Record Reviews

ARTHUR BROWN ~ DANCE (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2847 (Barcode: 5013929484795) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by British vocalist / songwriter Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, recorded with an excellent team including guitarists Andy DolbyFind albums by this artist and Barry ClarkFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Chris NicholsFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve YorkFind albums by this artist, drummer Charlie CharlesFind albums by this artist, percussionist Eddie EdwardsFind albums by this artist and saxophonist George KhanFind albums by this artist. The original album presents eleven tracks, six of which are original songs by Brown, two are by Dolby, and the rest are interpretations of songs by others. The expanded edition adds six bonus tracks recorded live by the BBC, all of which appear on the original album. Brown is one of my all-time favorite British artists, whom I have been following since the late 1960s. His idiosyncratic vocal abilities and incredible musicality is completely unique and his cross-genre explorations, which include everything between Rock, Progressive Rock, Avant-Garde Rock, etc., always spiced with Jazzy underline accents and textures, as well as complete disregard of conventions and Artistic compromises, have always been a source of pure delight. This album is disguised under the “Dance” moniker, but in fact is a wonderful collection of brilliant songs and clever, often satirical lyrics, which are completely timeless. The excellent remaster brings the music up to date and the saxophone solos by Khan are alone worth the price of the album. Overall, it is great to see this, mostly forgotten, album back to circulation, and it is a true joy to listen to it again. Still alive and kicking, but sadly mostly in the shadows, Brown deserves to be listened to and learned from, as he remains a true icon of British / European Rock.

Updated: 05/01/2024Posted: 05/01/2024

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN ~ RADIO SESSIONS 1968 / 1972 / 1975 GONZO 299 (Barcode: 5060230865775) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1975 Released: 2016 This is an archival release that presents radio sessions recorded by the British Rock vocalist / composer Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist and his various groups. The first five tracks recorded in 1968 are by The Crazy World Of Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, the next four tracks recorded in 1971 and 1972 are by his group Kingdom ComeFind albums by this artist and the last five tracks recorded in 1975 are credited only to his name. The booklet gives no information about the sources of the recordings, most of which were obviously done by the BBC. Judging by the sound quality of the tracks they are all home recording of BBC broadcasts rather than the original radio recordings. Most of the material consists of original songs by Brown. The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown tracks are of course live replicas of the tracks from the debut album, brilliantly performed by organist Vincent CraneFind albums by this artist, bassist Nick GreenwoodFind albums by this artist and drummer Drachen TheakerFind albums by this artist and the charismatic vocals by Brown are absolute classics. These tracks were recently released on the Super Deluxe Edition reissue of the debut album. The Kingdom Come tracks are superb Progressive Rock material originating from the group´s debut album "Galactic Zoo DossierFind albums with this title" and their third album "JourneyFind albums with this title", which puts a big question mark on the given dates of the recording as the third album was only released in 1973. These tracks were probably recorded in 1973 and released unofficially before. The last batch of tracks was recorded when Brown released his solo album "Dance" and presents him performing Pop / Rock material, but with his usual twist, brilliant vocal delivery and excellent instrumental backup, which includes saxophonist George KhanFind albums by this artist and other great players. As far as I could find out, these tracks are previously unreleased. Overall this is a mixed bag, pretty sloppily put together and suffering from pretty bad sound quality at times on one hand, but offering some brilliant music on the other hand. Approach with caution, but don´t ignore if you are a fan of Arthur Brown!

Updated: 30/09/2019Posted: 30/09/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN ~ STRANGELANDS ESOTERIC 2258 (Barcode: 5013929735828) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2011 The material included on this album was supposed to be the 2nd album by British singer Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist and his group called The Crazy World Of Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist. Although recorded shortly after the debut, it remained unreleased for almost 20 years and remains mostly completely unknown to most music lovers. The material is mostly Avant-Garde and years ahead of its time, so the fact that it was rejected at the time is no surprise, but in retrospect this is fascinating music. Emphasizing instrumental improvisations and a less harmonic music and Brown´s manic vocals the overall effect is absolutely stunning, somewhere between Psychedelics and Jazz. Several brilliant musicians participate, including legendary saxophonist George KhanFind albums by this artist and drummer Drachen TheakerFind albums by this artist. I´m sorry but I simply love every minute of this stuff and proclaim once again that Brown was / is one of the greatest British music geniuses in spite the fact that very few people share my view on this. Your loss mates!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PETE BROWN / BATTERED ORNAMENTS ~ A MEAL YOU CAN SHAKE HANDS WITH IN THE DARK / MANTLE-PIECE BGO 489 (Barcode: 5017261204899) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2000 1st and 2nd albums by UK group Battered OrnamentsFind albums by this artist, led (on the first album only) by poet / musician Pete BrownFind albums by this artist. Brown was one of the most colorful and interesting figures on the UK scene in the 1960s, a part of a larger group of friends, which included Jazz, Rock and Avant-Garde musicians like Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist and even John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist. He took active part in the Jazz & Poetry experimental movement leading a group called First Real Poetry BandFind albums by this artist, which was combining elements of Blues, Avant-Garde Rock, Jazz and Jazz-Rock. Of course Brown is mostly remembered for his co-writing of many songs with Jack Bruce, which were part of the CreamFind albums by this artist repertoire, as well as on Jack´s early solo albums. Brown continued his musical adventured by forming the band Battered Ornaments with George KhanFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist on guitar, Charlie HartFind albums by this artist on organ and a great Jazzy rhythm section. The band recorded just one, absolutely brilliant album (the first of the two presented here), with Brown singing the lead vocals, something he tried to avoid but did anyway, and Heckstall-Smith playing on two tracks. The music is absolutely stunning, a great example of the early UK Jazz-Rock, which is completely different of course from the later Jazz-Rock Fusion that most US bands pursued. After recording the first album the personality clash and rivalry between Brown and Spedding resulted in Brown leaving the band (and forming immediately a new one called PibloktoFind albums by this artist). The band, now led by Spedding, recorded a second album, using material written by Spedding and Brown earlier. Although not as brilliant as the first, it is still a great example of early Jazz-Rock and includes basically the same lineup as the first album less Brown and Hart. Together these two albums are a must to any fan of the early British Jazz-Rock scene and include some of the most ingenious music ever made. A must!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

PETER LEMER QUINTET ~ SON OF LOCAL COLOUR ESP 5031 (Barcode: 825481503129) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is an album by British Jazz pianist / composer Peter LemerFind albums by this artist and his quintet, which features saxophonists John SurmanFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist – all iconic figures of the British Jazz scene. The album presents eight tracks, five by Lemer, one by Surman, one by Carla BleyFind albums by this artist and finally one by John Coltrane. The album was recorded live at the Pizza Express in London, on February 20th, 2018. But the story behind this album goes back fifty years into the past, when the almost identical lineup of the quintet (with George KhanFind albums by this artist in place of Skidmore) released the album “Local ColourFind albums with this title”, which was recorded a couple of years earlier, on the pioneering independent record label ESPFind albums on this label Disk, founded in 1963 and run by a Jewish NY lawyer and Avant-Garde Music protagonist Bernard StollmanFind albums by this artist, and which yours truly proudly stored in his collection ever since. That album was the first modern / Avant-Garde British Jazz album to be released in the US, together with several other modern European Jazz albums, including even recordings originating from behind the Iron Curtain. At that time most Americans were completely unaware of the existence of modern Jazz outside of the US. It was also the first recording, which features Surman. Five of the compositions on that album are also present on the album, approached in a completely new and different way. Despite the fact that the musicians are five decades older this time, they seem not to have lost any of the vigor and passion, and with the added experience of a lifetime the music obviously gained an unprecedented level of depth and finesse. The new album also offers a closure of sorts, as it was the last recording by Hiseman, before his tragic death just four months after this album was recorded. Overall, this is a fine Avant-Garde Jazz album, beautifully executed by these superb players, which will certainly be a cherished addition to every serious British Jazz collection, and the unusual circumstances surrounding it add to its historic value, serving as a half-Century time bridge between the early days of modern British Jazz and now. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 24/02/2022Posted: 24/02/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

MIRAGE ~ NOW YOU SEE IT… VOCALION 8431 (Barcode: 765387843120) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007 The short-lived Jazz-Rock Fusion group MirageFind albums by this artist is an excellent example of the incredible high level of music created in Britain in the 1970s. Co-led by two great instrumentalist and composers: saxophonist George KhanFind albums by this artist and guitarist Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, they managed to record just one album, which was originally released on the obscure, but visionary Norwegian CompendiumFind albums on this label label (along with some other superb albums), which unfortunately folded shortly after this album was released. The group also included bassist Steve CookFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave SheenFind albums by this artist on permanent basis, but was often expanded to a sextet with the addition of Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist on keyboards and John MitchellFind albums by this artist on percussion. The group played music composed by Khan and Godding, which was a typical British Fusion, somewhat similar to what the many Canterbury groups (Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist) were doing at the time, with strong melodic lines and lengthy improvisations. Godding was of course one of the best British guitarists, sadly much under-appreciated and respected mostly among his peers. This most welcome reissue expands the original album by adding two long jam-like tracks recorded live, which give an excellent glimpse as to how the group (in its sextet form) sounded on stage. Brilliant stuff, from start to finish and a must to all Fusion-heads.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SOLID GOLD CADILLAC ~ SOLID GOLD CADILLAC / BRAIN DAMAGE BGO 0471 (Barcode: 5017261204714) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 1999 This is a reissue of the only two albums released in the early 1970s by the short lived British Jazz-Rock ensemble Solid Gold CadillacFind albums by this artist, led by pianist / composer Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist. The list of participating musicians reads like the Who´s Who of British Jazz / Jazz-Rock at the time: lead vocalist / trumpeter Phil MintonFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist George KhanFind albums by this artist, trombonist Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dick MorecombeFind albums by this artist, Westbrook on electric piano and additional vocals, pianist Fiachra TrenchFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks on the eponymous debut album. Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist plays guitar and Butch PotterFind albums by this artist plays bass on the second album and Trench does not take part in it. The debut album offers eleven tracks and the second album offers ten tracks, almost all of which were composed by Westbrook. The music is a zany, eclectic collection of absolutely stupendous music, light years ahead of its time at the time of the recording. It moves between Pop, Rock, Jazz-Rock, Jazz and typical Westbrook cabaret / vaudeville creations, all superbly performed by this elite team of musicians. My recent review of Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist´s album "GraniteFind albums with this title" struck a "memory" chord and made me to come back to these two albums, which admittedly I have not listened to in decades. It is absolutely amazing how good this music sounds today, losing nothing of its freshness and ingenuity. The sense of humor and irony are already there, playing a major role in the overall scheme of things, going hand in hand with wonderful musicality and astounding versatility. Although Solid Gold Cadillac was only a small "sidestep" in Westbrook´s decades long career, in retrospect it proves again that he definitely is a man of the "golden touch", as far as music is concerned, and everything he created over time is able to defend its values over time. Although this reissue is long time out of print, it is definitely worth seeking out, not only for the Westbrook devotees, but for all British Jazz / Jazz-Rock collectors, who missed this jewel so far. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 16/08/2018Posted: 16/08/2018

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ LIVE 1972 HUX 151 (Barcode: 682970001517) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2017 This is an expanded / remastered reissue of an album by the iconic British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, recorded with his extremely short-lived quintet, which featured him on electric piano together with saxophonist / flautist George KhanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, bassist Butch PotterFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and the original album was released in 1973 as “LiveFind albums with this title” on the legendary CadillacFind albums on this label label as a five-tracks LP. This new edition adds two previously unreleased performances, with all the music remastered by the lamented Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist at his Temple Music Studios. For people not familiar with the original album, this music is a true revelation from start to finish. All the music was composed by Westbrook and includes small ensemble versions of some of his orchestral compositions, like “Marching Song” and “Metropolis” and some Free Form improvised music, or Free Jazz Fusion if one prefers, rarely associated with Westbrook in general, and as such especially unique. Five of the tracks on this album are over ten minutes in duration, which emphasizes the improvisational character of the music herein. The album is also an important document of George Khan’s talents, which sadly have little exposure on the many albums he plays on, certainly not as a Free Form improviser featured here, which is breathtaking. Overall, this is a relatively little known episode in Westbrook’s extensive career, which together with the two albums recorded by the Solid Gold CadillacFind albums by this artist band documents his Jazz-Rock Fusion adventures in the early 1970s and is a fascinating glimpse into his past. For the many Westbrook followers and British Jazz enthusiasts, this is a Holy Grail, absolutely worthy of an honorable place in any serious record collection.

Updated: 21/01/2023Posted: 21/01/2023

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ LIVE 1972 (CADILLAC 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) CADILLAC 001 (Barcode: 5020675000421) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2023 This is an expanded / remastered reissue of an album by the iconic British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, recorded with his extremely short-lived quintet, which featured him on electric piano together with saxophonist / flautist George KhanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, bassist Butch PotterFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and the original album was released on LP in 1973 as “LiveFind albums with this title” and presented only five-tracks. This new edition adds two previously unreleased performances, with all the music remastered by the lamented Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist at his Temple Music Studios. Although released previously in 2017 on the now defunct HUXFind albums on this label label, a copy of which is now impossible to find, this edition celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the legendary CadillacFind albums on this label label founded by John JackFind albums by this artist, as it was the first release on that label. It is absolutely delightful to see the British Jazz legacy being kept alive and the Cadillac label getting a second “life”. For people not familiar with the original album, this music is a true revelation from start to finish. All the music was composed by Westbrook and includes small ensemble versions of some of his orchestral compositions, like “Marching Song” and “Metropolis” and some Free Form improvised music, or Free Jazz Fusion if one prefers, rarely associated with Westbrook in general, and as such especially unique. Five of the tracks on this album are over ten minutes in duration, which emphasizes the improvisational character of the music herein. The album is also an important document of George Khan’s talents, which sadly have little exposure on the many albums he plays on, certainly not as a Free Form improviser featured here, which is breathtaking. Overall, this is a relatively little known episode in Westbrook’s extensive career, which together with the two albums recorded by the Solid Gold Cadillac band documents his Jazz-Rock Fusion adventures in the early 1970s and is a fascinating glimpse into his past. For the many Westbrook followers and British Jazz enthusiasts, this is a Holy Grail, absolutely worthy of an honorable place in any serious record collection.

Updated: 06/01/2024Posted: 06/01/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ LOVE SONGS VOCALION 8407 (Barcode: 765387840723) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005 Pianist / bandleader / composer Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist is a true icon of the British Jazz scene for over four decades. The immense body of work Westbrook produced over the years parallels the achievements of many Classical composers and in fact should be considered as contemporary Classical music, although he is mostly associated with the Jazz genre. In the late 1960s / 1970s Westbrook concentrated mostly on his work with Jazz Big Bands, which he led and composed the music for. He usually composed large orchestral suites, based on conceptual or literary content, again similar to the modus operandi of Classical composers. His legendary Big Bands / orchestras comprised of the creme de la creme of the British Jazz musicians active at the time and were one of the most fascinating grounds of musical experimentation. Later on Westbrook would work mainly in smaller ensembles, which include his wife the singer Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, producing a series of wonderful compositions often similar in spirit to the work of composer Kurt WeillFind albums by this artist and often involving interpretation of European poetry and other literary works. This album presents a song cycle dedicated to the poems by Caroline MenisFind albums by this artist, and features Britain’s greatest female Jazz vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist. The band consists of saxophonists Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, John WarrenFind albums by this artist and George KhanFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Dave HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, trombonists Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist and Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist and a rhythm section: Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist – guitar, Mike Westbrook – piano, Harry MillerFind albums by this artist – bass and Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist – drums, all stellar Jazz musicians. Of course Westbrook’s music is never trivial and requires some serious listening to be truly appreciated, but the intellectual effort is richly rewarded. This reissue includes a super-rare single released at the time to promote the album. Timeless stuff and a must to any true Jazz lover - most warmly recommended.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ METROPOLIS BGO 454 (Barcode: 5017261204547) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 1999 If the 1960s served as a period of establishment of the British Jazz scene, with scores of extremely talented instrumentalists and composers coming to prominence, surely the 1970s marked the “emancipation of British Jazz from American slavery”, a phrase brilliantly defined by British trumpeter / composer / musicologist / writer Ian CarrFind albums by this artist. One of the distinct heroes and champions of this new path was undoubtedly pianist / composer Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, whose compositions for large Jazz ensembles were the British answer and equivalent to the body of work composed by the great Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist. MetropolisFind albums with this title marks a high point in a series of brilliant works composed by Westbrook and recorded by large ensembles comprising of the creme de la creme of British Jazz musicians. Westbrook sublimely expands the Ellingtonian framework with the inclusion of multi-layered sound ambience, group improvisation and Rock rhythms, creating a completely innovative and spectacular musical phenomenon, somewhat comparable to contemporary Classical music, but firmly based in Jazz idioms and traditions. “Metropolis” was recorded by an ensemble, which included 23 musicians, each and every one of which are absolute Masters of their trade, including Westbrook on piano, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, George KhanFind albums by this artist and John WarrenFind albums by this artist on saxophones, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist on trumpets, Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist and Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist on trombone, John TaylorFind albums by this artist on electric piano, Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist on guitar, Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist on bass, Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist and John MarshallFind albums by this artist and drums and the divine Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist on vocals – more or less the entire core of modern British Jazz. The music is of course magnificent, full of pathos and expression with not a single dull moment from start to finish, and the performances absolutely chilling with one solo chasing another. There are few Jazz albums that come close to this masterpiece and although it is relatively little known by Jazz fans worldwide (as most great music) it is an absolute classic and a must for any serious listener, equivalent to hundreds of other less meaningful albums. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ THE LAST NIGHT AT THE OLD PLACE CADILLAC 016 (Barcode: 5051078961828) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2018 This is a wonderful archival release of a live concert played by pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and his Concert BandFind albums by this artist, recorded at Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist´s Old Place on May 25, 1968 – the very night when the Old Place on Gerrard Street finally closed its doors for good. The band comprised of saxophonists Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, Bernie LivingFind albums by this artist, George KhanFind albums by this artist and John SurmanFind albums by this artist, trombonists Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist and Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Dave HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, Westbrook on piano, bassist Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, most of which are original compositions by Westbrook and all of which were released on the "ReleaseFind albums with this title" album recorded by the same band less than three months later. This album documents the wonderful freedom the band members enjoyed within the band, and especially so during this very special occasion. The recording presents extended soloing by the band members, that was not present on the much more concise studio versions of these compositions, and allows a rare glimpse at the atmosphere prevailing at the Old Place, which was London´s melting pot of all things Jazz related, side by side with the Little Theatre Club run by drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist. As someone who was lucky to witness that period at first hand, I must admit that the fifty years that passed since have not managed to erase the intensity of the magic that was in the air and the feeling that a completely new music was being born right in front of your eyes (and ears). The album is accompanied by informative liner notes by Westbrook and others and is also a tribute to John JackFind albums by this artist, the omnipresent man behind the British Jazz scene and founder of CadillacFind albums on this label Records, who sadly departed in September 2017. The sound quality of the recording is not ideal, but is certainly good enough to faithfully reconstruct the atmosphere of the concert and enable us to enjoy the music, as it was performed. The fact that this music was recorded at all and survived fifty years of storage is another miracle. We are all very lucky that this recording was unearthed and will be now preserved for posterity. Of course this is an absolute must for all British Jazz enthusiasts and Westbrook followers!

Updated: 02/02/2023Posted: 09/10/2018

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend