Record Reviews
38 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | AMAZING BLONDEL ~ ENGLAND / BLONDEL
BGO 0914 (Barcode: 5017261209146) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2010
4th and 5th albums by British band Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist, which were quite an unusual "bird" among the flourishing UK Folk-Rock flock in the late 1960s / early 1970s. Although many British bands often relied on traditional folk material and even went back several centuries in search for inspiration (PentangleFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, GryphonFind albums by this artist and even Jethro TullFind albums by this artist), none of them dedicated their entire musical scope to English Early Music, Elizabethan song and minstrelsy, which is exactly what Amazing Blondel did. Formed by Terry WincottFind albums by this artist and John GladwinFind albums by this artist, the band was soon after expanded to a trio with the addition of Eddie BairdFind albums by this artist. The duo managed to record the debut album "The Amazing Blondel And A Few FacesFind albums with this title" for the obscure BellFind albums on this label label and after expanding to a trio they joined the roster of IslandFind albums on this label Records, recording a series of albums for that label, of which the two albums included here were the last. The very fact that a major record label would sign such an unusual fact is a reflection of the times and the character of the legendary Island owner Chris BlackwellFind albums by this artist, who collected on his label a staggering crew of music makers, promoting music on the basis of its merit rather than on its commercial potential – happy and sadly long time gone reality. These two albums are some of the most memorable and unusual musical documents of that era of Artistic freedom. "EnglandFind albums with this title" features music, almost entirely written by Gladwin, who also sings the lead vocals, is completely acoustic and played on instruments, which were used centuries ago and based entirely on the English Early Music format. The lyrics are also kept in the general spirit of the era, spiced with humorous tongue in cheek tidbits. "BlondelFind albums with this title", recorded following Gladwin´s departure from the group, is slightly more Rocky and features Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist on bass guitar and Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist (FreeFind albums by this artist) on drums as well as many other guest artists including Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist, who sings on one track. In retrospect these two albums remain an ageless masterpiece, unrivaled to this very day and I can hardly imagine any Folk-Rock enthusiast´s record collection, which does not include them. For people who never came across this band before, this reissue is a splendid opportunity to fill a gap, which is unforgettable. Grab it!
| | Updated: 28/02/2024Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BAD COMPANY ~ BAD COMPANY (DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO 081227955540 (Barcode: 081227955540) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2015
This is a reissue of the debut eponymous album by the seminal British Blues-Rock / Rock supergroup Bad CompanyFind albums by this artist. Formed in 1973 by two former members of the legendary FreeFind albums by this artist, vocalist Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist and drummer Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist, who were joined by ex-Mott The HoopleFind albums by this artist guitarist Mick RalphsFind albums by this artist and ex-King CrimsonFind albums by this artist bassist Boz BurrellFind albums by this artist. The original lineup of the band managed to last for a whole decade, during which they recorded six studio albums. The original album included eight original songs, three by Ralphs, two by Rodgers, two by Rodgers and Ralphs and one by Rodgers and Kirke. This remastered edition adds a second CD full of bonus material (13 tracks), nine of which are previously unreleased, which include outtakes, alternate versions and B-sides, including studio chatter as well as intelligent and interesting booklet full of relevant information.
Bad Company were beyond a shadow of a doubt one of the all time best British Rock bands, which embodied the process of the development of the British Rock music, which has taken place during the 1960s and included the Blues Revival, the birth of Blues-Rock and Hard-Rock. The band was less Blues oriented than its ancestor bands, especially Free of course, but the basic Blues structures were still very much in place, especially so on the first two albums by the band.
Rodgers, who is the best white Blues vocalist that ever walked the face of the earth, sings Blues regardless of the specific environment he´s in at any specific moment. Whenever he opens his mouth, the Blues pours out, regardless if he means it or not, and this is of course his most important asset paired with his Godly voice. Bad Company allowed him to explore his talents as a singer and songwriter in a more comfortable environment than the turmoil surrounding Free during its troubled existence.
The combined forces of the four musicians that were Bad Company proved to be an ideal amalgam of talents and abilities, turning them into a well oiled and highly intelligent music machine that was simply perfect and unstoppable. There in not even one slack track on this entire album, including the CD with the bonuses. Rock perfection incarnate!
In retrospect this album joins the ranks of those essential classic albums, which will be standing on the pedestal of Rock´s achievements for as long as Rock itself will exist as a living musical form. Since they don´t make music like that any more, there is no danger of this music being replaced or forgotten any time soon, at least not as long as those who have been lucky to enjoy the bad company in real life.
| | Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 20/01/2017 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | BAD COMPANY ~ LIVE 1977 & 1979
RHINO 081227952334 (Barcode: 081227952334) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2016
This is an archival live album by the seminal British Rock supergroup Bad CompanyFind albums by this artist. Formed in 1973 by two former members of the legendary FreeFind albums by this artist, vocalist Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist and drummer Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist, who were joined by ex-Mott The HoopleFind albums by this artist guitarist Mick RalphsFind albums by this artist and ex-King CrimsonFind albums by this artist bassist Boz BurrellFind albums by this artist. The original lineup of the band managed to last for a whole decade, during which they recorded six studio albums, but not even one live album, which was highly unusual at the time. This album tries, albeit almost forty years later, to remedy the situation and presents two live shows by the band at its peak form, with the two recordings separated by almost two years, each presenting mostly songs from the albums released at the time, i.e. the first show with songs from "Burnin` SkyFind albums with this title", their fourth album released in 1977 and the second show with songs from "Desolation AngelsFind albums with this title", their fifth album released in 1979.
Bad Company was a formidable live act, as these recordings show, which explains the enormous popularity they enjoyed at the time. They are also a living proof that the basic Rock formula of vocals, lead and bass guitars and drums are completely enough to create vital and extraordinary music, without electronics and other artificial trickery. Rogers, as usual, is simply beyond comparison to any other vocalist at the time and in truth to this very day. The band did not change their musical formula for the entire duration of their existence, which was based on great tunes, often soaked with Blues sensitivity, performed with great skill and total involvement, but eschewing unnecessary pyrotechnics.
In many respects this album is a frozen memory of Rock´s last great moments, as the music was about to turn sour soon after with mindless Pop taking over and Rock disappearing as the musical pulse of the generations. Bad Company managed to survive Punk and New Wave, but they did run out of steam soon after and their sixth album, the last featuring the original lineup, was released when the band practically did not exist any more.
This album pays tribute to the three instrumentalists in the band, who prove their great skills on these live recordings. Ralphs is obviously a superb guitarist, who was able to play great solos and support the flow of the music by supplying incredible riffs. Kirke is a great drummer, probably one of the very few top Blues-Rock drummers, who always exhibited brilliant sensitivity and technique. Burrell, who is sadly no longer with us, was a dazzling bassist and his work always provides the cement which kept the music together.
Since nobody plays great Rock today as Bad Company did at the time, perhaps this album could serve as a source of inspiration to some young musicians to learn how it´s done…In the meantime we have this to remember what Rock was all about once.
| | Updated: 20/01/2017Posted: 20/01/2017 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BAD COMPANY ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES
RHINO 081227959241 (Barcode: 081227959241) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1979 Released: 2014
This Box Set collects the first five albums recorded by the British Rock supergroup Bad CompanyFind albums by this artist and released between 1974 and 1979. The group was formed soon after the brilliant FreeFind albums by this artist fell apart and included Free vocalist Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist and drummer Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist as well as Mott The HoopleFind albums by this artist guitarist Mick RalphsFind albums by this artist and King CrimsonFind albums by this artist bassist Boz BurrellFind albums by this artist. This lineup recorded all these five albums.
Musically Bad Company was initially a direct continuation of where Free left off, i.e. moving gradually away from Blues and Blues-Rock into straightforward Rock with just a tinge of Blues, which was still present mainly due to Rogers´ incredible voice, which sounds Bluesy whatever he sings. The first two albums are absolute classic and the rest slowly loosen the magic, but in retrospect are way better that anything recorded today.
Personally anything that has Paul Rodgers singing on it is fine with me, as he is definitely one of my absolute top vocal favorites, not only because of his superb and unique voice but more importantly due to his wonderful musicality, feel and groove, especially for the Blues but also in the Rock idiom.
Alongside Humble PieFind albums by this artist and Spooky ToothFind albums by this artist, Free and Bad Company were the very core of British Blues-Rock, which was absolutely unbeatable by anything else on this planet. Those bands flourished for a brief period of time between late 1960s and mid-1970s, leaving an unsurpassed heritage, which still is a beacon of excellence decades later. For fans of that genre, this Box Set is an absolute must!
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: 05/04/2024Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BAD COMPANY ~ STRAIGHT SHOOTER (DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO 081227955533 (Barcode: 081227955533) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2015
This is a reissue of the second album by the seminal British Blues-Rock / Rock supergroup Bad CompanyFind albums by this artist. Formed in 1973 by two former members of the legendary FreeFind albums by this artist, vocalist Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist and drummer Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist, who were joined by ex-Mott The HoopleFind albums by this artist guitarist Mick RalphsFind albums by this artist and ex-King CrimsonFind albums by this artist bassist Boz BurrellFind albums by this artist. The original lineup of the band managed to last for a whole decade, during which they recorded six studio albums. The original album included eight original songs, one by Ralphs, two by Rodgers, two by Kirke, and three by Rodgers and Ralphs. This remastered edition adds a second CD full of bonus material (14 tracks), thirteen of which are previously unreleased, which include outtakes, alternate versions and B-sides, including studio chatter as well as intelligent and interesting booklet full of relevant information.
Bad Company were beyond a shadow of a doubt one of the all time best British Rock bands, which embodied the process of the development of the British Rock music, which has taken place during the 1960s and included the Blues Revival, the birth of Blues-Rock and Hard-Rock. The band was less Blues oriented than its ancestor bands, especially Free of course, but the basic Blues structures were still very much in place, especially so on the first two albums by the band.
Rodgers, who is the best white Blues vocalist that ever walked the face of the earth, sings Blues regardless of the specific environment he´s in at any specific moment. Whenever he opens his mouth, the Blues pours out, regardless if he means it or not, and this is of course his most important asset paired with his Godly voice. Bad Company allowed him to explore his talents as a singer and songwriter in a more comfortable environment than the turmoil surrounding Free during its troubled existence.
The combined forces of the four musicians that were Bad Company proved to be an ideal amalgam of talents and abilities, turning them into a well oiled and highly intelligent music machine that was simply perfect and unstoppable. There in not even one slack track on this entire album, including the CD with the bonuses. Rock perfection incarnate!
In retrospect this album joins the ranks of those essential classic albums, which will be standing on the pedestal of Rock´s achievements for as long as Rock itself will exist as a living musical form. Since they don´t make music like that any more, there is no danger of this music being replaced or forgotten any time soon, at least not as long as those who have been lucky to enjoy the bad company in real life.
| | Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 20/01/2017 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ DABROWSKI / FREE4ARTS ~ SIX MONTHS AND TEN DROPS
BAREFOOT 041 (Barcode: 5707471040270) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
Polish (resident in Denmark) Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist is one of the leading upcoming European musicians and his prolific, almost feverish output manages to astound his fans time after time. This album follows suit several albums already released this year and as always maintains incredible quality. This time Dabrowski leads a quartet, which besides him includes three leading young Danish Jazz musicians: baritone saxophonist Sven Dam MeinildFind albums by this artist, pianist Jacob AnderskovFind albums by this artist and drummer Kasper Tom ChristiansenFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Dabrowski.
This music is more free oriented than Dabrowski´s explorations so far, which seems to be a continuing development in his work. It is therefore further away from mainstream Jazz and explores other areas, like contemporary Chamber music and improvised Avant-Garde, although based on written themes. The entire scheme of using the quartet is also very unusual, as there is no conventional "soloists vs. rhythm section" setting at all, only an ensemble performance by the entire quartet as one body. The exclusion of the bass is also very significant, where some of the typical bass parts are taken over by the baritone sax and others by the percussion. This music is only as good as the level of cooperation achieved by the quartet members and therefore the interplay is its central ingredient. Luckily for Dabrowski these three musicians belong to the same "school of thought" like himself, enabling the quartet to become a unity.
There is no doubt that this music points towards a new epoch of Jazz, which becomes an amalgam of all forms of improvised music, those previously experienced and those still undiscovered. Dabrowski and his generation are brave pioneers of these uncharted territories and it´s a great experience to bear witness while this music keeps unfolding in real time in Copenhagen, Warsaw, Berlin and other parts of Europe.
This is quite difficult music for most people, no doubt about it, but it is also deeply rewarding and intellectually challenging. It is spearheaded by a relatively tiny group of musicians and has a limited audience. Nevertheless it encompasses perhaps some of the most important musical developments happening in a world which is rapidly turning away from challenge and cultural progress, and therefore becomes even more significant. It is in these young people that we entrust our Cultural feature.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ DABROWSKI / FREE4ARTS ~ WHEN I COME ACROSS
AUDIO CAVE 2019/009 (Barcode: 5905669566810) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2019
This is the second album by Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and his Danish quartet Free4ArtsFind albums by this artist, which also includes baritone saxophonist Sven Dam MeinildFind albums by this artist, drummer Kasper Tom ChristiansenFind albums by this artist and this time guitarist Simon KrebsFind albums by this artist, who replaced pianist Jacob AnderskovFind albums by this artist that played on the debut album. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Dabrowski.
In many respects this album continues the direction set by the debut, which moves completely into Avant-Garde Jazz, far away from traditional, melody based Jazz, flirting also with contemporary Chamber Music explorations. The music offers some melodic motifs but those often get hidden to a less experienced listener by the group improvisations. Without the presence of bass and now also the piano, there is almost no conventional harmony and rhythmic continuity, which leaves it to the listener to connect the dots. The sharp sound of the guitar is initially somewhat weird and takes time to get used to within the otherwise acoustic environment.
The music is mostly very subdued and delicate, low profile and quietly streaming, with long passages that involve solos, duets and trios and rarely the entire quartet. It seems Dabrowski is trying to re-define the known parameters of Jazz and Improvised Music, stretching the existing limits of these idioms. He uses the trumpet to produce a plethora of unusual sound effects that often do not resemble the conventional sound of the instrument. The same can be said about Christiansen, who again proves to be one of the most creative European Jazz drummers, moving on a completely unique acoustic parallax, again re-defining the role of drums in contemporary music. Unexpectedly, it is the guitar which turns out to be the most conventional factor of this music, playing at times long melodic strings of notes.
In many respects this is the boldest and most adventurous project Dabrowski headed in the decade-long period of his artistic development. It is completely uncompromising and boldly unconventional, against all odds. Hopefully the music, despite its estranged exterior, will find sympathetic, open-minded audience in time. Avant-Garde was never a rewarding and smooth career choice and Dabrowski and his cohorts deserve our respect for pushing the boundaries time and again.
| | Updated: 04/10/2019Posted: 04/10/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | OTTO DONNER / FREE FOR ALL ~ LIVE AT FIVE CORNERS
TUM BOX 001 (Barcode: 6430015280243) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2000 - 2002 Released: 2011
This fabulous Box Set collects a series of live recordings by the Godfather of modern Finnish Jazz trumpeter / composer / arranger / conductor / bandleader and music activist Otto DonnerFind albums by this artist and a gathering of Finnish Jazz musicians of diverse ages and stylistic affiliations, called Free For AllFind albums by this artist, which took residence under Donner´s wings at the Jazz Club JUMO located in the Five Corners area of Helsinki, presenting a series of concerts during the first half of 2002, which were recorded and although initially not intended for release, proved to be way to valuable to be left forgotten, and were eventually released in this Box Set about a decade later.
The lineup of the ensemble performing at each of the sessions included in this Box Set changed slightly and the recordings were organized into six CDs according to different unifying thematic concepts, rather than by session. The music includes new arrangements of compositions by Donner and other Finnish Jazz composers or members of the band as well as familiar Jazz standards. The sixth CD includes music and a film about improvisation, which documents Donner and the band, recorded and filmed in 2000.
The musicians performing the music alongside Donner are: saxophonists Rasmus KorsstromFind albums by this artist and Pepa PaivinenFind albums by this artist, trombonists Jari HongistoFind albums by this artist and Markku VeijonsuoFind albums by this artist, pianists Kari IkonenFind albums by this artist, Seppo KantonenFind albums by this artist and Eero OjanenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jukka OrmaFind albums by this artist, bassists Ville HuolmanFind albums by this artist and Tuure KoskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Tom NekljudovFind albums by this artist and finally vocalist Johanna IivanainenFind albums by this artist.
The music is absolutely stunning, even though performed rather informally and not meant to be saved for posterity. The musicians are all highly professional and the atmosphere of camaraderie and obvious mutual respect is a predominant factor which makes this music sound as great as it does. Stylistically the music spans a wide range from modern mainstream to well organized free explorations, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Orchestral Jazz, and the six hours of playing time are over in an instant. Donner´s immense talent, experience and leadership managed to produce a wonderful document of the strength and diversity of the Finnish Jazz scene at the time, which now is a part of the cultural heritage.
The Box Set is beautifully packaged, using the paintings by Paul OsipowFind albums by this artist and including a highly informative booklet with detailed information about the music and the circumstances of its recording, a true example of a publishing labor of love and an example of how things should be done – hats off!
For Finnish Jazz fans and followers this is an absolute must of course!
| | Updated: 03/09/2020Posted: 03/09/2020 | CD+DVD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | FIIL FREE ~ EVERYTHING IS A TRANSLATION
FILL FREE 0916 (Barcode: 5707471047866) ~ DENMARK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is the third album by Danish Jazz pianist / composer Lars FiilFind albums by this artist, this time recorded with an international septet called Fiil FreeFind albums by this artist, which features also Polish trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist, Swedish guitarist Henrik OlssonFind albums by this artist and four Danish musicians: saxophonist Henrik Pultz MelbyeFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Martin FabriciusFind albums by this artist, bassist Casper Nyvang RaskFind albums by this artist and drummer Bjorn HeebollFind albums by this artist. Together they perform five original compositions, all by Fiil.
The music is a typical European Free Jazz / Improvised Music endeavor, which in spite of its many degrees of freedom is wonderfully well composed, organized, structured and played, presenting a challenging yet coherent listening experience. The individual compositions develop slowly, starting with single notes or chords, gradually increasing in intensity and complexity, taking the listener on a ride along the process of its development.
All the participants contribute their personal input, playing solo passages, which often are very different from typical Jazz solos, but play in fact a similar role. These young musicians are amongst the finest European improvisers and can be heard on many other recordings. This particular setting is actually very minimalistic and there is little place to show the individual skills in a very expressive way, but this minimalism pushes the players to their limits and makes them to reinvent their performing techniques.
Dabrowski, as usual, plays some stunning passages, proving again that his diversity and talent know no borders, but as already said earlier, this album is not about individual statements, but deals with collective improvisation and cooperative performance.
One of the pieces starts off with the septet playing a swinging Bebop tune, which has a wonderful small Big Band feel about it, but of course it soon disintegrates into Free Form collective improvisation, which is sort of decomposing the initial structured statement, only to return to it at the very end. There are many such wonderful surprises as the music progresses and when it finally ends, one is definitely left with a wish for more.
Overall this album is another proof that the young European Improvising scene is alive and kicking like never before, creating a melting pot of influences between Scandinavian, East and West European cultures, forging a strong Jazz Culture, which hopefully will last for a long time and keep developing in the process. Not to be missed by any Free Jazz fans anywhere in the world!
| | Updated: 17/10/2016Posted: 17/10/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | FIIL FREE ~ UNDER OVERFLADEN
FIIL FREE 0320 ~ DENMARK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020
This is the second album by the international septet Fiil FreeFind albums by this artist led by Danish pianist / composer Lars FiilFind albums by this artist and including Polish trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist, Danish saxophonist Henrik Pultz MelbyeFind albums by this artist, Swedish guitarist Henrik OlssonFind albums by this artist and three additional Danish musicians: vibraphonist Martin FabriciusFind albums by this artist, bassist Casper Nyvang RaskFind albums by this artist and drummer Bjorn HeebollFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by Fiil.
Musically the album follows the pattern set up by the debut, offering well structured compositions, which are performed with an open attitude of group improvisation, collectively achieving a well organized Free Form, what might be considered as an oxymoron, but works splendidly in practice.
The music tenders a typical Scandinavian melancholy and spacey atmosphere, but is full of interesting concepts and the compositions present together a diverse palette of ideas and moods. The sound moves smoothly between intimate and quiet passages and powerful, almost orchestral statements.
Obviously this kind of music is heavily dependent on the individual abilities of the participating musicians, and Fiil is lucky to have collected a wonderful group of highly skilled instrumentalists, who are able to offer both splendid individual statements and impressive collective improvisations of the highest level.
In many respects this album offers a model for contemporary European Free Jazz, which concentrates on the attempt to combine individual freedom of expression with collective performance, a balance that is quite difficult to achieve in any Artistic endeavor. Fiil and his cohorts manage to get the best out of this specific idiom. And deserve particular credit, especially in view of the fact that they not only managed to repeat the formula but even improved it.
Overall this is a brilliant sophomore effort, which proves that the debut was not just a "lucky strike" and offers a clear conceptual approach, which is promising and will be hopefully explored further. For European Free Jazz connoisseurs this is an absolute must!
| | Updated: 07/05/2020Posted: 07/05/2020 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREE ~ FIRE AND WATER (DELUXE EDITION)
ISLAND 5306090 (Barcode: 600753060902) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008
By the time FreeFind albums by this artist were recording their 3rd album the combined talents of singer Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist, guitarist Paul KossoffFind albums by this artist, bassist Andy FraserFind albums by this artist and drummer Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist, aided by the experience of grueling touring and fast-rising popularity with the crowds inspired the group to take the crucial decision to produce the new album by themselves. In retrospect this was probably the factor which turned Free from just another white Blues band into Blues-Rock Superstars. Fraser & Rodgers, who were in charge of writing the bulk of the band’s material, took their writing just a tiny notch away from the Blues roots towards Rock, apparently just the right step which made their popularity explode overnight. With the “All Right Now” single charting (soon to achieve a permanent seat on Rock’s Pantheon of evergreens) and constant demand for live gigs, the band was riding the wave of success, which in a very short time will lead to their ultimate destruction (as it did to almost every other band eventually). But right at that time they definitely were at their peak, producing a classic album, which will be never rivaled by any other group in that genre. The secret of this album’s greatness lies with the simplicity and “less is more” approach. Having written some great melodies the band did nothing to muddle the raw material and executed it perfectly, using some great riffs. Fraser’s bass lines are pure genius, pointing the music in the right direction, Kirke’s guitar licks create just the perfect fillers, avoiding lengthy solos which did not fit the bill here and Rodgers’ soulful vocals and his unparalleled understanding of the Blues place him immediately on the top of his class. This Deluxe Edition is a tribute to this outstanding album. Out of the 30 tracks (on 2 CDs) only the first 7 come from the original album, the rest being a plethora of studio, radio and live recordings, some previously unreleased. There is a lot of repetition here with 8 versions of “All Right Now” and 7 versions of “Fire And Water”, but they are all quite different and shed a lot of light on the band’s creative process. This album, combined with the ForeverFind albums with this title DVD, which spans the same time period, is a great document of the era, when music was the epicenter of Western Culture, lamentably long time gone. Essential to all Free fans of all ages, even if they already own the original album.
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREE ~ FIRE AND WATER (EXPANDED EDITION)
ISLAND 586227 (Barcode: 731458622727) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2001
3rd album includes the monster hit `All Right Now`, which brought the group to the peek of their popularity. FreeFind albums by this artist were undoubtedly the best ever `white blues` band and Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist remains to this day as one of the best blues singers of all times. This albums marks their departure from pure blues style into more rock oriented material.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREE ~ FOREVER
ISLAND 984255 (Barcode: 602498425510) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006
Forever indeed! Almost 40 years later nothing that happened rivals (and I mean nothing) the raw energy and the pure natural genius of the greatest Blues-Rock band of all times. Although the original band existed (on and off with attempted reunions) for a brief period of time, the mark it left on the Rock world would be decisive and everlasting. Unfortunately with the death of the band’s guitarist Paul Kossoff in 1976 the chances of rebirth were gone forever. The original band reached its peak in 1970 after about two years of existence, which included extensive touring and two albums (released on Island Records), which were excellent in every possible way and definitive examples of the new Blues-Rock genre. Paul Rodger’s phenomenal voice and deep feel for the blues (unrivaled to this day by any singer) and Kossoff’s brilliant guitar work, backed up by rock solid and yet very inventive rhythm section consisting of Andy Fraser on bass and Simon Kirke on drums created an ideal vehicle to deliver the bluesy tunes in a new fashion, unheard before. Although the band managed to establish a dedicated following in UK among the blues fans, their express to stardom happened in 1970 with the release of their single “All Right Now”, which (completely unexpectedly) topped the UK and world charts. The sudden success turned out to be quite deadly for the band, whose members had a tough time handling the unexpected stardom. The band literally fell apart soon after and the attempts to reunite failed, mostly to Kossoff’s drug related illness, eventually leading to his death. The recorded legacy of the original band includes four studio and one live album, all of which are worth their weight in gold of course. As to the Free video material, things have been sadly extremely sketchy until now. This exquisite 2 DVD set comes to remedy the situation and does so with flying colors. This is obviously a labor of love as the material assembled here covers every little bit in existence of Free footage, including privately filmed material, TV clips and other oddities. Almost everything present here comes for 1970 – the crucial period of the band, which was at its peak. DVD 1 includes TV appearances in Germany and UK (and a lot of other stuff) and DVD 2 covers the entire Free concert at the Isle Of Wight festival (only partly in video, most of it being audio only). In addition there are current interviews with the remaining Free members (Rodgers, Fraser & Kirke) and other people related to their history. All together over 4 hours of sublime archive material, which of course is an absolute must for every Free fan on the globe. I must say I needed to clear my throat quite a few times while watching this and I’m sure many of you will feel the same way. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 275 minutes.
| | | DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREE ~ FREE (EXPANDED EDITION)
ISLAND 586225 (Barcode: 731458622529) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2001
2nd album. FreeFind albums by this artist were the best `white blues` band ever to come out of UK with great players and outstanding vocals by Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist. This album is also still very much about blues, but all the compositions are by the band members. Sounds great today as it did when this album was first released. A piece of music history.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREE ~ FREE AT LAST (EXPANDED EDITION)
ISLAND 586229 (Barcode: 731458622925) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2002
6th album recorded after FreeFind albums by this artist re-grouped again, following a period of chaotic membership changes. They return to the Blues-based material (what they knew best) and Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist` vocals are superb as usual. The material is all self-penned and ranks among their best yet, with the group chemistry all together again, alas not for long.
| | Updated: 24/06/2023Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREE ~ LIVE! (EXPANDED EDITION)
ISLAND 586228 (Barcode: 731458622826) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2002
5th album by FreeFind albums by this artist, Britain’s best ever Blues-Rock band, and their first live release. The united powers of vocalist Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist, guitarist Paul KossoffFind albums by this artist, bassist Andy FraserFind albums by this artist and drummer Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist created an unprecedented and explosive power, which was never to be matched by any of their contemporaries. Free’s rapid rise to stardom eventually brought the group down to its knees, with internal frictions, drug abuse and grueling touring combined. By the time these live recordings were made in 1970, Free were at the very last days of their first stretch and at the end of the tour the group just felt apart. IslandFind albums on this label Records rushed the release of the live material, riding on the publicity created by the group’s split. Although they would re-group a year later and record one more album together, these recordings are truly the group at their peak and their end all at once. In retrospect it might be all for the best, as Free were always best live, as many “posthumous” recording would prove. Their simplicity was their real power and it worked best on stage. This album is a phenomenal document as to what Blues-Rock is all about. Rodgers, with his completely unique husky voice and expressionist genius has no equals (not then and not since), carrying the tunes as if there’s no tomorrow, aiming straight at the listeners heart. Kossoff’s elegant and reserved guitar style ranks amongst the best Blues guitar work there is, and although he avoids flashy long solos, everything he states in just a few bars is just right on the money. Fraser’s bass lines keep the group together and drive the music steadily, providing as if by the way, some of the most remarkable bass riffs ever. Kirke’s drumming is always right on, again avoiding flashy solos but tasteful and extremely musical. Together they just soar and mesmerize, even when the music is not more complex than basic twelve-bar blues. The expanded edition doubles the original duration with previously unreleased live material from the same gigs and one studio alternate take of the studio track that closes the original album. This is definitely an essential document of the group’s heritage, but of the entire era when music was honest, extraordinary and heartbreaking. A must!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREE ~ TONS OF SOBS (EXPANDED EDITION)
ISLAND 586149 (Barcode: 731458614920) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2001
1st album. Free were the best `white blues` band ever to come out of UK with great players and outstanding vocals by Paul Rogers. This album is dedicated to their interpretations of some blues classics, which sound as great today as they did when this album was first released. A piece of music history.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREE COOPERATION ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.18
POLSKIE RADIO 1668 (Barcode: 5907812246686) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985 Released: 2014
This is the eighteenth installment in the new series of releases initiated by the Polish Radio, which presents archive Jazz recordings. Radio recordings are always a fabulous source of remarkable material, and as far as Polish Jazz history is concerned, the Polish Radio, which was a state monopoly for 45 years, recorded over time a plethora of invaluable material, which apart from the albums released by the Polskie Nagrania record company (also a state monopoly), is the only available additional source of Polish Jazz recordings. For many years Polish Radio recorded concerts presented during Poland´s most important Jazz venues, including the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival and many other festivals as well.
This album is perhaps one of the most important pieces of the Polish Jazz legacy issued so far as a part of this series. It presents the cult Free CooperationFind albums by this artist ensemble, an informal gathering of top young Polish Jazz musicians active in the 1980s, which in retrospect turned out to be the next generation of the local scene, which carried on the tradition into the difficult next decade, after Poland finally received its political independence. The music of Free Cooperation was an eccentric amalgam of cross-genre explorations, moving between Reggae and Jazz-Rock, through the Jazz Big Band tradition and far out into collective improvisation and even some World Music influences. The music was composed by the ensemble´s members, like keyboardist Wojciech KonikiewiczFind albums by this artist, flautist / saxophonist Aleksander KoreckiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Janusz Yanina IwanskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Wojciech CzajkowskiFind albums by this artist.
Among the ensemble members we find the legendary trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, whose solos on this album are absolutely breathtaking. Other members include trumpeters Antoni GralakFind albums by this artist and Mariusz StopnickiFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Mateusz PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist and Marek KazanaFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bronislaw DuzyFind albums by this artist, electric bassist Marcin PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist, violinist Henryk GembalskiFind albums by this artist and drummers Michal ZduniakFind albums by this artist and Sarandis JuvanudisFind albums by this artist. Piotr BikontFind albums by this artist recited poetry, which accompanied some of the compositions.
Listening to the music today, almost three decades after it was recorded, clearly points out how revolutionary and ahead of its time it was, not only as far as the local scene is concerned, but on the entire European Jazz scale. Free Cooperation came to the public attention thanks to their appearance at the 1985 Jazz Jamboree festival, which is documented here on one of the tracks; the other six tracks were recorded at the Polish Radio Studio in Poznan some months earlier. The ensemble was active between 1985 and 1988 and recorded two albums for the PoljazzFind albums on this label label, which are still waiting to be reissued, which is a true shame. In April 2014 the remaining members reactivated Free Cooperation playing a gig in a club in Krakow.
The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. As usual with this series, which is very reasonably priced, I miss the presence of "in depth" liner notes / booklet, which should convey the circumstances at which this music was recorded and its importance to the development of Jazz in Poland. Nevertheless this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every Jazz fan will surely consider an absolute must.
Side Note: In 1985 I returned to Poland for the first time after leaving the country in 1967, in order to record the now legendary "The Book Of JobFind albums with this title" project (follow the link to read the entire story). Andrzej Przybielski was one of the musicians participating in that project and he told me about Free Cooperation, which I than saw in person a few days after the recording was over on the stage of the Sala Kongresowa during the a.m. Jazz Jamboree performance, which of course left me flabbergasted. This album is therefore especially dear to my heart.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREE FUSION BAND ~ VULCAN`S ELECTRIC HAMMER
ALLEGRO 035 (Barcode: 5901157049353) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2006 - 2016 Released: 2017
This is the debut album by the Free Fusion BandFind albums by this artist, a project led by Polish (resident in Oslo) bassist / keyboardist / synthesizer player / composer Jakub PielakFind albums by this artist. The participants include several Polish and Norwegian musicians, including guitarist Tomasz KozaFind albums by this artist, percussionist Iwona LipinskaFind albums by this artist and many others. The album was recorded in Oslo over a period of over ten years and presents seven lengthy compositions, all by Pielak. It is lavishly packaged with graphics and texts full of Science Fiction allusions, which were an obvious influence on the composer.
The music is a unique amalgam of a plethora of electronic, ambient, improvised threads, combined together to create an Avant-Garde flow, which is fascinating and engaging, although certainly quite demanding, especially when encountered for the first time. There are distinct melodic themes and a coherent continuity, but the music is not devised to be analyzed on the detailed plane but rather embraced as a whole by simply succumbing to its natural flow.
There are many improvised passages, which as the band´s name suggests are inherently closer to Fusion than to Jazz, although could be accepted as both. The entire approach is more accidental and cinematic in its nature, which leads this music more into the "soundtracks of imaginary movies" category rather than a concrete melodic / harmonic entity.
Although the music was created and recorded over a prolonged period of time and involves different teams of participating musicians, it certainly manages to maintain a coherent concept and stylistic unity, which in projects of such nature is often very difficult. The natural flow and often hypnotic nature of the music enables listeners, who are drown to such emotional involvement, to get completely enthralled within the music.
This is certainly quite an unusual project in every respect and the will and consistency demanded from Pielak to bring this music into existence deserves respect and admiration. Going against the popular flow and following one´s true vision are rare qualities today.
I am already looking forward to hear more of Pielak´s conceptual vistas in the future and in the meantime recommend listeners´ who are able to make a conscious efforts and take a step out of the comfort zone and listen to some truly exciting music present on this album. A true voyage of discovery…
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 23/03/2019 | CD 1 HDCD Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREE ORBIT ~ FREE JAZZ GOES UNDERGROUND
MPS 4029759097433 (Barcode: 4029759097433) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2014
This is a reissue of a little known album by German Jazz-Rock ensemble Free OrbitFind albums by this artist, formed in Hamburg by vocalist / drummer Udo LindenbergFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Fred ChristmannFind albums by this artist and American saxophonist Frank St. PeterFind albums by this artist. The final lineup, which recorded this album, also included vocalist Mike BrooksFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Heinz HabermannFind albums by this artist, trombonist Peter HerbolzheimerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Emil WursterFind albums by this artist and bassists Hans HartmannFind albums by this artist (who also played the sitar) and Reiner VogeleiFind albums by this artist. There are also guitar parts and female vocals present on the album, but their contributors remain anonymous. The album presents ten original songs, all written or composed or co-composed by Lindenberg and feature lyrics in English.
Contrary to the ensemble´s name or the album´s title, the music has absolutely nothing to do with Free Jazz and is all Jazz-Rock Fusion / Brass Rock with a touch of Psychedelics and Funk, quite delightful and nostalgic. The brass arrangements (by St. Peters) are all excellent and a bit a la Blood, Sweat & Tears. In retrospect this is a delightful gem, almost completely forgotten and definitely worth discovering. Apart from some British Brass Rock ensembles, Free Orbit was one of the very few representatives of the genre in Europe.
European early Jazz-Rock Fusion and Brass Rock fans should not miss this little gem in their collections.
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: 14/07/2016 | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FREEWAY QUINTET ~ THIS IS NO ORDINARY JAZZ
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz ensemble Freeway QuintetFind albums by this artist, co-founded by saxophonist Piotr SzwecFind albums by this artist and guitarist Marcin KuzdowiczFind albums by this artist. The lineup is completed by a second saxophonist Krzysztof KowalczykFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel UrowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Wojciech BulinskiFind albums by this artist. Female vocalist Paulina GolebiowskaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Konrad RoginskiFind albums by this artist appear as guest musicians on several tracks. The album presents nine original compositions, seven of which were composed by Kuzdowicz and one each by Szwec and Urowski.
The music presented by the group has certainly some unusual elements, such as a double saxophone front line, rocky, often distorted guitar and melodic lines based on ethnic motifs, which altogether are closer to Jazz-Rock Fusion or Progressive Rock than to Jazz. Therefore the statement used as the album´s title is correct to some degree; but let´s not exaggerate, this music, although very nice and interesting, is definitely not revolutionary or radically different from music we all heard before.
But statements aside, this is quite an excellent album in every respect. The original music is the strongest artistic statement herein, with beautifully developed melodies and rich instrumental arrangements. There is a lot of the typical Polish melancholy, which is predominant even on the more up-tempo pieces. Overall the music is simply superb from start to finish. It is also very well performed by all the musicians involved, although personally I´d prefer to hear more improvisation and soloing. But the ensemble spirit, which is very strong on this album, is also gratifying.
It is certainly interesting to see where the group will take their "no ordinary Jazz" into the future. There is so much potential and possibilities here, that anything is possible. Polish Jazz / Fusion and even Prog connoisseurs should definitely keep an eye on these talented young musicians.
As far as debuts go, this is definitely one of the most impressive I´ve come across this year, perhaps because it is original enough to distinguish itself from many other debuts that mostly follow up well beaten tracks. Well done!
| | | CD-R 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | HANS KOLLER / FREE SOUND ~ JEANNERET (THE LOST TAPES)
EMARCY 986801 ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
This previously unreleased recording from 1978 presents Koller’s suite dedicated to the Swiss visionary architect Le Corbusier (Charles Edouard Jeanneret). Since Koller was himself a devoted painter, he dedicated many of his compositions to modern Art Masters like Picasso and others. The highly developed aesthetics and understanding of modern Art is of course one of Koller’s great qualities. Koller assembled a superb quintet for this recording, which includes the German trumpeter Herbert Joos. The music is a perfect example of European free jazz, with complex textures and intricate interplay between the quintet members. The technical quality of the players is staggering and the overall result is a first class jazz experience.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | HANS KOLLER / FREE SOUND ~ PHOENIX
MPS 602498134382 (Barcode: 602498134382) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2003
Hans KollerFind albums by this artist was the most internationally famous Austrian jazz musician. Born in 1921, he was active on the European scene since the mid-1940’s, playing mostly jazz modeled on then contemporary American jazz. However by the mid-1950’s Koller already established a new European jazz vocabulary, like some of his pioneering European peers: Lars GullinFind albums by this artist in Sweden, Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist in Poland, Martial SolalFind albums by this artist in France and many others. By the end of 1950’s Koller almost completely removed himself from the musical scene, devoting his life to painting, which was his alter-ego vocation. Only a decade later, when the free jazz movement started to spread in Europe, he returned to active performing and recording, finding this new style challenging enough for him to contribute his input.
This album, recorded 1972, marks his return to full-time jazz duties and is a pivotal step not only in his personal career, but also in the entire European free jazz movement. Koller clearly defines the basic difference in approach to free jazz between the American “school”, which is highly emotional, wild and often purposely excessively chaotic and extremist, and the European “school”, which is more subdued, elegant, delicate and firmly connected to melodic structures. The entire quartet – sax / piano / bass / drums - (with three musicians much younger that the leader) performs music composed mostly by Koller and bassist Adelhard RoidingerFind albums by this artist, which retains enough melodic contents to be coherent, but adds incredible intensity and tension. A true must for serious jazz connoisseurs.
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: 28/05/2025Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOJCIECH KONIKIEWICZ / FREE FUNK TRIO ~ LIVE AT RURA 1982
GAD 091 (Barcode: 5903068120237) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2019
This is an archival album presenting a live concert recording by Polish Jazz keyboardist / composer Wojciech KonikiewiczFind albums by this artist and his Free Funk TrioFind albums by this artist, which also included bassist Mieczyslaw JureckiFind albums by this artist and drummer Jacek RatajczykFind albums by this artist. Recorded at the legendary Wroclaw Jazz Club Rura, it presents eight original compositions, all by Konikiewicz.
To properly understand the historic perspective of this recording it is important to remember that this music was recorded just a few months after Martial law was imposed in Poland in December of 1981, in a desperate attempt of the Socialist regime to quench growing social and political unrest in the country. As usual in Poland, political dictatorship was always challenged by the country´s intelligentsia and Artistic circles, and although Cultural activities were severely limited and heavily censored, they became a primary form of resistance to the oppression. Some of that anger and frustration is evidently expressed by these young (at the time) musicians in their display of wild energy and complete disregard of authority, as much musical as political.
The music is a raw mixture of Funk, Punk, Jazz, Rock and Groove, which will become the modus operandi for Konikiewicz for years to come and which was obviously influenced the late period stylistic explorations of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, who remains a major influence on Konikiewicz to this very day. Fate decided that Davis played at the Jazz Jamboree Festival in Poland just over a year after this music was recorded, immediately after the Martial law was lifted in 1983.
Although the trio format might seem somewhat limiting for such explosive musical adventure, Konikiewicz and his cohorts squeeze the proverbial lemon to the max under the circumstances, giving everything, both musically and emotionally, they have to offer. Konikiewicz on acoustic piano and the Fender Rhodes is in charge of the melodic content, but his percussive playing goes hand in hand with the dynamic rhythm section, which takes care of the groove, with occasional outbursts of frenzy solo parts featuring the fretless bass and the drums.
There is no doubt that the Free Funk Trio was a formative ensemble in the musical career of Konikiewicz. The same kind of attitude present here, which eschews pompous mannerisms and fake pretentiousness, will be his musical compass in the years to come, when he was involved in some the most important Polish Jazz projects during the 1980s and 1990s, alas hardly ever scoring any real-time recognition for his efforts. It was also the same attitude that ostracized him from the established domesticated Polish Jazz establishment, causing him to be active mostly on the fringe scene, refusing to compromise and sell out; an attitude which makes me proud to call him my friend.
Overall this album is an important piece of the Polish Jazz history, which is brought back to life by the excellent GAD Records label, which never fails to nail the forgotten gems and expand our horizons. It is most educational and certainly warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 18/06/2019Posted: 18/06/2019 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALEXIS KORNER ~ EVERY DAY I HAVE THE BLUES: THE SIXTIES ANTHOLOGY
GRAPEFRUIT 048 (Barcode: 5013929184800) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1961 - 1969 Released: 2018
This is a wonderful Box Set which presents on 3 CDs a retrospective anthology of the recordings made during the 1960s by guitarist / pianist / vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Alexis KornerFind albums by this artist, the Godfather of British Blues. Spanning the entire decade, these recordings were made with a plethora of British Blues, Rock and Jazz musicians, reading like a who´s who of the British Blues / Blues-Rock / Rock And Roll / Blues-Jazz and early Jazz-Rock Fusion, comprising of dozens of names, which passed through Korner´s legendary group Blues IncorporatedFind albums by this artist.
As bizarre as it might appear, Korner was a white Jewish boy, born in Paris, who arrived in the UK in 1940, escaping the Nazi persecution, and who in time almost singlehandedly reanimated the interest in the Blues on the local British scene, leading to a phenomenon called the British Blues Revival, which started by the mid-1950s and literally exploded by the mid-1960s, when it became the British Blues Boom. In retrospect this musical idiom proved to be one of the most fundamental cornerstones of British Rock, later spreading also to the European continent. Korner´s charismatic personality and influence were a decisive factor leading to the formation of such musical icons as Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, FreeFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist and countless others.
The material collected in this Box Set was available over the years on dozens scattered releases: LPs, singles, EPs, collections, etc. many previously never available on CD. Korner´s recorded legacy suffers from inconsistency and neglect and this Box Set is the first of its kind attempt to present the music in a coherent and logical configuration, showing the incredible diversity and the great talent of Korner as a musicians, songwriter and bandleader. The 3 CDs offer altogether sixty nine tracks, which are a comprehensive picture of Korner´s activity during the 1960s. Korner continued his career until his untimely death in 1984.
Overall the Box Set is full of magnificent music, presented in chronological order by date of recording, which in an absolute treasure chest and a historic document of the outmost importance. All the recordings were beautifully remastered and offer a first class listening experience. The Box Set includes an extensive booklet written by David WellsFind albums by this artist, which is informative and well researched, a true model for what all releases of this kind should offer those who buy the product.
Absolutely essential to all British Blues connoisseurs!
| | Updated: 16/02/2019Posted: 16/02/2019 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALEXIS KORNER’S BLUES INCORPORATED ~ BBC SESSIONS VOL.1 1962-1965
RHYTHM AND BLUES 097 (Barcode: 5060331753742) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1962 - 1965 Released: 2024
This is an archival album, which presents recordings by Alexis KornerFind albums by this artist’s Blues IncorporatedFind albums by this artist, made in early 1960s by guitarist / pianist / vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Alexis Korner, the Godfather of British Blues. These recordings were made with a plethora of British Blues, Rock and Jazz musicians, reading like a who´s who of the British Blues / Blues-Rock / Rock And Roll / Jazz and early Jazz-Rock Fusion, comprising of dozens of names, which passed through Korner´s legendary group over time.
As bizarre as it might appear, Korner was a white Jewish boy, born in Paris, who arrived in the UK in 1940, escaping the Nazi persecution, and who in time almost singlehandedly reanimated the interest in the Blues on the local British scene, leading to a phenomenon called the British Blues Revival, which started by the mid-1950s and literally exploded by the mid-1960s, when it became the British Blues Boom. In retrospect this musical idiom proved to be one of the most fundamental cornerstones of British Rock, later spreading also to the European continent. Korner´s charismatic personality and influence were a decisive factor leading to the formation of such musical icons as Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, FreeFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist, ColosseumFind albums by this artist and countless others. Korner continued his career until his untimely death in 1984.
The material collects recordings from six different sessions, a total of twenty-four tracks. The collective personnel taking part in these recordings includes, alongside Korner, vocalists Cyril DaviesFind albums by this artist, Long John BaldryFind albums by this artist and Herbie GoinsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist, Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, Nigel StangerFind albums by this artist, Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Bernie GeorgeFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Dave StevensFind albums by this artist, Johnny ParkerFind albums by this artist and Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, bassists Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, drummers Charlie WattsFind albums by this artist, Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, Ronnie DunnFind albums by this artist and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist. It does not get any better than this, does it?
Overall, this album is full of magnificent music, presented in chronological order by date of recording, which is an absolute treasure chest and a historic document of the outmost importance. Although the sound quality of some of the tracks, especially the early ones, is a bit shaky, the importance of the music sets everything aside. This is an absolutely essential release to all British Blues connoisseurs!
| | Updated: 02/10/2024Posted: 01/10/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAWID KOSTKA QUARTET & CHICO FREEMAN ~ LIVE AT AQUANET JAZZ FESTIVAL, POZNAN 2016
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is a live recording by a young Polish Jazz quartet led by guitarist / composer Dawid KostkaFind albums by this artist, which also includes pianist Jacek SzwajFind albums by this artist, bassist Damian KostkaFind albums by this artist and drummer Mateusz BrzostowskiFind albums by this artist. The quartet plays just on one track, which is an original composition by the leader. On the other four tracks the pianist, bassist and drummer are joined by the veteran American saxophonist / composer Chico FreemanFind albums by this artist and play two Freeman originals and two standards. There is also a bonus video track with another Freeman original.
The first track presents an interesting composition by Kostka, which is very promising, but since it is just a sample of the quartet´s ability not much can seriously be said about it.
The four quartet tracks with Freeman are American Bebop, which is absolutely corny and presents zero intellectual challenge to the listeners. Freeman plays very well of curse and so does Szwaj, but that kind of music was exploited already ad nauseam, and makes no sense to be recorded today. Of course such music still has a wide following, especially in America, but it contributes nothing to the development of the Jazz idiom.
What a pity this album does not present the entire performance by the Dawid Kostka quartet playing their own music, and was sacrificed to present young Polish musicians playing along a Big American Star, which did them no good whatsoever!
| | Updated: 01/01/2017Posted: 01/01/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAUL RODGERS ~ ELECTRIC
SPV 4001617297025 (Barcode: 4001617297025) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999
This is the fourth solo studio album by British singer / songwriter Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist, the voice of legendary groups like FreeFind albums by this artist and Bad CompanyFind albums by this artist and undoubtfuly the most impressive white Blues / Blues-Rock vocalist ever. The album presents ten original songs, all written by Rodgers (music and lyrics), recorded by a tight unit, which includes guitarist Geoff WhitehornFind albums by this artist, bassist Jaz LochrieFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim CopleyFind albums by this artist. Rodgers plays some guitar and piano, Tom KeelysideFind albums by this artist plays flute and there are also some female background vocals.
The music on this album marks a return to the Blues based songwriting, which is Rodgers´ trademark, away from the MOR approach that characterized this album´s predecessor "NowFind albums with this title", recorded a couple of years earlier. The overall level of the individual songs is excellent and in retrospect they lost nothing of their quality over the years. Rodgers´ vocals are impeccable, as always, full of the soulful, bluesy charm, that knows no equal.
The instrumental parts are also perfect for the job, with many good guitar solos and tight, highly professional executions from start to finish. The flute adds a beautiful touch on "Over You", creating a sort of "Celtic Blues" feel and making it the strongest song on this album by far.
Overall this is a fine album by a superb Artist, who manages to stick to what he does best and tries to do his own thing despite the reality, which basically tries to rob music of all its values. Rodgers always was, and still is, a completely unique voice, a natural born Blues ambassador, who spills his emotions to share them with his listeners with total dedication. I wholeheartedly recommend getting hold of this gem, although it´s pretty tough to get hold of a copy these days. This music is absolutely timeless!
| | Updated: 07/02/2016Posted: 07/02/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAUL RODGERS ~ FREE SPIRIT
QUARTO VALLEY 805859064124 (Barcode: 805859064124) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is a live recording by veteran British Blues-Rock vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist, captured at the legendary Royal Albert Hall. The concert commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of founding one of the greatest Blues-Rock bands in history, the celebrated mighty FreeFind albums by this artist, which was of course headed by Rodgers. The album presents sixteen classic Free songs, spanning their relatively short history (1968-1972) and six studio (and one live) albums. Rodgers is supported by a superb band, which consists of members of the Deborah BonhamFind albums by this artist band: guitarist Peter BullickFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Gerard LouisFind albums by this artist, bassist Ian RowleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Richard NewmanFind albums by this artist. The accompanying DVD in this set includes the same material as the CD.
Rodgers sings as if the tides of time pass him by completely, with his brilliant husky voice sounding clear and confident as it did five decades earlier. He is without a doubt one of the most stable performers in the Rock world, consistently delivering absolutely superb vocals. He is also the best white Blues vocalist of all times, which he proved over and over again throughout his career.
Free were the epitome of the British Blues Revival of the mid / late 1960s, and although Britain produced scores of great Blues bands, very few of those got anywhere close to the perfect sound and feel of the Blues that Free managed to create at their time, largely due to Rodgers´ vocals, songwriting and leadership.
Although the album does not offer any new music, it is an excellent review of the exquisite material Free created during their heydays, wonderfully played and excellently recorded which should keep every fan of the group ecstatically happy and the connoisseurs of classic British Blues-Rock in seventh heaven.
An absolute must have!
| | Updated: 21/09/2018Posted: 21/09/2018 | CD+DVD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAUL RODGERS ~ MUDDY WATER BLUES
EAGLE 222 (Barcode: 5034504122222) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1993 Released: 2002
British vocalist Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist is without a doubt the greatest white Blues singer of all times. Since his days as the front man of the legendary FreeFind albums by this artist and in the five decades that followed no other vocalist managed to demonstrate the same level of sensitivity, virtuosity and feeling even remotely close to those of Rodgers. This stunning album, which as the title suggests is a tribute to the great Blues singer / songwriter Muddy WatersFind albums by this artist, finds Rodgers performing the classic material with flare and his usual brilliance. He is accompanied by a horde of great guitarists, all paying tribute to the great Godfather of Blues: Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist, David GilmourFind albums by this artist, Buddy GuyFind albums by this artist, Brian MayFind albums by this artist, Steve MillerFind albums by this artist, Gary MooreFind albums by this artist, Trevor RabinFind albums by this artist, Neal SchonFind albums by this artist, SlashFind albums by this artist and a few others. Anything else said about this music is completely redundant – just grab it when you can as this is one of the greatest Blues albums ever recorded!
| | | CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SPOOKY TOOTH ~ THE ISLAND YEARS (AN ANTHOLOGY) 1967-1974
ISLAND 602547053114 (Barcode: 602547053114) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1974 Released: 2015
This magnificent Box Set collects all the recordings by the seminal British Rock band Spooky ToothFind albums by this artist, perhaps the most underrated of all British bands active at the late 1960s / early 1970s. It includes all seven albums recorded by the various Spooky Tooth lineups for Island records, before they disbanded, as well as the only album by the band Art, which was in fact an early version of Spooky Tooth and finally a previously unreleased live album by the band.
Spooky Tooth formed when the four members of Art: vocalist / keyboardist Mike HarrisonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Luther GrosvenorFind albums by this artist, bassist Greg RidleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Mike KellieFind albums by this artist, were joined by the American (resident in UK at the time) vocalist / keyboardist Gary WrightFind albums by this artist, who was also a superb songwriter. The double lead vocals / double keyboards effect created a potent and incredibly spacious sound, which was completely unique among the bands active at a time, and combined with truly outstanding songwriting abilities by the band members simply placed them way at the top of the British scene as far as ambitious and original Rock is concerned.
As all British Rock bands at the time, also Spooky Tooth owed a lot to the Blues revival, which swept the Isles a decade earlier. The Blues motifs are clearly evident in their music, but they are more subtle than in similar groups like FreeFind albums by this artist or Ten Years AfterFind albums by this artist. Therefore Spooky Tooth did not enter the Blues-Rock niche per se, as did many of their contemporaries, staying closer to the path set by melodic Hard Rock pioneers. It is obvious that Spooky Tooth paved the way for other British bands, like Humble PieFind albums by this artist, which included Greg Ridley as a founding member when he left Spooky Tooth to join Humble Pie. Spooky Tooth and Humble Pie have many similarities in their musical approach, which is based on solid melodic themes, great riffs, Bluesy vocals and extended instrumental soloing.
The set includes the highly controversial album the band recorded with French Avant-Garde electronic music composer Pierre Henry, which is one of very few such experiments. The fact that the group recorded such daring projects and many of their other qualities firmly places Spooky Tooth as proto-Prog pioneers and to say the truth they had more Progressive tendencies than most other Prog groups at the time, although they were never credited and recognized as part of the Prog movement.
This beautifully researched and lavishly packaged Box Set is a long overdue tribute to one of the best British Rock bands, including a plethora of bonus tracks, a well written booklet by the producer / researcher Mark PowellFind albums by this artist, who is well known for his love and total dedication to the subject. I can´t imagine a serious music collection without this box being a part of it. Truly essential piece of music history!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | WHITESNAKE ~ LITTLE BOX `O` SNAKES
PARLOPHONE 5099993483728 (Barcode: 5099993483728) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1978 - 1982 Released: 2013
This is a Box Set collecting remastered reissues of the initial EP “SnakebiteFind albums with this title” (1978) and first seven LP albums by the British Rock group WhitesnakeFind albums by this artist: “TroubleFind albums with this title” (1978), “Live At HammersmithFind albums with this title” (1978), “LovehunterFind albums with this title” (1979), “Ready An` WillingFind albums with this title” (1980), “Live… In The Heart Of The CityFind albums with this title” (1980), “Come An` Get ItFind albums with this title” (1981) and “Saints & SinnersFind albums with this title” (1982).
The group was formed in 1978 by vocalist David CoverdaleFind albums by this artist, following his departure from the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, of which he was the lead singer between 1973 and 1976, recording three albums with them: “BurnFind albums with this title” (1974), “StormbringerFind albums with this title” (1974) and “Come Taste The BandFind albums with this title” (1975).
The initial lineup of the group included, in addition to Coverdale, two lead guitarists: Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist and Bernie MarsdenFind albums by this artist, bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave DowleFind albums by this artist. By the time the first album was recorded Deep Purple keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist joined the group. Later on another Deep Purple member, drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, also joined the group replacing Dowle.
Whitesnake were one of the best British Rock bands of all times, characterized by great musicianship and superb songwriting. Somewhat similar to Deep Purple, they had more Blues influences and at times sounded remarkably like FreeFind albums by this artist.
Overall, this Box Set is a remarkable treasure chest of superb British Classic Rock at its best, sounding better than ever and bringing back to life some albums that have been out of circulation for ages. Of course for Deep Purple fans the presence of Coverdale, Lord and Paice makes this Box Set completely irresistible. And Moody was always one of my favorite guitarists, with an incredible feel for the Blues. Loved every minute of it and I admit not hearing most of this music for the last four decades… tasty!
| | Updated: 04/06/2022Posted: 04/06/2022 | CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
|
