Record Reviews
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  | BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS ~ AMARYLLIS
SI-WAN 0035 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album from 1971. Extremely obscure, includes the lengthy title suite based on a poem, which was comissioned by the Edinburough Festival. A superb example of Folk / Prog and the much loved poetry & music genre popular at the time. Some legendary players perform on the album, including Danny Thompson and Terry Cox from Pentangle.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS ~ AMARYLLIS
SUNBEAM 5027 (Barcode: 5051125502714) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
3rd and last album by Scottish duo Bread, Love And DreamsFind albums by this artist, which included singer David McNivenFind albums by this artist, who also wrote most of the material, and female singer Angie RewFind albums by this artist. The group started originally as a trio with another female singer Carolyn DavisFind albums by this artist and they recorded their debut album a year earlier. After Carolyn left to pursue a solo career, the duo engaged in an extensive recording project, which produced enough material for a double album. Unfortunately the record label (Decca) refused to issue a double album (originally intended to be called “Mother Earth”) and as a result the first of the two was released a few month earlier under the title The Strange Tale Of Captain Shannon And The Hunchback From GighaFind albums with this title, taken from the title of the epic song included on that album, and the second a few month later, again taking the title from the epic three-part suite present on this album. The duo was lucky to have some great musicians taking part in the recording sessions, namely Pentangle’s rhythm section of Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist on drums, as well as saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist from ColosseumFind albums by this artist. Some of the songs were also beautifully arranged and orchestrated. The resulting music is a prime example of British Folk-Rock with some Psychedelic influences as well. Although the original albums sold poorly at the time they were released, in time they achieved a legendary status among British Folk-Rock enthusiast and became rare collectors’ items. Having them back in circulation is a long-awaited dream come true and no Acid Folk fan can call his collection complete without these two albums.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS ~ THE STRANGE TALE OF CAPTAIN SHANNON AND THE HUNCHBACK FROM GIGHA
SUNBEAM 5047 (Barcode: 5051125504718) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
2nd album by Scottish duo Bread, Love And DreamsFind albums by this artist, which included singer David McNivenFind albums by this artist, who also wrote most of the material, and female singer Angie RewFind albums by this artist. The group started originally as a trio with another female singer Carolyn DavisFind albums by this artist and they recorded their debut album a year earlier. After Carolyn left to pursue a solo career, the duo engaged in an extensive recording project, which produced enough material for a double album. Unfortunately the record label (DeccaFind albums on this label) refused to issue a double album (originally intended to be called “Mother Earth”) and as a result the first of the two was released under this title, taken from the title of the epic song included on the album, and the second a few month later as AmaryllisFind albums with this title. The duo was lucky to have some great musicians taking part in the recording sessions, namely PentangleFind albums by this artist’s rhythm section of Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist on drums, as well as saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist from ColosseumFind albums by this artist. Some of the songs were also beautifully arranged and orchestrated. The resulting music is a prime example of British Folk-Rock with some Psychedelic influences as well. Although the original albums sold poorly at the time they were released, in time they achieved a legendary status among British Folk-Rock enthusiast and became rare collectors’ items. Having them back in circulation is a long-awaited dream come true and no Acid Folk fan can call his collection complete without these two albums.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BRECKER BROTHERS ~ THE COMPLETE ARISTA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979796225 (Barcode: 886979796225) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1975 - 1980 Released: 2012
Brothers Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist (trumpet / flugelhorn) and Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist (saxophone) are collectively and individually symbols of the American Jazz, Fusion and Funk scenes. They can be credited as co-inventors and pioneers of the American Jazz-Rock Fusion in the late 1960s and early 1970s (DreamsFind albums by this artist, Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist), especially as defining the Brass-Rock movement. By the mid-1970s they founded one of the most iconic and influential ensembles, calling it simply Brecker BrothersFind albums by this artist (or Brecker Bros.Find albums by this artist), which added Funk to the already well defined Fusion genre, creating a unique voice of unparalleled sophistication, feel and vitality, which had little, if any competition.
The Brecker Brothers band existed originally for about six years, recording six marvelous albums between 1975 and 1980 (a reunion band recorded two more albums in early 1990s) The lineup changed over time and in retrospect included the absolute cream of the crop of American Fusion and Funk musicians active at the time: saxophonist David SanbornFind albums by this artist, guitarists Bob MannFind albums by this artist, Steve KhanFind albums by this artist, Barry FinnertyFind albums by this artist and others, keyboardists Don GrolnickFind albums by this artist, George DukeFind albums by this artist and others, bassists Will LeeFind albums by this artist, Neil JasonFind albums by this artist and Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, drummers Harvey MasonFind albums by this artist, Christopher ParkerFind albums by this artist, Terry BozzioFind albums by this artist, Steve GaddFind albums by this artist and others. These names really tell the story, and the collective talents combined with the extraordinary compositions by Randy and Michael and the intricate arrangements created some of the unforgettable music, which still sounds as goof today as it did at the time it was recorded.
This Box Set collects all the original six albums, released on the Arista label, and adds a couple of little known albums recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1978, originally called "Blue MontreuxFind albums with this title" and "Blue Montreux IIFind albums with this title", which find Randy and Michael in the company of other Jazz luminaries: pianist Warren BernhardtFind albums by this artist, guitarists Steve Khan and Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Mike MainieriFind albums by this artist, bassists Tony LevinFind albums by this artist and Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve JordanFind albums by this artist, performing some Brecker Brothers material and other original compositions, all perfectly executed.
With Michael´s tragic death in 2007, hearing the Brecker Brothers again is no longer possible, so this Box Set is a great tribute to a closed chapter in the history of American music, which should be remembered, as it is timeless and essential. Changing fads and fashions slide away, leaving the solid gold shining…
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICAGO ~ THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1969-1978
RHINO 081227969585 (Barcode: 081227969585) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1978 Released: 2012
This excellent Box Set includes the remastered / expanded versions of the first ten studio albums by the iconic American ensemble ChicagoFind albums by this artist, which defined the American variation of the Brass Rock genre, together with other ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, DreamsFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist, FlockFind albums by this artist and many other less renowned music makers. Chicago were, in retrospect, the most prolific and enduring of them all and are undoubtedly an American Rock legend. They managed to combine incredible songwriting abilities, which resulted in their songs charting, despite the fact that they were hardy chart material, incredible instrumental abilities, superb vocalists and arrangement skills, which amalgamated Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop, producing a unique sound, which managed to stay relevant despite the fads and fashions of the ever changing music scene.
The ten CDs in this box include the first three double albums: “Chicago Transit AuthorityFind albums with this title”, “Chicago (II)Find albums with this title” and “Chicago IIIFind albums with this title” as well as seven single albums: “Chicago VFind albums with this title”, “Chicago VIFind albums with this title”, “Chicago VIIFind albums with this title”, “Chicago VIIIFind albums with this title”, “Chicago XFind albums with this title”, “Chicago XIFind albums with this title” and finally “Hot StreetsFind albums with this title” (a.k.a. “Chicago XIIFind albums with this title”). Not included in the Box Set are “Chicago IVFind albums with this title”, which was a live album and “Chicago IXFind albums with this title”, which was a Greatest Hits compilation.
All the albums, except the last one, were recorded by a steady lineup, which of course helped to establish a polished style and superb interplay. The lineup included bassist Peter CeteraFind albums by this artist, guitarist Terry KathFind albums by this artist (who died tragically in early 1978), keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist, trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Walter ParaziderFind albums by this artist and drummer Danny SeraphineFind albums by this artist. Percussionist Laudir de OlivieraFind albums by this artist joined the group in 1973.
Overall, this Box Set is an unbelievable treasure chest of incredible music and a Bible of American Brass Rock. It features some of the greatest American Rock guitar playing by the hands of Terry Kath, many of the sublimely composed early suites, which can easily be considered as Progressive Rock masterpieces, and simply superb music in general, from start to finish. The remasters improved the sound of the original albums, but the bonus tracks are quite insignificant. No serious music collection can afford not to include this Box Set, even if one owns all the individual albums already. Absolutely essential!
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 23/09/2022Posted: 23/09/2022 | CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICAGO ~ THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1979-2008
RHINO 081227954130 (Barcode: 081227954130) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1979 - 2008 Released: 2015
This is the second Box Set, which includes the remastered / expanded versions of further ten studio albums by the iconic American ensemble ChicagoFind albums by this artist, which defined the American variation of the Brass Rock genre, together with other ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, DreamsFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist, FlockFind albums by this artist and many other less renowned music makers. Chicago were, in retrospect, the most prolific and enduring of them all and are undoubtedly an American Rock legend. They managed to combine incredible songwriting abilities, which resulted in their songs charting, despite the fact that they were hardy chart material, incredible instrumental abilities, superb vocalists and arrangement skills, which amalgamated Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop, producing a unique sound, which managed to stay relevant despite the fads and fashions of the ever changing music scene.
The ten CDs in this box include the following albums: “Chicago 13Find albums with this title”, “Chicago XIVFind albums with this title”, “Chicago 16Find albums with this title”, “Chicago 17Find albums with this title”, “Chicago 18Find albums with this title”, “Chicago 19Find albums with this title”, “Twenty 1Find albums with this title”, “Night & Day: Big BandFind albums with this title”, “Chicago XXXFind albums with this title” and finally “Chicago XXXII Stone Of SisyphusFind albums with this title”. Not included in this Box Set are albums, which were either live albums, Greatest Hits compilations or Christmas compilations.
Chicago managed to maintain a relatively steady lineup, which of course helped to establish a polished style and superb interplay. By the time the last of the albums included in this Box Set was recorded, the following four founding members were still playing in the band: keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist, trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / flautist Walter ParaziderFind albums by this artist. Bassist Jason ScheffFind albums by this artist was in the band since 1985 and drummer Tris ImbodenFind albums by this artist since 1990.
Contrary to popular opinion I totally reject the accusation that Chicago completely lost their initial impact. The fact is that they still produce brilliant music, which gradually went through many changes, as did the entire music scene, but never lost their ability to write superb tunes and play with guts and gusto. The ten albums in this Box Set offer some incredible music and continue the Brass Rock tradition proudly, albeit in many different ways.
Overall, this Box Set is an unbelievable treasure chest of incredible music and a Bible of American Brass Rock. It features simply superb music in general, from start to finish. The remasters improved the sound of the original albums, but the bonus tracks are quite insignificant. No serious music collection can afford not to include this Box Set, even if one owns all the individual albums already. Absolutely essential!
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 25/09/2022Posted: 25/09/2022 | CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DREAMS ~ DREAMS / IMAGINE MY SURPRISE
BGO 0940 (Barcode: 5017261209405) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2010
The fantastic US Jazz-Rock ensemble DreamsFind albums by this artist, which unfortunately recorded only two albums, both included here, was one of the best examples of the American branch of Brass-Rock, a relatively short-lived sub genre of Jazz-Rock, which also included such superb ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist and a few others. Dreams originated in NY and had a somewhat flexible lineup of associated musicians, but the importance of these two albums is mainly due to the fact that they provided a debut recording opportunity to some of the genre´s most iconic figures: brothers -Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist (trumpet) - and drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist. Other Dreams members were already established figures on the scene, like bassist Doug LubahnFind albums by this artist (DoorsFind albums by this artist), guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Don GrolnickFind albums by this artist. Other group members were keyboardist / guitarist Jeff KentFind albums by this artist, trombonist Barry RogersFind albums by this artist, vocalist Edward VernonFind albums by this artist, bassist Will LeeFind albums by this artist and guitarist / trumpeter Bob MannFind albums by this artist. Musically the group mixed genres freely, with Jazz, Funk, Rock and Soul adopted at will and beautifully arranged to create some of the most memorable sounds of the period. The music is just perfect; although spontaneous and improvised, every note is just exactly where it belongs, every drum beat precisely on time, every phrase brilliantly placed, every tempo change and every instrumental solo and above all the overall interplay are just what a music fun needs – pure genius. It is hard to believe that a bunch of young musician was capable of producing such magnificent music, but then on the other hand considering that Dreams seeded Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Brecker BrothersFind albums by this artist and many other heroes of the Jazz and Fusion scene, perhaps one should not wonder. I own both these albums since the day they were released and have listened to them repeatedly over the years, always enjoying myself immensely and it was me who suggested to BGOFind albums on this label to reissue them – I´m glad they did! Now many more potential listeners have the opportunity to hear them as well – enjoy as this is essential stuff!
| | Updated: 28/02/2024Posted: | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATRIX ~ TALE OF THE WHALE
WOUNDED BIRD 3360 (Barcode: 664140336025) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2009
3rd album by the excellent instrumental US Jazz-Rock Fusion nonet MatrixFind albums by this artist, which continued the tradition of early 1970s brass influenced Fusion bands like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, DreamsFind albums by this artist and ChaseFind albums by this artist. Led by keyboardist John HarmonFind albums by this artist, who wrote and arranged most of the band´s material, the band also included trumpeters Larry DarlingFind albums by this artist, Kurt DietrichFind albums by this artist, Mike HaleFind albums by this artist and Jeff PietrageloFind albums by this artist, saxophonist John KirchbergerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Brad McDougallFind albums by this artist, superb bassist Randy TicoFind albums by this artist and drummer Mike MurphyFind albums by this artist. They played very interesting composition, elegantly arranged for the brass section, which was supported by a brilliant rhythm section. The band never received the appropriate exposure at the time, and therefore their recordings true hidden gems of the genre. This reissue brings them back to life, which is a great opportunity to get familiar with their output, as it is definitely some of the 1970s Fusion ever made. Most warmly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATRIX ~ WIZARD
WOUNDED BIRD 3260 (Barcode: 664140326026) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
2nd album by the excellent instrumental US Jazz-Rock Fusion nonet MatrixFind albums by this artist, which continued the tradition of early 1970s brass influenced Fusion bands like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, DreamsFind albums by this artist and ChaseFind albums by this artist. Led by keyboardist John HarmonFind albums by this artist, who wrote and arranged most of the band´s material, the band also included trumpeters Larry DarlingFind albums by this artist, Kurt DietrichFind albums by this artist, Mike HaleFind albums by this artist and Jeff PietrageloFind albums by this artist, saxophonist John KirchbergerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Brad McDougallFind albums by this artist, superb bassist Randy TicoFind albums by this artist and drummer Mike MurphyFind albums by this artist. They played very interesting composition, elegantly arranged for the brass section, which was supported by a brilliant rhythm section. The band never received the appropriate exposure at the time, and therefore their recordings true hidden gems of the genre. This reissue brings them back to life, which is a great opportunity to get familiar with their output, as it is definitely some of the 1970s Fusion ever made. Most warmly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIRAGE ENSEMBLE ~ MEMORY HAPPENS NOW
LOSEN 128 (Barcode: 7090025831287) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by young Norwegian sextet called Mirage EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which comprises of guitarist Marius IglandFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Joakim BergstronningFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Magnus DragenFind albums by this artist, trombonist Lars SutterudFind albums by this artist, bassist Steinar GlasFind albums by this artist and drummer Jens NylandFind albums by this artist. The album present nine original compositions, seven of which were composed by Igland, one was co-composed by Glas and Nyland and one was composed by Dragen.
The music is dominated by the presence of the brass section, which immediately creates a fond memory of the great Brass Rock bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s, like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, DreamsFind albums by this artist, IfFind albums by this artist and many others, less the vocals of course. There is a strong Jazz-Rock Fusion affinity, even if it´s less explicit here due to lack of guitar as a principal solo instrument. The general level of the compositions is very high and the tunes sound original and are very well structured, often consisting of several motifs within one composition.
The instrumental performances by all the band members are professional and inspired, with most of the soloing done by the brass instruments and with less presence of the guitar, in spite the fact that the guitarist wrote most of the music. The guitar contributions are delicate and subtle, and serve more as the link between the brass and the rhythm sections. The rhythm section plays straightforwardly, but solidly, pushing the music forward at a steady pace, often more Rock than Jazz oriented.
Overall this is an excellent and very promising debut album, which hopefully will be followed by more recordings in the future. Although not innovative or groundbreaking, this is a great reminder of Brass Rock, brought up do date by these young and talented musicians. Well done!
| | Updated: 28/11/2016Posted: 28/11/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOON HOAX ~ MOON HOAX
TKLIWI NIHILISCI ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is an excellent debut album by young Polish Jazz / Fusion ensemble Moon HoaxFind albums by this artist, co-founded by guitarist Michal KarbowskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Ju GhanFind albums by this artist. The lineup is completed by trumpeter Klaudiusz KlosekFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Michal BakFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist / electronic sounds creator Marcin CiupidroFind albums by this artist and drummer Przemyslaw BorowieckiFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Karbowski.
The music of Moon Hoax is a modernized and updated version of Brass Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion movement represented by a plethora of bands active in late 1960s and early 1970s, like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, IfFind albums by this artist, DreamsFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist and many others. If any of those bands would have been active today, they would probably sound quite similar to Moon Hoax, but since Brass Rock is a lost Art Form, this album is a true delight, not only as a kind of retro trip down the nostalgic lane, but as an ass-kicking splendid piece of music, which is fresh and excellent in every respect.
Based on solid melody lines, which are then arranged for the entire ensemble, the music balances between the Jazzy brass section (which sounds much "bigger" than it actually is) and the Rocky guitar, with the vibraphone and electronic sounds filling the spaces and adding the contemporary layer. The rhythm section rocks steadily, but with finesse and great respect for the soloists. There are very few contemporary ensembles which are able to produce such invigorating music of such quality, which puts this album in a class by itself.
Hopefully Moon Hoax will find a way to take this music into the future and find new directions, without loosing the charm. It will be hell to create another such great album as that one; you have been warned!
In the meantime let´s celebrate and enjoy this little gem, as such miracles happen rarely. This is definitely a stunning debut!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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