Record Reviews

ADVANCEMENT ~ ADVANCEMENT FALLOUT 2065 (Barcode: 5051125206513) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2007 Only album by the obscure US West Coast instrumental sextet The AdvancementFind albums by this artist, established by the bassist Lou KabokFind albums by this artist and drummer Hal GordonFind albums by this artist, both members at the time of the famous Hungarian guitarist Gabor SzaboFind albums by this artist’s quintet. This beautiful and obscure gem is one of the earliest examples of Fusion, with the distinct West Coast Jazz influence, tasteful, relaxed and cool. Very melodic, with some great writing and arranging by the band members, this music is quite different from the Fusion mainstream, and therefore unique. The emphasis here is on elegance and grace, with superbly played parts and jazzy improvisations. The music sound great today, untarnished by time and modernism, still a great example of combining musical genres to achieve a better total. It’s a crime this album didn’t get the recognition at the time of its release, so with the second chance it is getting now, I truly hope more people will discover this little beauty. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES LLOYD ~ DISCOVERY! / NIRVANA SUPERBIRD 0030 (Barcode: 5013929883024) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 - 1965 Released: 2010 This great album combines two early recording by US saxophonist / flautist / composer Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, released originally in the 1960 on the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label. "Discovery!Find albums with this title" was Lloyd´s debut album, recorded with pianist Don FriedmanFind albums by this artist and two rhythm sections: the fist with bassist Eddie KhanFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist and the second with bassist Richard DavisFind albums by this artist and drummer J.C. MosesFind albums by this artist. "NirvanaFind albums with this title" was a collection of outtakes released by Columbia after Lloyd changed label to Atlantic, where his legendary group with Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist and Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist recorded some superb music. The outtakes originate mostly from the "Of Course, Of CourseFind albums with this title" album and feature Lloyd with guitarist Gabor SzaboFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist. The music is almost entirely by Lloyd, clearly showing his extraordinary sense of melody and strong influence of Oriental music. The performances are stellar of course and considering the fact that this material has been unavailable for years this is a true treat to every Jazz fan. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES LLOYD / THE MARVELS ~ TONE POEM BLUE NOTE 602435263410 (Barcode: 602435263410) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the 3rd album by the legendary American saxophonist / composer / bandleader Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, recorded under the Charles Lloyd & The MarvelsFind albums by this artist moniker, which features guitarist Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist, steel guitarist Greg LeishFind albums by this artist, bassist Reuben RogersFind albums by this artist and drummer Eric HarlandFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all studio recordings except one live track. Three of the tracks are original compositions by Lloyd and the rest are by Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist (two tracks), Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist, Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, Cuban songwriter Bola de NieveFind albums by this artist and Hungarian guitarist Gabor SzaboFind albums by this artist. The music is quite different from the strictly Jazz oriented material the listeners expect from Lloyd’s recordings, combining strong influences of Americana and even Country, and the ambience of the lineup, with two guitars and the rhythm section, with no brass other that the leader, who plays mostly flute and a mellow tenor saxophone, is quite unusual and different. The music is, as expected, very beautiful and offers a sublime example of the surviving skills of Lloyd, who is undoubtedly one the greatest American Jazz musicians of all time, and who, despite his advanced age, sounds completely relevant today, as he did throughout his entire career. There is less improvisation and the focus is on the melody and Lloyd’s superb soloing. Overall, this is another monumental piece of contemporary American Jazz, which sadly very rarely achieves such level of sophistication, authenticity and freshness these days. It takes a moment to get used to the somewhat sound of the music, especially the steel guitar parts, which is rarely part of the Jazz milieu, but the music is absolutely fabulous.

Updated: 17/06/2026Posted: 17/06/2026

CD 1 Digisleeve Recommend To A Friend