Record Reviews
35 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | DAEVID ALLEN ~ GOOD MORNING
ESOTERIC 2004 (Barcode: 5013929710429) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2007
Following his departure from GongFind albums by this artist, the legendary British ensemble he formed and led for many years, singer / guitarist / songwriter Daevid AllenFind albums by this artist started his solo career with the release of this album. It was recorded at his home studio in Mallorca, accompanied by the Spanish group EuterpeFind albums by this artist and his faithful companion Gilli SmythFind albums by this artist. This album sets the direction for Allen´s future work, which would be a unique cross-genre amalgam of Psychedelia, Ambient, Jazz and everything else, which is always uniquely Daevid Allen. A great trip down the memory lane!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | IAN EAST ~ INNER PATHS
PATHWAY 0114 (Barcode: 634158648151) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2015 - 2016 Released: 2016
This is a solo album by British Jazz saxophonist / clarinetist / composer Ian EastFind albums by this artist, on which he plays a plethora of instruments (saxophones, clarinets, percussion) and multi-tracks them to achieve a one-man-band result. The album presents nine original compositions by East.
I have recently had the opportunity to hear East perform live with the legendary GongFind albums by this artist, and he gave me a copy of this album, which I never heard about earlier on. It turned out to be quite a surprise, as the music is highly unusual, not only due to the fact that it was recorded my one person, but mostly due to the fact that it offers a collection of excellent compositions and fascinating arrangements for an “imaginary” brass band, which sounds like a cross-over between a circus orchestra / vaudeville band and a Jazz combo.
It is obvious that East feels perfectly at ease with all those instruments he plays on this album, and had a pretty good idea of what he wanted to achieve as a final result, which luckily worked out perfectly. The resulting music is a charming carpet ride, which moves between different Jazz and Folklore idioms. He manages to create completely different climates and stylistics, all based on solid, coherent melodic themes. The result is honestly quite staggering, considering the richness of its melodic content and the beauty of the “band” arrangements, as performed by one person.
Overall, this is a very exciting, unique and beautifully weaved album, which offers an unusual approach to making music, especially so within the Jazz idiom, and should come as a nice surprise to many Jazz listeners around the world, who most probably are not familiar with this album. Wholeheartedly recommended and remember you heard about it here ;) Hats off!
| | Updated: 17/08/2023Posted: 17/08/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | GONG ~ ACID MOTHERHOOD
VOICEPRINT 311 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Long awaited new album from 2004 by completely new and re-vamped Gong line-up featuring no less then three guitar players and no wind instruments. Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth (on 1 track only) lead a wild bunch of musicians to another uncharted waters, with completely new sound resembling nothing familiar. The music is more agressive and disonant, but always challenging and surprising, as proper for Gong. A new band, a new chapter and new excitement.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GONG ~ ANGEL`S EGG (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 866556 (Barcode: 724386655622) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2004
2nd part of GongFind albums by this artist´s `Radio Gnome Invisible` trilogy. This album marks the transition from the `songs` of the 1st part to the more instrumental / improvised pieces present on the 3rd part. Considered by Gong fans to be a highlight and one of their best acheivements.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | GONG ~ FLYING TEAPOT
SPALAX 14828 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
1st part of the `Radio Gnome Invisible` trilogy from 1972. This albums is still `song` oriented to some extent, but clearly shows the way towards the more instrumental / improvised pieces present on the later albums. The trilogy is considered by Gong fans to be a highlight and one of their best acheivements and an absolute classic in the history of Prog.
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  | GONG ~ HISTORIES AND MYSTERIES OF PLANET GONG
VOICEPRINT 279 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Originally released as a single album in 1989 now in much extended 2 albums version. This is a collection of live recordings and other strange tidbits (and when Gong goes strange...), all combined as a continuous sound collage. There is some absolutely best Gong material here, as well as some of the most obscure. For Gong fans this is a marvel! The first (original) album includes material spanning from 1962 to 1979 and the second one comes all from the 1980`s.
| | | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | GONG ~ LIVE ETC.
VIRGIN 3501 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1977
In 1977 the (almost) original GongFind albums by this artist re-united for a series of concerts, which were recorded and released on a double LP album. This CD contains all the material except 1 track, which was added to the CD version of Angel`s EggFind albums with this title. The group is in absolutely top form here and this is considered their best live effort ever. The material covers mostly the `Radio Gnome Invisible` trilogy.
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  | GONG ~ LIVE ON TV 1990
CODE 90 1 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Fantastic performance by the original members of Gong reunited for the first time for a special TV program dedicated to the group. Many favorites of the classic Gong songs get a new treatment here and the humor and brilliance are present as always.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GONG ~ YOU
VIRGIN 866554 (Barcode: 724386655424) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2004
3rd and last part of the `Radio Gnome Invisible` trilogy. This album shows Gong going deeper into the improvisational rock and is less song oriented then the previous two. The players can really shine on this one and a strong jazz influence is present. This is considered to be the best and most focused of their albums, which later became even more spacey and Avant-Garde.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | GONGMAISON ~ LIVE AT THE FRIDGE LONDON
VOICEPRINT 007 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Gongmaison version of Gong existed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They recorded only one studio album and this DVD is the first filmed document of their performances. Captured at a live gig in 1991, Gongmaison are playing a splendid mixture of psychedelia and jazz. Didier Malherbe is superb on saxes and flutes (and keyboards), but the real suprise is the outstanding violin work by Graham Clarke, who sets the stage on fire every time he takes a solo. Great stuff!
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ FISH RISING (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373415 (Barcode: 094637341520) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2007
1st album recorded while Steve HillageFind albums by this artist was still a member of GongFind albums by this artist. After recording with Gong the entire “Radio Gnome Invisible” trilogy, Hillage decided it was time to start a solo career, where his music would be featured more prominently, with this album being the first step in that direction. In Gong Hillage met his life-long partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, who would become his musical collaborator and they both composed all the music and the entire concept of this album. Most of his Gong cohorts participate, but Hillage added the great Dave StewartFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Lindsay CooperFind albums by this artist (from Henry CowFind albums by this artist) on bassoon, to create a much more sophisticated sound and instrumentation. The material consists mostly of 3 long (2 over 14 minutes) suites and a few shorter pieces. The overall sound and style of the album is still very much Gong related / influenced and can be considered as another Gong off-shot project (which many Gong fans do), but Hillage’s individuality is certainly already present and it will come to full fruition starting with the next album. In retrospect this album manages to keep at its extraordinary qualities well and is still fresh and exciting, adding another Canterbury classic album to the list.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ L (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373419 (Barcode: 094637341926) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007
2nd album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and his most (commercially) successful release ever. In contrast to the debut album, which was recorded while Hillage and his partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist were still members of GongFind albums by this artist and included strong similarities to Gong material, this album was quite a different affair. Hillage used his record label’s connections to establish contact with US musician / producer Todd RundgrenFind albums by this artist, who agreed to produce this album. Hillage and Giraudy left for the US, where this album was recorded and produced by Rundgren, with members of Rundgren’s band UtopiaFind albums by this artist serving as the backing band. The material includes both original material by Hillage / Giraudy and a few covers of what Hillage describes as “his favorite songs at the time” (including a great version of DonovanFind albums by this artist’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man”). The album stands the test of time fabulously and is a great example of both Hillage’s strength as a composer and a guitarist. One more point of interest is the participation of the great jazz trumpet player Don CherryFind albums by this artist, who adds an interesting coloring to the album’s atmosphere. A classic by all means!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ LIVE HERALD (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373440 (Barcode: 094637344026) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2007
5th album by the legendary guitarist Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and the only live document of his music during the early period of his solo career. Recorded during a period of 18 months when Hillage and his band (three different band lineups are featured) performed frantically all over the world in support of his excellent solo albums, this material was initially released as a double LP. The first 3 sides of the album included live material and the fourth side included new studio material. For the CD reissue the 3 live sides were combined into a single CD (now with bonus live material previously unreleased) and the studio material was moved as bonus tracks of the next album (OpenFind albums with this title), where it rightfully belongs. Hillage composed almost all the music on the album with his life-long musical companion and synthesizer pioneer Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, whom Hillage befriended during his GongFind albums by this artist days. The sound of the band is often quite similar to Gong’s familiar mixture of psychedelic Space-Rock and early ambient influences (which would later develop as Hillage’s main interest) are also quite evident. In retrospect this is quite visionary music, foretelling by almost 20 years the ambient explosion of the late 1990’s. There is a lot happening (musically) here, which means this stuff requires attentive listening to truly comprehend its complexity. This is an important historical document, which sheds a lot of light on the music scene of the late 1970’s, which existed in parallel to the punk dominated mainstream.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KHAN ~ SPACE SHANTY
ESOTERIC 2046 (Barcode: 5013929714625) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2008
Only album recorded by the short-lived Canterbury group KhanFind albums by this artist, which was fronted by guitarist Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and included keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist (who was a member of EggFind albums by this artist, another Canterbury group, at the time), bassist Nick GreenwoodFind albums by this artist and drummer Eric PeacheyFind albums by this artist, which turned out to be the first major exposure of Hillage´s considerable talents as a guitarist and composer. Later on Hillage joined GongFind albums by this artist and then released a series of excellent solo albums, but here he unveils his superb guitar work for the first time, playing a series of tunes he composed. The music is typical Canterbury mixture of Rock, Jazz and Psychedelic influences, beautifully executed and full of wit and inspiration. Stewart´s keyboards work is excellent as always and the entire album retains its original charm untouched by the passing time. The album was one of the most sought after collectors´ items for many years until reissued on CD and is considered a classic Canterbury release. A must to all Canterbury fans!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PIERRE MOERLEN / GONG ~ FULL CIRCLE - LIVE 1988
MUSEA 4386 (Barcode: 3426300043863) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1988 Released: 2001
Drummer Pierre MoerlenFind albums by this artist kept the name (and spirit) of GongFind albums by this artist alive for many years, leading a permanently changing lineup of mostly Fusion oriented musicians. Starting in the mid-1970s, Gong under his leadership kept the original name and later (in the 1980s) the name of the band changed to Pierre Moerlen’s Gong, to avoid confusion with other parallel Gong-related projects led by other ex-Gong members. This version of the band played almost exclusively instrumental Jazz / Rock Fusion, which had almost nothing to do with the psychedelic direction of the original band. The various European musicians, who passed through the band’s ranks, were all excellent players and Moerlen’s compositions were ideal vehicles for lengthy improvisations. This particular version of the band emphasized the vibes as the leading instruments with two vibraphonists in the lead. The sound of the live recording (originally a cassette recording) is surprisingly clear and the music spirited and very exciting. Lost for many years, it surfaced again many years after the original concert, for all of us to admire and cherish. Most enjoyable Fusion experience.
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  | PIERRE MOERLEN / GONG ~ TIME IS THE KEY
ESOTERIC 2236 (Barcode: 5013929733626) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2010
This is the 2nd album by the band GongFind albums by this artist released on the AristaFind albums on this label label, which has musically almost nothing to do with the original band of the same name, after it was turned into a Jazz-Rock outfit by the then leader of the band, the French drummer Pierre MoerlenFind albums by this artist. Nevertheless, this incarnation of the band played some excellent music and was an important representative of the European Fusion movement and featured often some of the best players, mostly British and French ones. This album features such excellent players as keyboardist Peter LemerFind albums by this artist, bassist Hansford RoweFind albums by this artist and many others. The music is quite excellent all way through and any Prog / Fusion fan should have a field day with this stuff, which remains vital and challenging many years later. Warmly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOTHER GONG ~ THE OWL AND THE TREE
VOICEPRINT 278 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
2nd album from 1990. Mother Gong was of course one of the many off-shot bands comming from the original Gong, this one being led by Gilli Smyth. Daevid Allen joins the group for this album and splits the vocal parts with Gilli, as well as contributing some of his songs. This is one of the best and most focused efforts to come out of the Gong camp from that troubled period.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | REALEAF ~ POSSIBLY NOT
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 7290011799021) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007
1st album by a new Israeli Prog group RealeafFind albums by this artist and an incredibly strong and surprising debut. All four members of the group: Yuval GorenFind albums by this artist (vocals and guitars), Omri AzariaFind albums by this artist (synthesizers), Shay BashanFind albums by this artist (bass) and Gal HochbergFind albums by this artist (drums) play several instruments and the music and lyrics is credited to all band members. Although influenced by many classic Prog acts, their music is very unique and well developed. The vocal parts (sung in English) are scarce and most of the long tracks are instrumental with an emphasis on the synthesizer sounds, which ornament the music with very interesting electronic sounds resembling (but not imitating) the Space Rock of HawkwindFind albums by this artist and early GongFind albums by this artist. The sound is intentionally retro, which creates an atmosphere of a 1970s recording, something the Israeli Prog seems to specializing in. The bass player does a splendid job (especially on the fretless bass), gluing the music together and filling the empty spaces. The drummer provides just the right amount of drive to push the music forward, without being bombastic. All together a formidable addition to the ever growing Israeli Prog legacy and definitely something the local scene can be proud of. Wholeheartedly recommended!
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  | SOFT HEAP ~ SOFT HEAP
ESOTERIC 2131 (Barcode: 5013929723122) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
Only album by the great band Soft HeapFind albums by this artist, a short-lived Canterbury super-group where members of Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist – bass and Elton DeanFind albums by this artist – sax) met with pianist Alan GowenFind albums by this artist (GilgameshFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist) and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist (GongFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist). They managed to record just this one (eponymous) studio album and disbanded shortly afterwards, with each musician pursuing their own path. The band had all the qualities that make the Canterbury scene so special; superb musicianship, great compositions and a free spirit atmosphere with a dash of typical British humor. For specialists – the band´s name (second word) is an acronym of the band members´ first names. Considering the fact that Gowen, Dean, Pyle and Hopper are no longer with us (they passed away in 1981, 2006, 2006 and 2009 respectively) this is a tremendously important document of an era, which unfortunately is long time gone. A must for any Canterbury fan!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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