album is completely unique for several reasons. This early lineup of Weather Report has almost no other live recordings, except for the Japanese only “Live In TokyoFind albums with this title” album. The music is characterized by highly improvised, often completely Free Jazz approach, before the group gradually shifted into the more melodic / Funky vein, which sounded completely different from the early period. Also the presence of the three musicians from outside the group’s lineup is of course unprecedented. Additionally, the fact that half of the tracks here last for well over ten minutes in duration, and the entire album lasts for two hours, emphasizes the highly improvised nature of the music. In short, this album presents mostly the less known side of Weather Report, which reflects their most ambitious, creative and challenging period. It is worth to remember that although the group was formed in the US, it was never a typical American act, and when all the European elements were finally gone, it lost most of its initial impact before eventually falling apart. On the other hand, if the group would have continued in the same direction of advanced improvisation, it probably would have never achieved the popularity and fame they did achieve at their peak. Overall, this album is a true revelation in every respect, and for the many Weather Report fans worldwide, it is an eye (ear) opener, which they can’t miss. The fact that it was released by a Polish reissues label GADFind albums on this label Records speaks volumes of the label’s initiative to uncover past musical treasures. This music is beyond essential!

Updated: 05/01/2024Posted: 05/01/2024

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