Record Reviews
6 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | MILES DAVIS ~ AT NEWPORT 1955-1975: THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL.4
COLUMBIA 888750819529 (Barcode: 888750819529) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1955 - 1975 Released: 2015
This is the 4th installment of the "Bootleg Series" live recordings by American trumpeter / composer Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, released by ColumbiaFind albums on this label Records. This time the recordings originate from the performances by Davis and his various groups as part of the annual Newport Jazz Festival, which still functions uninterruptedly since its inception in 1954 and served over time as one of the most important icons of American Jazz.
This 4 CD set spans twenty years of performances by Davis at Newport, starting with his appearance as a member of an all-star ad-hoc ensemble in 1955 and ending with his group´s appearance at the 1975 edition of the festival. It also includes two live recordings made in Europe (Germany and Switzerland) during the Newport Festival European tours.
With the exception of the first four tracks on CD 1, which include the above mentioned 1955 performance, which is rather badly recorded and completely banal musically, the rest of this set is, as expected, absolutely brilliant, with every second being completely revealing and historically significant. The 1958 appearance features the legendary first quintet with John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, the 1967-68 appearance features the even more legendary second quintet, the 1969 appearance features the core of the "Bitches BrewFind albums with this title" group, the 1971 appearance features the group with Gary BartzFind albums by this artist and finally the 1973-75 appearances feature the double guitar (Pete CoseyFind albums by this artist and Reggie LucasFind albums by this artist) and no keyboards group with Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist (or Sam MorrisonFind albums by this artist).
Since the tracks are arranged (almost) chronologically, this set wonderfully depicts the transformation of Davis and his groups during that period, expanding the horizons of Jazz (and music in general) in a radical way, which only an Artist of his vision and prophetic drive could achieve. Considering the fact that most of this music was previously unreleased and the recording quality is quite excellent, this set is simply irresistible to every Davis fan. This music remains absolutely timeless and fresh, completely untouched by the tides of time; the Holy Grail!
| | Updated: 31/12/2024Posted: | CD 4 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILES DAVIS ~ THE CELLAR DOOR SESSIONS 1970
COLUMBIA 93614 (Barcode: 827969361429) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005
It would be incredibly presumptuous to write any kind of serious musical review of this music in a limited format, so I’ll only stick to the very basics here. The music contained in this set was recorded live on December 16-19, 1970 in a dinky little Washington, DC club called “Cellar Door”. Why would Miles play in such a venue at all remained a mystery (one of many around Miles’ life and work), as he could easily sell out any concert hall in the US. In retrospect it now becomes obvious that Miles simply wanted a sort of limited exposure live recording opportunity to record his new band, which was yet another change of direction in his career. Following the groundbreaking Bitches BrewFind albums with this title and Jack JohnsonFind albums with this title sessions, Miles decided to strip down his ensemble to the bare minimum and concentrate on a more rock / funk oriented sound. Miles was always intensely attentive to everything that was happening around him musically and his frequent performances at the Fillmore venues exposed him to scores of rock bands, which enjoyed immense popularity with the crowds. Miles concluded that he could easily play music, which would be as acceptable to the rock crowds as the rock music they were accustomed to, hell he could do it better! This sessions prove that he was absolutely right. For the new group Miles kept Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist on electric piano, since Keith was already at ease with rock oriented material he played in his earlier stints. He also kept Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist on drums, as John could rock better that any of the rock drummers around, considering his immense talent and technique. The saxophone spot was taken by Gary BartzFind albums by this artist (Steve GrossmanFind albums by this artist was having serious drug-related problems), a young and extremely capable player who sounded remarkably similar to John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, but felt comfortable with the funky rhythms. The biggest change (and surprise) was the bass spot, which Miles assigned to the tender MotownFind albums on this label (yes – the Jackson 5Find albums by this artist!) electric bassist Michael HendersonFind albums by this artist. Henderson’s pulsating funky rhythms set the essence for these sessions, not only serving as a rock solid foundation upon which the musicians are free to develop their improvisations, but also being the glue that keeps the music together. The quintet of Davis, Bartz, Jarrett, Henderson and DeJohnette play on all the 6 CDs in this set. The Brazilian percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist joins the quintet on the 3rd day (expanding it to a sextet) and is heard on 4 CDs. Moreira’s contribution to Miles’ music deserve a chapter in itself - in these sessions he skillfully adds color and polyrhythmic accents, always with taste and precision. On the last day the group is extended to a septet with John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist joining in on his fire blazing electric guitar, like there is no tomorrow. This truly turns the whole ensemble into the “greatest fucking rock band you ever heard”, to quote Miles. McLaughlin is in his usual great form, which means he is just way ahead of anything else done at that time on guitar. What about Miles himself? Let me just say that he plays some of his best notes ever on these sessions, full of vigor, passion and inspiration. What else can I say here? This music is beyond comparison, beyond criticism, beyond all the bullshit people say about music… If you didn’t hear it you simply don’t exist - musically that is ;).
| | | CD 6 Box Set Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALPHONSE MOUZON ~ VIRTUE
PROMISING MUSIC 44110 (Barcode: 602517602410) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2009
In the early 1970s the name of US drummer Alphonse MouzonFind albums by this artist was almost synonymous with Jazz-Rock Fusion as one of its most prominent drummers, rivaled only by Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist. His stints with Weather ReportFind albums by this artist and Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist´s Eleventh HouseFind albums by this artist are prime examples of his extraordinary abilities and technique. But Mouzon could play modern Jazz as well as Fusion, and he played with the best, including McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist and many other "conventional" Jazz musicians. This album is a brainchild of the legendary producer Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, who was a great fan of Mouzon´s playing and invited him to record for the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label twice, before recording this one with him as a leader. For the album Mouzon assembled quite an unusual quartet, incorporating one of the greatest (and often underappreciated) saxophonist Gary BartzFind albums by this artist, which seemed truly inappropriate, as Bartz was more then anything a player in the John ColtraneFind albums by this artist tradition, which was hardly "in place" in a Funk / Fusion setting. The result of course proves that all fears were completely unfounded and the quartet works like a dream. Completed by keyboardist Stu GoldbergFind albums by this artist (a frequent guest on the MPS label), whose feel for Fusion and Funk was beyond reproach, and bassist Welton GiteFind albums by this artist (a legendary bass player, who was a member of SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist! and played with a plethora of Rock, Pop and Jazz acts) the quartet performs a set of compositions composed by Mouzon, playing their ass off from start to finish, producing one of the most energetic and brilliant Fusion albums with no weak moments whatsoever. Mouzon is of course brilliant, a monster rhythmic (and polyrhythmic) driving power at all times. Both Goldberg and Bartz get plenty of solo space and the overall result is a Fusion orgy of unearthly proportions. Although this album is rarely mentioned as a Fusion "classic", it definitely deserves the status, which anybody listening to it should easily recognize. We should be grateful to Promising MusicFind albums on this label for reissuing this classic treasure! As usual, the remastering, sound quality, packaging and extensive liner notes are beyond reproach. Warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 16/05/2016Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | COURTNEY PINE ~ MODERN DAY JAZZ STORIES
ANTILLES 731452902825 (Barcode: 731452902825) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1995 Released: 1996
This is an album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Courtney PineFind albums by this artist, recorded in the US with American musicians: keyboardist Geri AllenFind albums by this artist, bassist Charnette MoffettFind albums by this artist and drummer Ronnie BurrageFind albums by this artist and British turntablist DJ PogoFind albums by this artist. Three guest musicians appear on selected tracks: trumpeter Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist, vocalist Cassandra WilsonFind albums by this artist and guitarist Mark WhitfieldFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, ten of which are original compositions by Pine, one is co-composed by him and Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist, one is by Gary BartzFind albums by this artist and one is a standard.
The album is heavily influenced by various manifestations of “Black Music”, which include Hip Hop, Blues, Soul and other stylistic indices, which are more obvious in the various production aspects of this album than in his playing. His performances are brilliant as always and he remains one of the top British Jazz musicians, despite the fact that his popularity has somewhat weakened following his sensational debut success in the mid-1980s.
Overall, although the album fails to present a focused musical direction, it nevertheless offers a splendid collection of original compositions and stunning saxophone performances by Pine. The American team, comprising of top Jazz performers, accompanies him amicably and the result is definitely worth exploring.
| | Updated: 10/11/2024Posted: 09/11/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOODY SHAW ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979189027 (Barcode: 886979189027) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1977 - 1981 Released: 2011
American trumpeter / composer Woody ShawFind albums by this artist is often referred to as the last great innovator of the Jazz trumpet tradition. His incredible technical skills as well as his deep Jazz sensitivity enabled him to create some of the most memorable Jazz moments. Unfortunately his recording legacy as a leader is relatively limited and his death at the ridiculous age of 44 has cut his career tragically short. Over the years he recorded extensively as a sideman and contributed his part to some of the most notable and pivotal Jazz recordings, especially during his stint with the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label in the mid to late 1960s, where he was the "house trumpeter".
Shaw´s most important work as a leader was recorded in the late 1970s for ColumbiaFind albums on this label, where he recorded five superb albums which finally awarded him the recognition and appreciation he so much deserved. These recordings allowed his to utilize in full his abilities both as a player and composer, surrounded by a splendid group of musicians. His music often used unusual musical devices, such as polytonality and the pentatonic scale, which Shaw absorbed from his idols like Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, from the 20th century Classical Music composers as well as from World Music influences. However he was able to utilize those complex and often quite difficult musical ideas and make them sound "easy" and natural to the Jazz environment.
The Columbia session were recorded with Shaw leading different combos, from a classic quintet to a tentet and even larger ensembles. The list of participants includes some of the most important Jazz performers active at the time, like trumpeter Charles SullivanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, Rene McLeanFind albums by this artist, Carter JeffersonFind albums by this artist, Gary BartzFind albums by this artist and others, pianist Onaje Allan GumbsFind albums by this artist, George CablesFind albums by this artist, Mulgrew MillerFind albums by this artist and others.
This Box Set includes all the five albums Shaw recorded for Columbia, remastered and expanded with bonus tracks, as well as a sixth bonus CD, which comprises of previously unreleased material recorded at the same Village Vanguard concert, which was partly released as the "Stepping StonesFind albums with this title" album.
This is some of the most remarkable Jazz music made in the 1970s and an important piece of the modern Jazz puzzle, which should be listened to by new generations and inspire them to carry the proverbial torch. It should definitely find its place in any serious Jazz record collection.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
|
