Record Reviews
12 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ARMAZÉM ABAPORU ~ PEDRA GRANDE
EDITIO PRINCEPS 11 (Barcode: 7898901556114) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2001 - 2005 Released: 2007
1st album by the excellent Brazilian group Armazém AbaporuFind albums by this artist, which continues the work of distinguished Brazilian Masters Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist and Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist. Their music is a wonderful amalgam of traditional Brazilian music with Jazz and Prog. All six members of the group are excellent instrumentalists and the compositions are truly outstanding - complex both rhythmically and melodically, yet enormously enjoyable. This is one of the cleverest Jazz and World Music combinations I’ve ever heard and repeated listening reveals new aspects of the music every time. This new edition includes their debut album recorded in 2001 (and released privately) and live material recorded in France during their 2005 tour. This is essential listening for anybody who wished to expand his or her musical education beyond the trivial and a truly intelligent music.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | PACO DE LUCIA / JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ PACO AND JOHN – LIVE AT MONTREUX 1987
EAR MUSIC 4029759132035 (Barcode: 4029759132035) ~ SPAIN ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1987 Released: 2016
This is a 2CD live album documenting the 1987 appearance by the guitar duo of Spanish guitar virtuoso Paco De LuciaFind albums by this artist and British guitar wizard John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist at the Montreux Jazz Festival. The two recorded a couple of revolutionary guitar trio albums in the early 1980s together wit American guitarist Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, which achieved worldwide acclaim and were superb examples of the Jazz-World Music Fusion. Almost a decade after the concert captured here (in 1996) the trio reunited to record their final album together. The album presents nine tracks (one a medley of two compositions), two solo (one each) and then seven duo performances, which include original compositions by De Lucia and McLaughlin, a Jazz standard, and one composition each by Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist. The music is excellently recorded and allows all the subtle nuances of the two guitars to be heard perfectly.
The music and the performances are of course Godly by any standard, as these two musicians are perfectly bonded not only by their sublime talents but also a deep personal friendship and affinity. After years of playing together they created a wonderful amalgam of their individual playing styles and idiosyncrasies, which separately are almost unbridgeable, into a perfect unity. The music bridges genres and styles, cultural influences and playing techniques, which of course is quite common today but was less obvious at the time.
It is important to understand that this music goes far beyond showing off individual talents, and is first and foremost and attempt to bring people together. It is also completely universal and although obviously immediately appealing to lovers of the guitar, in is able to penetrate the heart of every true music connoisseur. The passing time made it vividly clear that this music is absolutely timeless and should be cherished forever!
| | Updated: 01/08/2020Posted: 01/08/2020 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | EGBERTO GISMONTI ~ SAUDACOES
ECM 2082/83 (Barcode: 602517972803) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2006 - 2007 Released: 2009
This is a wonderful album by Brazilian multi-instrumentalist / guitarist / composer Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist, one of the most important pioneers of Jazz-World Fusion and contemporary Classical artist. This 2CD release presents two different sides of his work: the first is a seven-piece suite for orchestra, performed by the all-woman Cuban chamber orchestra Camerata RomeuFind albums by this artist, led and conducted by Zenaida RomeuFind albums by this artist; the second is a series of acoustic guitar duets with his son Alexandre GismontiFind albums by this artist. Although very different form each other, both these discs are perfect examples of the infinite riches of music available out there, which only wait to be discovered. The chamber suite incorporates some Brazilian music elements, but is kept very much in the spirit of European Romantic tradition, with moody, melancholic melody lines gently flowing in and out of focus. The performance is absolutely stunning, both emotionally and technically. The guitar duets are of course much more immediate and energetic, performed with obvious virtuosity and total dedication to the music. Gismonti´s familiar tunes never sounded better. Overall this is an extraordinary musical journey, which serious music connoisseurs should be delighted with from start to finish. Highly recommended!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRUPO UM ~ MARCHA SOBRE A CIDADE
EDITIO PRINCEPS 01 ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2002
This is the reissue of the debut album by legendary Brazilian Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, which was the pioneering Jazz-Rock-World Fusion ensemble in the country. The group was founded by musicians who played with legendary Brazilian figures like Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist and Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist and consisted of brothers Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist (drums), bassist Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist, percussionist Carlinhos GoncalvesFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Mauro SeniseFind albums by this artist. This reissue presents the original album (six tracks) with two bonus tracks, one being an outtake and the other originating from the first attempt to record this album two years earlier, which features saxophonist Roberto SionFind albums by this artist. All the material is original and was composed by the ensemble members, mainly by the Nazario brothers.
Stylistically the album is close to the early Weather ReportFind albums by this artist albums, but with more emphasis on the Brazilian folkloristic accents and in many respects with more freedom and space. Of course this was almost a decade after the early Weather Report albums were recorded and the influence took its time to reach Brazil, but Grupo Um really showed they can do it as good if not better and with vengeance. Some of the free form passages on this album are among the best ever in this particular idiom and in retrospect leave many contemporary ensembles way behind.
Although it might sound pompous or over exaggerated, this album is an absolute classic of the Jazz-Rock-World Fusion idiom, with very few equals and in almost forty years since it was recorded there was hardly anything better recorded in this style than this album. It took me ten years to get a copy of this album (courtesy of Zé Eduardo) but it was more than worth the wait. It is an eye (ear) opener of a monumental scale and although it´s impossible to find, try to get it!
| | Updated: 08/08/2016Posted: 08/08/2016 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HADEN / GARBAREK / GISMONTI ~ MAGICO
ECM 1151 (Barcode: 042282347428) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1979 Released: 1985
This wonderful and by now Classic album by US bassist Charlie HadenFind albums by this artist, Norwegian saxophonist Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist and Brazilian guitarist / pianist Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist is one of the great recordings of Jazz-World Fusion, proving that music has absolutely no borders and people from completely different cultural / artistic backgrounds are capable of finding common ground and compliment each other. These three brilliant musicians play together, creating a perfect unison, which is evident from the onset. The five pieces they perform include two composed by Gismonti and one each by Haden and Garbarek, with the fifth being another Brazilian tune. The interaction and exchange of musical ideas is absolutely magical, as the album´s title promises. As already said, this is an absolute classic and a must in any serious music collection!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MAREK NAPIORKOWSKI ~ HIPOKAMP
AGORA 5903111493905 (Barcode: 5903111493905) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019
This is an album by Polish guitarist / composer Marek NapiorkowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with keyboardist Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Pawel DobrowolskiFind albums by this artist and Brazilian percussionist Luis RibeiroFind albums by this artist. Veteran saxophonist Adam PieronczykFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents nine tracks, six of which are original compositions by Napiorkowski, two are arrangements of songs by David BowieFind albums by this artist and one is by the great Brazilian composer Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist.
It is enormously satisfying to see an Artist achieving a status of stability and security, where his authority / ability / talent are not repeatedly questioned and where he does not have to prove anything any more, all this as a result of consistent hard work and good judgment as to the consecutive steps of his vocation. Napiorkowski is a prime example of such an Artist, enjoying a carefully weaved career built step by step, always surrounded by first class musicians and never resting comfortably on his laurels.
This album is full of surprises, starting with the very unusual lineup: basically a duo of guitar and keyboards supported by a rhythmic backbone. The wonderfully multi-talented Smoczynski is able to display the entire palette of his keyboard wizardry, including the beautiful Hammond Organ parts and of course supplying the bass lines in this bass-less setting. Dobrowolski is right on the money with his dynamic and beautifully tasteful drumming and Ribeiro ornaments the proceedings with stylish percussion parts. Pieronczyk does not disappoint either, and his elegant lyrical saxophone parts suit the music ideally.
The original compositions by Napiorkowski offer wonderfully coherent melody lines, which are expanded into non-trivial improvisations, at times touching upon imaginative Free Form sections. The two Bowie songs receive unique arrangements, taking the original melody contents into unexpected territory. The Gismonti piece, although very brief, expresses Napiorkowski´s admiration of the Brazilian Genius and fellow guitarist. The entire album offers a wonderful flow and continuity, which turns it into a superb listening experience.
Overall this is another excellent step in Napiorkowski´s well paved career, finding him searching and exploring, which of course is commendable. For the lack of a better definition, this is a beautiful example of intelligent and innovative Fusion, which points out that the idiom is far from being stale, when in great hands. Respect Maestro!
| | Updated: 20/12/2019Posted: 20/12/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZÉ EDUARDO NAZARIO ~ POEMA DA GOTA SERENA E OUTROS POEMAS
EDITIO PRINCEPS 22 (Barcode: 7898901556220) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1977 - 2004 Released: 2014
This is a reissue of the debut solo album by Brazilian drummer / composer Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist entitled "Poema Da Gota SerenaFind albums with this title", remastered and expanded by a plethora of bonus material and as a result presenting a fifty years career spanning retrospective release. Most of the music on this album was composed by Zé Eduardo Nazario, except for one piece composed by his brother / keyboardist Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist and three others that are improvised pieces.
The debut solo album was recorded simultaneously with the recording of the third album by Grupo UmFind albums by this artist ("A Flor De Plastico IncineradaFind albums with this title"), of which he and his brother were members at the time. It consists of just two expanded pieces, each occupying one side of the original LP. Both are duets, first with saxophonist / flautist CacauFind albums by this artist and the second with Lelo Nazario on keyboards.
The bonus material includes unreleased recordings by Grupo Um, the duet with his brother called Duo NazarioFind albums by this artist and the group Quinteto ZenFind albums by this artist, spanning the years 1977 to 2004.
The overall level of the music is of course outstanding, as expected. The debut album is of course the most interesting material on this album both for historical / discographical reasons and the fact that it presents extremely bold ventures into Free Jazz and Improvised Music, which were completely pioneering at the time on the Brazilian scene. The Grupo Um material originates from a soundtrack the group was commissioned to create before they recorded their debut album. The Quinteto Zen material returns to the Jazz-World Fusion concept of interpretation of Brazilian music elements combined with Jazzy improvisations.
The album´s liner notes list a few dozen albums which feature Zé Eduardo Nazario contributions, including those by Brazilian legends like Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist, Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist and many others, which obviously are evidence of his many talents. This album is therefore a much deserved tribute to his life´s achievements. People interested in Brazilian music in general and Brazilian Jazz-Rock-World Fusion in particular should find this album indispensible.
| | Updated: 12/08/2016Posted: 11/08/2016 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | NENĘ ~ MINUANO / BUGRE
EDITIO PRINCEPS 09 (Barcode: 7898901556091) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1982 - 1985 Released: 2005
3rd and 1st albums (recorded 1985 & 1982) by Brazilian Master drummer, percussionist and pianist NenęFind albums by this artist, who is one of the icons of Brazilian Jazz. Nenę played for many years in groups led by Brazilian superstars Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist and Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist, and later established himself on the international scene by participating in many recordings by some of the most important Jazz musicians around the world. This wonderful reissue brings back to light two of his solo albums, which were impossible to find for years. “MinuanoFind albums with this title” was recorded in France with several superb Brazilian musicians and French guests. It is considered as one of the best Brazilian Jazz albums and a masterpiece on its own right. “BurgeFind albums with this title” was recorded in Rio De Janeiro with the participation of the best Brazilian players at the time and is also exceptionally good. All Brazilian Jazz lovers will have a feast with this music, with the wonderful melodies, samba and bossa nova rhythmic intricacies and superb performances by the soloists, all this in addition to the excellent composition and arrangements all by Nenę. Brilliant!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NIVALDO ORNELAS ~ Ŕ TARDE / VIAGEM ATRAVÉS DE UM SONHO
EDITIO PRINCEPS 13 (Barcode: 7898901556138) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1980 - 1983 Released: 2007
2nd and 3rd albums by the legendary Brazilian saxophonist Nivaldo OrnelasFind albums by this artist, who is one of the most prominent players on the local scene for many years. In the 1970s Ornelas was a member in the ensembles led by Brazilian Masters Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist and Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist. He released the album Ŕ TardeFind albums with this title in France and later used some of the tracks on this album and more material to release the Brazilian version of the album called Viagem Através De Um SonhoFind albums with this title. Some 20 top Brazilian Jazz players take part in this recording and it is a true gem, with beautiful melodies and exceptional soloing. Ornelas wrote almost all the music on this album, which is firmly based in both Jazz and Brazilian music, with the flavors of coffee, Carnival, almost naked ladies and relaxed seashores, which come to mind immediately when listening to this sensuous music. To people familiar with Brazilian Jazz this is just another jewel in the crown, and people who enjoy good quality music should really discover this wonderful treasure.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | RAIZ DE PEDRA ~ TRAJETÓRIA
EDITIO PRINCEPS 15 (Barcode: 7898901556152) ~ BRAZIL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1983 - 1987 Released: 2008
1st album by brilliant Brazilian group Raiz De PedraFind albums by this artist, which combines Prog, Jazz and Brazilian elements into a unique experience, rarely achieved by others, released now for the first time on CD. Influenced by a wide scope of music from King CrimsonFind albums by this artist to Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist and of course Brazilian Masters like Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist and Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, their music could be compared to some of the experiments by European RIO groups, but overall they are just completely in their own world, which of course is great. All the band members are splendid instrumentalists but the reeds player Márcio TubinoFind albums by this artist is simply phenomenal. The original album is expanded here with one early (pre album) track and live material taken from their 2nd (recorded live) album "Ao VivoFind albums with this title", which is sadly out of print now. I can wholeheartedly recommend this album to any Prog / RIO/ Jazz-Rock fan, as they will surely not only enjoy it, but also discover a new world of music, which surely deserves to be heard.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | NORMA WINSTONE & JOHN TAYLOR ~ IN CONCERT
ENODOC 005 (Barcode: 5036614000049) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1988 Released: 2018
This is a reissue of an album by the British Jazz "royal couple" vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, released originally only on cassette. The album was recorded live at the Guildhall School of Music in London and presents eight tracks, three of which are standards (one is a medley of two songs), four are compositions by Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist, Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist and Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist (two) to which Winstone wrote words or vocal parts, and one is a composition by Taylor featuring Winstone´s breathtaking vocalese extravaganza. The album offers a wonderfully natural sound quality.
This intimate duo setting is perhaps the best "real time" document of the decades-long musical cooperation of the couple and an archetypical example of the vocals / piano "Art of the Duo" idiom, as well as an embodiment of the British Jazz spirit, which these two marvelous musicians have always personified.
The individual performances by Winstone and Taylor are of course stellar, as expected. She is perfect both as a singer of lyrics and improviser using vocalese, and her divine sense of melody and rhythm are a class of its own. He touches the keyboards with precision and wonderful dynamics, and above all with incomparable elegance and fluidity.
But it is the amalgam of the creative flow created by these two personas which is simply unstoppable, resulting in an effect way beyond the sum of the individual contributions. The telepathic communication and emotional unity of the couple is absolutely astounding, serving as a timeless example of the effectiveness of the "less is more" principle.
I can hardly think of an album that deserves the "classic" status more than this one. A hidden gem that listeners had to wait for thirty years to be able to enjoy, is finally here and offers sixty minutes of pure musical delight and an essential piece of British Jazz legacy.
British Jazz fans and all true music lovers around the globe should find this irresistible and one can hope this music will reach a much wider audience than at the time of its original release. Beyond essential!
| | Updated: 09/04/2020Posted: 09/04/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Essential Recommend To A Friend |
|
