Record Reviews

G. F. FITZ-GERALD ~ MOUSEPROOF SUNBEAM 5016 (Barcode: 5051125501618) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006 Scottish guitarist / singer / songwriter G. F. Fitz-GeraldFind albums by this artist recorded his only album with a bunch of excellent musicians, including some legendary figures like singer Judy DybleFind albums by this artist (Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist), tabla virtuoso Sam GopalFind albums by this artist, sax and flute player Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist and many others. The album was a complete commercial failure at the time of its release, disappearing entirely from the market, to be remembered only by a very few people who ever heard it as a gem of great interest. Finally after so many years the album was reissued, for all of us to enjoy. Fitz-Gerald moved on in the meantime into experimental improvised music (see his album with Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist) and never recorded in the studio again. The album lost nothing of its original charm and magic and after all these years it’s still an absolute gem. Resembling the efforts of groups like ComusFind albums by this artist and perhaps Third Ear BandFind albums by this artist, this is a completely zany, funny, crazy, wonderful mixture of Psychedelics, Jazz, early Improvised Music and Folk. As usual with such mixtures, it is absolutely beyond any specific genre and placing it under Progressive Rock is the best I can do. I really recommend to everybody to try and get hold of a copy of this – it very well might eventually become your favorite album – you never know. Brilliant stuff!

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G. F. FITZ-GERALD / LOL COXHILL ~ ECHOES OF DUNEDEN REEL RECORDINGS 003 (Barcode: 641444015528) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1975 Released: 2007 Scottish guitarist G. F. Fitz-GeraldFind albums by this artist is an Avant-Garde musician best known for his 1970 MouseproofFind albums with this title album. His activities span Psychedelic, Avant-Rock and Free Jazz. This album presents him in cooperation with one of the greatest British improvisers, saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist, performing a series of musical “conversations”. Recorded live at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and selected from hours of material, this is a most wonderful window into the intimate world of spontaneous music creation by two masters. Coxhill is at his best here, always lyrical and often strangely romantic, even at the very peak of heated improvisation. The interplay is telepathic and inspired. Not an easy listening, but a most rewarding intellectual experience. Intended for Improvised Music enthusiasts.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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RADAR FAVOURITES ~ RADAR FAVOURITES REEL RECORDINGS 017 (Barcode: 654367021033) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2010 The short lived British Prog / Experimental Rock band Radar FavoritesFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist (Henry CowFind albums by this artist) and comprising of keyboardist Cathy WilliamsFind albums by this artist, guitarist G. F. Fitz-GeraldFind albums by this artist, bassist Jack MonckFind albums by this artist and drummer Charles HaywardFind albums by this artist, never managed to record an album before circumstances brought to its demise. This great album collects all the existing material by the band, including some studio recordings made towards the band´s debut album and some live material. Considering the fact that this material is virtually unknown to most Prog fans it´s quite and ear-opener. Although Rock based, the music includes a lot of improvisation and wild conic excursions, complex structures and other unusual elements, which make it different from most other stuff recorded at the time. There is a lot to be discovered here, requiring several listening sessions, but this is an ultra-rare historic gem finally recovered from oblivion, hopefully to be discovered by contemporary listeners. Wholeheartedly recommended, especially to RIO fans!

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