Record Reviews

JOHN SURMAN ~ FLASHPOINTS AND UNDERCURRENTS CUNEIFOM 515/516 (Barcode: 045775051529) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2025 This is an archival album by British saxophonist / composer / bandleader John SurmanFind albums by this artist, recorded on April 18, 1969 as part of the German NDR radio station series of concerts called Jazz Workshop. The 62nd edition of the series featured Surman and his tentet, which included eight British musicians: Surman, saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist and Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, trombonist Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, bassist Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist, and two Austrian musicians: trombonist Erich KleinschusterFind albums by this artist and pianist Fritz PauerFind albums by this artist. The entire concert is included on this 2CD album and presents thirteen tracks, ten of which are original compositions by Surman and three (one each) are compositions by Pauer, Wheeler and Kleinschuster. Five of the tracks (in somewhat edited form) were previously released, also on CuneiformFind albums on this label, in 2011 as the CD/DVD album “Flashpoint: NDR Jazz Workshop – April `69Find albums with this title”. Shortly before this music was recorded, Surman recorded his 2nd album as a leader, the iconic “How Many Clouds Can You See?Find albums with this title”. The music is of course absolutely Godly, a brilliant snapshot of the explosive modern British Jazz at its absolute peak, which takes the Jazz tradition exponentially expanded into new space-time continuum. Every one of these musicians is a master of his instrument and Surman’s music is an ideal catalyst which helps the music to explode. Hearing is believing of course, but there are very few albums, which can match the genius and intensity of this music. Since the German radio sound engineers knew how to capture the sound perfectly, listening to this album is an unadulterated ecstasy. Overall, this is probably one of the best examples ever of the early European Jazz at its pivotal stage, taking everything there is to take form the American Jazz tradition between Swing and Free and moving to the next stage of evolution. A quintessential musical moment captured for posterity and serving as a beacon pointing towards the feature.

Updated: 14/06/2025Posted: 14/06/2025

CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend